B.A. Degree with a Major in Music

  • Total Credit Hours: 120
  • Degree Format: Traditional

About this field

Music is the art of combining vocal or instrumental sound to evoke emotion, produce beauty of form, or create harmony, melody or rhythm. Humans have been making music since the beginning of time, and music is present in some form in every culture and society around the world. The music department at Valdosta State University prepares students to have lifelong careers as musicians, music educators or professionals who work in the field of music.

The Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Music (Education Track) does not lead to teacher certification. Students who complete the degree program have the opportunity to apply to the Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Music Education. Successful completion of the MAT will enable them to apply for initial teacher certification in Music Education.

The Valdosta State Difference

The music department at Valdosta State has three programs of study for students interested it the discipline: music, music education and music performance. The department’s faculty members are active performers, conductors, scholars, clinicians and adjudicators throughout the region. The department offers a full range of instrumental and vocal performing ensembles, including the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Blazin’ Brigade Marching Band, Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble and Trombone Choir. Ensemble participation is a vital part of the training of the professional musician, and students are required to perform in an assigned principal ensemble each semester.

What You'll Learn

The music curriculum is designed to help students prepare for entrepreneurial careers in music or related fields or for graduate school. Students in the music program become well versed in music construction and learn about the literature and historical development of music in Western civilizations and other world cultures. The baccalaureate program is a good choice for students who want to pursue a degree in music but who do not necessarily plan to teach music or make their living as a musician.

Careers

  • Accompanist
  • Acoustical Engineer
  • Arts Educator
  • Band Director
  • Band Leader
  • Chamber Musician
  • Choir Director
  • Church Music Director
  • Composer
  • Conductor
  • Disc Jockey
  • Instrument Designer
  • Lyricist
  • Music Critic
  • Music Director for Film/TV
  • Music Editor
  • Music Industry Lawyer
  • Music Instructor
  • Music Journalist
  • Music Librarian
  • Music Promoter
  • Music Publisher
  • Music Software Programmer
  • Music Store Manager
  • Music Store Owner
  • Music Therapist
  • Performer
  • Recording Engineer
  • Recording Mixer
  • Recording Technician
  • Secondary School Music Teacher
  • Sound Engineer
  • Sound Technician
  • Studio Musician
  • Voice Coach