Why Music at UT Southern?

Have you been playing piano since you were young? Do you have an appreciation for the beauty and power of music? Have you dreamt of turning a love for singing into a career?

The dynamic and inspiring Music program at UT Southern may be for you! We are excited to offer voice and piano as primary instruments for Music majors and offer an all-Steinway program, providing you with top-tier instruments and facilities to enhance your musical journey. With a well-rounded foundation in performance, music education, composition, and music technology, our program nurtures your talent and prepares you for a diverse range of musical careers or further studies in graduate school.

If you’re interested in another instrument, please contact the program coordinator for more information, as this typically requires prior approval and coordination with an outside instructor. We’re glad to consider different instruments, but it’s important to know that outside lessons won’t count for credit toward your degree. All music majors must complete an 8-semester private lesson sequence on their primary instrument with UT Southern faculty, who are, for now, exclusively focused on voice and piano.

At UT Southern, we believe in the power of personalized mentorship. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, you’ll receive the one-on-one attention you need to develop both your technical skills and artistic expression. Whether you’re performing in our renowned Concert Choir or participating in one of our many ensembles, you’ll have ample opportunities to share your talent and refine your musical prowess.

Our comprehensive curriculum at UT Southern is a rich blend of music theory, musicianship skills, and specialized courses in music technology and conducting. You’ll explore a wide range of musical genres and histories, from early music to contemporary compositions, deepening your understanding of music’s cultural context and evolution. Through applied music lessons and recital performances, you’ll hone your craft and prepare for your senior recital, a Capstone experience that showcases your musical journey at UT Southern.

Beyond the classroom, our program offers valuable networking opportunities through professional conferences, internships, and travel experiences. These allow you to build connections and gain real-world insights into the music industry. Whether you aspire to pursue a performance career, delve into music technology, or share your passion through education, UT Southern provides the support and resources needed to thrive as a versatile and skilled musician.

Admission to the BA in Music requires a successful audition.

A Word About Minors

A minor in Music is possible. Or you could complement your Music major with a minor in another field. Check out the Related Programs list and reach out to a program coordinator for more information.

A minor, which is typically eighteen credit hours, is a grouping of courses in a particular academic field of study designed to provide you with expanded knowledge and competency in an area outside your major.

Program Details

Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts

Program Coordinator
Andrew Martin

What’s Possible With a Degree in Music?

Join our collaborative community and discover your potential in the Music program at UT Southern, where every note brings you closer to a fulfilling career in the world of music.

Career options include:

  • Arts Administrator
  • Arts Entrepreneur
  • Composer/Arranger
  • Event Coordinator/Manager
  • Music Director/Conductor
  • Music Journalist/Critic
  • Music Librarian
  • Music Producer
  • Music Retail Specialist
  • Music Teacher
  • Music Technology Specialist
  • Music Therapist
  • Performer
  • Sound Engineer

The Courses You’ll Take

Music Major Coursework + Recommended Four-Year Plan

Music Minor Coursework

Explore Related Programs

Merit Aid Program:
Free Tuition for Qualifying Students

We’re committed to providing access to all! In conjunction with UT Promise, HOPE, the state lottery, and institutional aid, 75% of Tennessee residents qualify to attend UT Southern for free. In addition, approximately 97% of our students are qualified to receive financial aid.