Bachelor of Arts in Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Music is the most flexible of the music degrees. Combining high-quality musical training with the versatility and breadth of a liberal arts education, it prepares students for a variety of careers and opportunities. With its emphasis on writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills, the BA degree is ideal for students wishing to pursue a double major in another academic field, pre-professional programs in law or medicine, study abroad, arts administration, or graduate programs in music theory, musicology, or ethnomusicology.

About the School of music

The UNCG School of Music was ranked #1 in the U.S. by Best Value Schools in 2025.

UNCG’s School of Music offers the only comprehensive degrees in music education and music performance in the State of North Carolina, from the undergraduate level through doctoral study.

Outstanding facilities, world-class faculty, and numerous ensemble experiences foster an environment of artistic and academic success.

UNC Greensboro is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Bachelor of Arts in music Program Distinctions

The Bachelors of Music at UNCG is highly valued for its exceptional flexibility and interdisciplinary approach. Unlike rigid professional performance degrees, it allows you to combine comprehensive musical training with a broad liberal arts education.

Key highlights of the program include:

• The BA in Music can be paired with a second degree or minor, making it ideal for those interested in combining music with business, psychology, or STEM fields. 
• The curriculum leans into the academic side of music rather than intense performance specialization, with a strong emphasis on writing, critical thinking, musicology, ethnomusicology, and music theory. 
• Unlike the Bachelor of Music degrees, the BA program generally does not require a formal audition for admission, though auditions are still required if you want to participate in studio lessons.
• The degree sets a strong foundation if you want to pursue graduate studies in areas like music theory, musicology, or library science.

The Bachelor’s in music Student Experience

• Students can join clubs and organizations including Music/Performing Arts Student Ambassadors, Mu Phi Epsilon, Phi Mu Alpha, Sigma Alpha Iota, Pi Kappa Lambda (Music Honor Society), student chapters of the National Association for Music Education (Collegiate), the American Choral Directors Association, the National Band Association, and the American String Teachers Association.
• Students can perform in School of Music groups such as Spartan Voices, University Chorale, Chamber Singers, Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia (String Orchestra), Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, University Band, Jazz Ensembles, Brass Ensembles, Percussion Ensembles, String Ensembles, Woodwind Ensembles, Small Jazz Ensembles/Combos, Opera/Chorus, Athletic Bands, Present~Continuous (Contemporary/New Music Ensemble), World Music Ensembles, and Old Time Ensemble.
• Internship locations include North Carolina public schools, the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, and other regional arts associations.
• Arts-based living community “Studio 91” in Cone Residence Hall features music, theater, and dance practice rooms; music composition computer lab; drawing lounge; and arts-related programs and events.

Apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Music

Students interested in the Bachelor of Arts in Music complete UNCG’s undergraduate admission process and the School of Music application/audition process.

After Graduating with a BA in music

A Bachelor of Arts in Music prepares you for a wide variety of careers inside and outside the music industry due to its focus on critical thinking, communication, and project management. Because it is a versatile liberal arts degree, your career path often depends on how you pair your music studies with internships, minors, or double majors.

Some possible career paths include:

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bachelor of Arts in Music