Bachelor of Music

Experience a Versatile and Rigorous Music Education

Embrace your talents and love of music in The University of Texas at Tyler’s performance- and pedagogy-oriented Bachelor of Music program. Blending high-quality musical training with a liberal arts education, the BM program allows you to hone your interests and skills in one of seven specializations: composition, instrumental music education, instrumental performance, piano performance, piano pedagogy, vocal music education or vocal performance.

The School of Performing Arts stands upon a history of excellence, innovation and faculty insight while providing access to some of the region’s most outstanding college music facilities. However you see yourself expressing the joy of playing or writing music, UT Tyler’s nurturing, inclusive environment supports your path and prepares you for instructional, performance and leadership opportunities in the region, state and nation.

Why Major in Music at UT Tyler?

UT Tyler’s Bachelor of Music program nurtures your talents and prepares you for career success in the competitive music field.

Our strengths include:

• Spotlight on Your Talent and Interests: Deepen your skills in composition, instrumental performance, vocal performance and/or music education. Enjoy numerous performance opportunities on campus as you prepare for a demanding and fulfilling career.
• Acclaimed Faculty: Explore your passion with acclaimed musicians who have performed locally in Texas, as well as nationally and internationally.
• Respected Educators: Our professors speak frequently at conferences, including the Texas Music Educators Association, the Music Educators National Conference and the International Clarinet Association.
• Immediate Impact: Specialized music training begins the first semester of your freshman year.
• Superior Facilities: Modern facilities enhance your training as a performer, teacher or composer. The 15,000-square-foot Center for the Musical Arts features a 70-seat band/orchestra room, a 72-seat choir room and teaching studios for individual instruction.
• A Global Focus: The School of Performing Arts sponsors numerous national and international guest artists and travel/study opportunities.

Curriculum

Specialize in one of seven concentrations to meet your career goals and explore your interests. Choose from composition, instrumental music education, instrumental performance, piano pedagogy, piano performance, vocal music education or vocal performance.

Composition Emphasis

Learn core music principles, including aural skills, counterpoint and music theory. Prepare to bring melodies and harmony to life through 29 credit hours of musical performance and composition and 49 credit hours of supporting courses in music.

Composition Emphasis Requirements

Instrumental Music Education Emphasis

Study musicianship along with teaching music in elementary and secondary schools. Combine 21 credit hours of music performance with 58 credit hours of musicianship and pedagogy.

Instrumental Music Education Emphasis Requirements

Instrumental Performance Emphasis

Focus on musical performance, technique and pedagogy. Combine 32 credit hours of musical performance, technique and pedagogy with 35 credit hours of supporting courses in music and 15 credit hours of upper-division classes.

Instrumental Performance Emphasis Requirements

Piano Pedagogy Emphasis

Study topics in pedagogy and literature, and complete a two-semester internship in which you teach individual lessons and assist in college piano classes while supervised and evaluated by piano faculty.

Piano Pedagogy Emphasis Requirements

Piano Performance Emphasis

Concentrate on applied study in piano, accompanying and ensembles, as well as for a secondary instrument. Work toward a solo recital through 32 musical performance hours in addition to 36 credit hours of supporting music classes and 18 hours of upper-division courses.

Piano Performance Emphasis Requirements

Choral Education Emphasis

Study diction, choral conducting and score reading, and song literature. Prepare to select repertoire and instruct K-12 students in classes Teaching Music in Elementary Schools and Teaching Music in Secondary Schools.

Choral Education Emphasis Requirements

Vocal Performance Emphasis

Focus on applied study in voice, major ensembles, second ensembles and recitals. Take 38 hours in musical performance, technique and pedagogy plus 38 credit hours of supporting music courses.

Vocal Performance Emphasis Requirements

EC-12 Certification

Select a minor through the School of Education to pursue teacher certification in early childhood through grade 12 in music. 

Learn More About Adding EC-12 Certification

For Instrumental Education

For Choral Education

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Music?

Embark on a career as a performer or in music-related organizations.

• Career options include:
• Arts Organization Manager
• Arts Programmer
• Band Leader
• Composer
• Concert Promoter
• Conductor
• Educator
• Music Agent
• Music Historian
• Music Journalist
• Music Producer
• Music Promoter
• Performer
• Sound Engineer

Graduates of the UT Tyler BM program start their careers as music teachers, band directors and church musicians or continue their studies at the graduate level.

How to Apply

General Admission Requirements

The University of Texas at Tyler offers a streamlined admissions process for all undergraduate students. Have questions or concerns? Our admissions team can guide you through all requirements and answer any questions you may have. Reflecting our reputation as one of the most affordable colleges in the state, our financial aid team helps you explore all scholarships, grants and other forms of assistance.

For admissions decisions in general:

• UT Tyler automatically accepts students from the Top 25% of graduating classes in Texas.
• Students from the 2nd to 4th quartiles must have a 2.75 or higher GPA.

Note: Students must additionally complete an audition for admission to the School of Performing Arts. Review requirements for prospective voice, instrument and composition students.

Ready to apply? Review all undergraduate requirements to get started.

Start Your Application

Transferring Credits

UT Tyler has established partnerships with community colleges across Texas, allowing for a seamless transfer of your credits. Our relationships let you stick with your degree plan and graduate on time, right on your schedule.

Learn More About Transfer Pathways

Admissions Requirements for Transfer Students

Key Dates

July 1

ApplyTexas application opens for incoming first-year students.

July 15

Deadline for fall Talent Scholarship application.

October 1

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens for the upcoming academic year.

December 1

Application deadline to be eligible for scholarships. Deadline for spring Talent Scholarship application.

April 15

Deadline for summer Talent Scholarship application.

May 1

Deadline for Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Transfer Presidential scholarships.

August 1

Deadline for Patriot Promise Scholarship.