Why Earn Your Bachelor of Arts in Music Degree at Saint Leo University?
Music is one of the most powerful ways we learn to listen, communicate, and understand the human experience. Studying music at Saint Leo helps students grow, not only as performers and scholars, but also as creative, disciplined, and compassionate leaders. Through music, students discover their own voice while learning how to inspire and serve others.
~ Dr. Chul-Young Kim, Music Program Director
Turn your passion for music into a versatile and rewarding career with the Bachelor of Arts in Music. Designed for students seeking a flexible and personalized music education, you tailor your studies to your unique interests and professional goals. Rather than following a traditional one-size-fits-all curriculum, you will gain practical experience across multiple areas of the music industry: Music production and technology, live sound and event support, music education, worship music, arts administration, and community music leadership.
Throughout the program, you develop your performance skills while exploring the many career opportunities available within today's evolving music industry. Hands-on internships provide valuable professional experience, allowing you to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. As part of the capstone experience, students create a professional electronic portfolio or personal website that showcases their accomplishments, skills, and career readiness.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music (120 credit hours) also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in music therapy, performance, conducting, arts administration, and music education.
Program Highlights
- Musicianship – Develop a strong understanding of how music is created, structured, and performed.
- Composition – Learn to create and arrange original music across a variety of styles.
- Music History and Analysis – Explore the cultural, historical, and artistic contexts that shape music.
- Music Production and Technology – Create, record, and produce music using industry-standard software and equipment.
- Performance – Grow as a soloist and ensemble musician through performance opportunities on and off campus.
- Career Preparation – Gain real-world experience through internships, professional projects, and networking opportunities.
This program is offered:
Campus
As a music major at Saint Leo University you will develop your musical skill through real-world experience at our on-campus performance venues as well as out in the community. Under the guidance of professors whose number one goal is your development as a musician, you will benefit from small class sizes and individual relationships with faculty. As you are honing your craft, you will study today’s ever-changing music industry. Our program can lead to a future in education, commercial music, sacred music, or community music. Saint Leo prepares musicians like you for fulfilling careers that require discipline, teamwork, and experience through a progressive curriculum and real-world internships that offer opportunities to both observe and participate in the professional music world.
Est. Time to Complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120 hours
Bachelor of Arts in Music Program Details
The skills mastered in this program prepares students to grow their careers in music education, music ministry, commercial music producing and sound technology, and music management in non-profit sectors.
Degree Requirements
120 credit hours, which includes room for a suggested minor and general electives.
Prerequisites
- Placement audition with the music faculty
Program Options
Electives in the Music major fall into four categories: Commercial Music, Music Education, Music Ministry, and Community Music. Students are free to choose from each of the four paths in conjunction with their advisor to develop their chosen career path.
- Commercial Music:
- Introduction to the Music Industry,
- Music Production I and II
- Music Ministry:
- Choral Conducting
- Music in the Modern Church
- Music Ministry Leadership
- Practicum in Music Ministry I & II
- Music Education:
- Introduction to Music Education
- Music in the Elementary School
- Instrumental Techniques
- Choral Conducting
- Community Music:
- Music in the Community
Each area offers special topics on a regular basis that highlight specific areas of interest such as music publishing, music and the pre-school child, accompanying, etc.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Music are prepared for careers in music production, audio technology, arts management, music education, worship leadership, community arts organizations, private studio instruction, performance, and event management. The program's flexibility empowers students to design a pathway that aligns with their individual talents, interests, and career aspirations.
-
![Saint Leo University students in Psychology classroom]()
-
What skills you will learn?
The Music Major provides a strong music core that builds solid musicianship through music theory, music history, applied instrumental or vocal instruction, and ensemble participation.
How will you gain real experience?
Classroom learning is only part of the music degree program at Saint Leo University. We also know the value of hands-on experience.
Plus, our Career Services center is always available to help connect you with a variety of other experiential learning opportunities to fit your individual career goals.
What can you do with a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree?
Although Saint Leo has only offered a music minor until Fall 2023, some of our graduates have had active success in the music world. Michael Williams (2020) studied music production with Mauricio Rodriguez and played in our jazz ensemble for two years. He is currently working as a Producer/Engineer at Sound House Studios producing professional recordings for area artists including Taylor Swift and performs on the guitar with several local bands. Former Saint Leo music graduates Sandra Lau and Deborah Edwards both enjoyed careers as elementary music teachers and church musicians. Debra Sailer was a professional percussionist for the U.S. army band for twenty years and is a frequent guest percussionist for student ensemble concerts on campus.
College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services
-
![Saint Leo University - Kirk Hall]()
-
The College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services at Saint Leo University offers students a broad education that lays a durable foundation for critical and independent thinking. The essential spirit of the liberal arts is a cornerstone of the varied degree programs. From biology to English to sociology, students enjoy a nice selection of in-demand degree programs for all interests.
Learning takes place both in and out of the classroom. Students travel to Europe through our cultural immersion courses, research unique plant species while trekking through the Peruvian Amazon, and attend film screenings and poetry readings. With highly experienced professors who bring a wealth of practical knowledge to the classroom, students are prepared to work in a variety of rewarding fields. The College supports more than 30 degree programs across University Campus, education centers in five states, and online.
