Commercial Music
Bachelor of Arts
Music means different things to different people. If music means everything to you, this may be your program. Do you hear music in the patter of raindrops on the window, a dribbling basketball, children laughing? KU’s combination of superb mentoring by renowned artists/teachers, small class sizes, diverse performance opportunities, and a well-rounded curriculum is ideally suited to guide you to professional success. Because life is full of song, and the world is ready for your verse.
A track in Commercial Music will prepare students who wish to pursue careers in recording studios, arts administration, performance of popular music, and other positions in the music industry. Many elect to pursue a minor or a dual major in programs such as audio engineering; jazz studies; business; cinema, television and media production; communication studies; entrepreneurship; public relations; professional writing or computer science to become more marketable.
The program is offered by the Department of Music.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue a career in a wide variety of musical or commercially-related fields such as popular music performer, recording technology, music retail, arts administration, entertainment management, and other music industry positions. A career related internship is required. Many students also continue their music studies at the graduate level.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Department of Music requires prospective students to complete the university application. Audition results determine placement in music courses and are considered as part of acceptance to the degree program.
At the audition, candidates will be asked to discuss their musical background, career goals, musical and general areas of interest. Preliminary diagnostic exams are taken in: (a) harmony and theory, (b) ear training, (c) sight singing, and (d) piano skills. Students may receive the university's academic admissions decision prior to the audition process. Acceptance decision to the music programs will follow shortly.
The Department of Music also offers several minors:
Degree Information
Student Learning Outcomes
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Music: Commercial (BA)
- Perform with competence as soloist and ensemble members.
- Identify, define, and engage the elements of music in sound and notation.
- Describe current practices and historical trends in music.
- Demonstrate technology-based skills used in the music industry.
- Describe the management and operating systems of the music industry.