Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music degree is designed for students whose interests are not fully encompassed by any of the more specialized degree tracks. Students have the same core requirements as other students in Music theory, Musicianship, Piano skills, and History, but have fewer applied requirements. It is usually the case that students in this degree program have other interests that will shape their studies. These may include business, arts management, psychology, communications, or any other field of study. The BA in music is designed to accommodate this diversity while still providing a thorough grounding in fundamental musical skills.

The capstone of the degree program is the Senior Project, typically completed in the student’s final semester. This is a self-designed project, which explores a subject of particular interest. It may take the form of a research paper, a presentation, a presentation with a performance component, a recording project, or any other format that demonstrates the student’s achievement. The student is responsible for finding an advisor for this project who has knowledge of the field in question and can guide the student in their work, as well as two other committee members who will review the project an assign a grade.

Focus in Popular Music

BA students in the School of Music can choose to focus their studies in popular music. Auditions are in the genre with which the student is most familiar, and while the ability to read standard musical notation is encouraged and will be a part of the course of study in the program, it is not a prerequisite in order to audition. Performance requirements will be met by the Popular Music Ensemble (MUS 109), which is a standard rock band format, but with flexible instrumentation. Instrumental lessons are in a wide range of popular styles and techniques, and the goal is on acquiring the highest level of professional skills so that the student is equipped to succeed in the contemporary musical environment.

Coursework within the School of Music follows the same core curriculum as all other music students, although there is a separate second year theory sequence specific to popular music. Electives include songwriting, film music, recording and production techniques, the business of music, as well as history classes on popular music both in America and around the world. As a complement to specialized music studies, the popular music focus allows the student to take electives in other areas, like business, communications, arts administration, or any other field, which might further their preparation for a successful career in music.

Contact Dr. Greg D'Alessio ( g.dalessio@csuohio.edu) with any questions.