Music
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music (B.A., B.M.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • Varies by program Credits
Grand Valley’s music program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of performance and academic study.
Overview
Prospective students must audition. Audition information can be found at gvsu.edu/music/ to apply. Ensemble participation is open to all university students. Some ensembles require auditions.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in music promotes the study of music within the context of a liberal education curriculum. The program offers an appropriate background for prospective advanced-degree candidates who are preparing for careers in composition, technology, music history, music theory, jazz studies, library science, or independent studio teaching. It also works well for students who want to study music but are aiming at careers in other fields, and for students with double majors.
The Bachelor of Music is designed for students who demonstrate exceptional preparation for college-level applied music and for whom graduate school is a realistic goal. Instruction in piano, harpsichord, organ, voice, guitar, harp, string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments is normally available. Students admitted to this program must complete a minimum of 84 credit hours in music, depending on track (vocal or instrumental) and initial keyboard placement.
As an undergraduate-only program, you will enjoy greater opportunities for learning and performance. Small class sizes foster direct engagement with faculty members dedicated to nurturing each student's unique talents and needs. Professors who are accomplished performers, international competition winners, conductors, composers, theorists, scholars, and acclaimed teachers provide exceptional mentorship and ensure a high standard of education accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Admission Information
In addition to formal admission to Grand Valley, each applicant wanting to major or minor in music is required to arrange for a personal audition with the music department. When considerable geographical distance or extreme hardship prevents a personal audition, the applicant may, with the permission of the department, submit an audio recording of an appropriate performance. Entering freshmen and transfer students will be required to take a theory placement exam on audition day. A student with two or more years of piano experience will also be required to take a keyboard musicianship placement exam*. Audition appointments should be made at least one month in advance. Recommended audition repertoire and an application can be found at www.gvsu.edu/music/.
*Students transferring from GRCC with a completed associate degree in music will not need to complete the placement testing in theory or keyboard musicianship.
Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance
gvsu.edu/mtd
1300 Thomas J.
and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts
(616) 331-3484
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.
Top skills- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Service Orientation
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 24,028.47 | 10% |
| $ 35,653.31 | 25% |
| $ 56,085.71 | 50% |
| $ 86,242.14 | 75% |
| $148,744.59 | 90% |
Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
Top skills- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 22,663.17 | 10% |
| $ 33,961.19 | 25% |
| $ 50,033.98 | 50% |
| $ 94,225.39 | 75% |
| $158,799.35 | 90% |
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
Top skills- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Operations Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 31,810.19 | 10% |
| $ 39,822.79 | 25% |
| $ 51,109.14 | 50% |
| $ 62,411.78 | 75% |
| $ 83,267.70 | 90% |
Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 26,467.69 | 10% |
| $ 33,434.25 | 25% |
| $ 41,135.20 | 50% |
| $ 66,086.67 | 75% |
| $103,987.73 | 90% |
117K
GVSU Alumni in Michigan
94%
Graduates Employed
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
Accreditation
Grand Valley State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
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