The Bachelor of Arts in Music provides the flexibility multidisciplinary students need with a grounding in music theory, history and performance. Popular with students pursuing double majors, the BA in Music provides a liberal arts approach to the study of this fine arts discipline.
The School of Music at the University of Kentucky provides an intimate environment for musical study with all the resources of a large, research university. The more than 50 full-time and 15 part-time faculty members are recognized for excellence in teaching, performance, and research. They are leaders in their disciplines. With a low faculty-to-student ratio, the School of Music provides personal attention with small classes and excellent private applied instruction. Students in the School of Music will also gain experience in performing in outstanding ensembles, including the University Chorale, University Choristers, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Choir, Symphony Orchestra, UK Philharmonia, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Concert Band, Wildcat Marching Band, and three Jazz Ensembles among other smaller ensembles.
As the most flexible degree in the School of Music, the Bachelor of Arts in Music is a smart choice for students who are considering a double major or pursue another discipline at the University of Kentucky alongside Music. Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Music Therapy, for example, would be well-prepared for the next level of study with a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree with a Psychology minor or double major.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music curriculum consists of music theory, music history, ensemble performance, private lessons and a foreign language requirement. Students will also complete at least 12 hours of related electives outside the School of Music.
All majors in the School of Music must pass a piano proficiency exam in order to graduate. Students will also complete 30 hours of UK Core. The College of Fine Arts additionally requires that all majors complete 6 hours of coursework outside their departments but within the College of Fine Arts and at least 39 hours of courses at or above the 300-level.
All students applying to pursue a degree in the School of Music (Music Performance, Music Education or the Bachelor of Arts in Music) must audition for admission. Students will apply to UK as pre-majors (Pre-Music Performance, Pre-Music Education, or Pre-Music) and will be transitioned into full major status upon successfully passing the audition. After applying to the University of Kentucky, students should request an audition with the School of Music at the link below. Students must be accepted by the University of Kentucky before they may be accepted by the School of Music.
In addition to the preferred audition dates listed on the audition request form, individual auditions for admission to the School of Music can usually be arranged any time during the year by special arrangement with a faculty member in the student's area of interest. Students who audition after the preferred dates may not be able to compete for certain University and School of Music scholarship opportunities, and there is a possibility that some programs could be filled to capacity. Also, the audition process is competitive -- for students who audition before these dates, acceptance decisions may or may not (at the discretion of the faculty) be delayed until after students have been heard on the preferred dates.
Request an Audition
College of Fine Arts
School of Music
105 Fine Arts Building
Lexington, KY 40506
859-257-4900
