Morehead State University

What you'll study

Coursework balances practical and academic strands. Applied lessons and ensembles develop technique and repertoire; theory and ear training build musicianship; music history and literature provide contextual understanding. Students typically select elective courses that reflect their interests—composition, conducting, pedagogy, technology, or additional performance areas—and fulfill general education credits that broaden their academic profile.

Entry requirements

Admission normally requires a secondary-school diploma or equivalent and fulfillment of the university's general entry standards. Prospective music majors should expect an audition or portfolio demonstrating performance ability, and may be asked to complete sight-reading, scales, or tonal memory exercises. Placement exams or diagnostic assessments can determine appropriate applied lesson level and theory/ear-training placement.

Career prospects

A BA in Music prepares graduates for varied pathways: freelance and ensemble performance, music education (often followed by teacher certification or graduate study for licensure), arts administration, community music roles, music technology and production, and graduate-level study in performance, theory, or education. The degree’s liberal-arts components also support transitions into non-music fields where communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving are valued.

Scholarships & funding angle

Music students should investigate merit-based scholarships tied to audition results, ensemble assistantships, and applied-lesson awards offered by the university and its music department. External sources include community arts organizations, service clubs, and national music foundations. Early contact with the department about audition dates and scholarship criteria strengthens a student’s funding prospects; additionally, students can offset costs through on-campus work in ensembles, production, or administrative roles.