Dominican University of California

What you'll study

This Bachelor in Music integrates core musicianship with theatre practice. The curriculum typically combines individual applied lessons, ensemble participation, coursework in music theory and history, and classes in acting, movement and musical theatre. Common modules and learning components include:

• Applied Lessons: Individual instruction on primary instrument or voice, with regular juries and progress recitals.
• Ensembles and Performance: Chamber groups, choir, musical theatre productions and contemporary music ensembles that provide frequent public performance experience.
• Music Theory and Aural Skills: Progressive study in harmony, counterpoint, ear training and analysis to build a solid theoretical foundation.
• Music History and Literature: Surveys of Western music history, popular music studies and coursework examining theatre music and film scores.
• Composition and Arranging: Basics of composition, songwriting and arranging, often culminating in student compositions presented in performance.
• Acting and Movement for Musicians: Coursework in acting technique, movement, voice for the stage and stagecraft focused on musical theatre and interdisciplinary work.
• Technology and Music Production: Classes in music technology, recording, editing and live sound to support contemporary performance and production needs.
• Capstone/Recital: A senior project or final recital that demonstrates practical and artistic growth, which may be a solo recital, staged musical piece or portfolio of compositions.

The programme emphasises collaborative projects across music and theatre, opportunities to take elective courses in related liberal arts subjects, and internships with local arts organisations to build professional experience.

Entry requirements

• Academic qualifications: A high school diploma or equivalent with a record showing readiness for undergraduate study; competitive applicants typically present a balanced academic profile.
• Audition or portfolio: Applicants are usually required to audition live or submit a recorded audition demonstrating technical ability, musicality and repertoire appropriate to their principal study (voice, instrument, composition or musical theatre). Composition applicants may submit scores and recordings.
• Personal statement: A statement of purpose outlining musical and theatrical background, interests and goals.
• Recommendations: One or two letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can speak to musical, theatrical or academic potential.
• English language proficiency: For non-native speakers, proof of English ability through recognised tests or other accepted evidence is required.
• Additional considerations: Placement auditions or interviews may be used to determine appropriate course level and applied lesson placement. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and, where applicable, documentation of previous conservatory or college-level study.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue a broad range of careers across performance, education and the creative industries. Typical pathways include:

• Professional performer in classical, contemporary, or musical theatre contexts (solo, ensemble or pit orchestra).
• Composer, arranger or songwriter working in concert, theatre, film and media.
• Music educator at primary, secondary or community levels (often following teacher certification or postgraduate study).
• Music director, vocal coach or musical theatre director for schools and regional companies.
• Arts administration, producing, programming and development roles within regional theatres, cultural organisations and festivals.
• Technical roles such as sound design, live sound engineering and music production.
• Further study at conservatories or graduate schools (Master of Music, MFA in Musical Theatre, or related graduate degrees) for specialised professional development.

Why study at Dominican University of California

• Small classes and personalised instruction: The university’s small cohort sizes allow for frequent one‑to‑one lessons and close faculty mentorship, which supports rapid artistic growth.
• Interdisciplinary liberal arts setting: Students benefit from a liberal arts education that encourages critical thinking, communication and cross‑disciplinary collaboration between music, theatre and other fields.
• Performance opportunities: Regular concerts, staged productions and collaborative projects provide practical experience in front of live audiences and in production settings.
• Faculty with professional experience: Teaching staff are active performers, composers and theatre professionals who bring contemporary industry perspectives into the classroom.
• Regional arts connections: Proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area offers access to a large network of theatres, ensembles, recording studios and cultural organisations for internships and freelance work.
• Facilities and resources: Students typically have access to rehearsal rooms, recital spaces and music technology resources suited to performance, composition and production projects.