University of Tennessee

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Music combines applied study with academic coursework to develop technical proficiency, stylistic knowledge and professional skills. Core areas typically include applied lessons (private one-to-one tuition), ensemble participation (orchestras, choirs, bands, chamber groups and jazz ensembles), music theory and aural skills, music history and literature, and repertoire study leading to juries and a senior recital or capstone project.

• Applied lessons: Regular individual tuition focused on technique, interpretation and repertoire; preparation for juries and public recitals.
• Ensembles: Weekly rehearsals and performance commitments across large ensembles and chamber groups; opportunities for soloist roles and collaborative projects.
• Musicianship and theory: Sequential courses in harmony, counterpoint, form and analysis, and ear training to build literacy and compositional understanding.
• History and literature: Survey and specialised modules covering Western art music, jazz, popular music and non-Western traditions, examining repertoire in historical and cultural contexts.
• Composition and music technology: Fundamentals of composition, arranging and use of music technology for recording, sequencing and notation.
• Pedagogy and professional practice: Teaching methods, studio pedagogy, career planning, entrepreneurship and internship or practicum options in community and educational settings.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on academic qualifications and a successful audition or portfolio. Typical requirements include a completed secondary school qualification or equivalent, academic transcripts demonstrating steady achievement, and a successful performance audition or recorded submission that demonstrates technical ability and musicality on your principal instrument or voice.

• Applicants must present a prepared repertoire list tailored to the programme’s audition guidelines (usually contrasting pieces that show range and style).
• Some programmes request supplementary materials such as a theory placement test, a composer portfolio or recordings of ensemble work.
• Letters of recommendation, a personal statement about musical objectives and evidence of prior ensemble experience strengthen an application.
• Teacher certification tracks require meeting the institution’s education programme milestones and may include additional admissions checks related to suitability for school-based placements.

Career prospects

Graduates from a Bachelor of Music go into a wide variety of music-related careers. Many continue as performing artists in orchestras, chamber groups, choirs, bands or as soloists, while others move into music education, teaching in schools or private studios. The degree also prepares students for roles in composition, arranging, conducting, arts administration, music production, recording, music publishing and community music leadership.

Some graduates pursue further study at the master’s level (performance, conducting, music therapy, music education or composition) or professional certification where required for specialised careers such as K–12 teaching or music therapy.

Why study at University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee provides concentrated one-to-one instruction with experienced faculty, regular performance opportunities across a wide range of ensembles and access to dedicated rehearsal and performance facilities. Students benefit from active partnerships with regional arts organisations and a vibrant local music scene, which together create internship and collaborative project opportunities.

Proximity to major music centres in the state offers additional professional connections in performance and the music industry, while the curriculum emphasises both artistic development and practical career preparation — from pedagogy and entrepreneurship to recording and production skills.