Marywood University

What you'll study

The programme combines applied music study with coursework in music theory, history and a liberal‑arts education. Core areas typically include private lessons on your primary instrument or voice, ensemble participation (choral, chamber, orchestra, jazz and contemporary ensembles), ear training and sight‑reading, counterpoint and harmony, music history and literature, and introductory and advanced conducting.

Students also study topics such as composition and arranging, music technology and recording, pedagogy and methods for teaching, and repertoire classes that prepare them for public performance. Most students complete juries and recitals; a capstone project or senior recital is often required to demonstrate applied and academic achievement.

• Applied lessons and performance juries
• Ensemble participation (choral, orchestral, chamber, jazz, musical theatre)
• Music theory, aural skills and analysis
• Music history and literature surveys
• Composition, arranging and music technology
• Pedagogy and methods for private and classroom teaching
• Senior recital or capstone project

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor in Music normally requires a high school diploma or equivalent and submission of academic transcripts. Prospective students are usually required to audition — this may be an in‑person audition or a recorded audition — demonstrating proficiency on their primary instrument or voice and basic musicianship. A short portfolio or recordings of recent performances, and evidence of prior study in music (lessons, ensemble experience, coursework) are helpful.

Additional materials often requested include a personal statement, a letter of recommendation (academic or musical), and completion of any institutional application forms. Some applicants with strong academic records but limited formal training may be admitted with placement in foundational music theory and aural skills courses. Standardised test requirements vary and may be optional.

Career prospects

Graduates from Marywood's music programme go on to a wide range of career paths in the arts and education. Common destinations include performing as soloists or ensemble musicians, singing in professional choirs, and working in musical theatre. Many graduates teach private lessons or work toward certification for public school music teaching through additional credentialing if required by the state.

Other career options include music directing for theatre and worship settings, composing and arranging for media, audio production and music‑technology roles, arts administration, community arts programming and freelance musicianship. The programme also prepares students for graduate study in performance, musicology, composition, conducting or music education.

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and regular one‑to‑one tuition from experienced faculty, allowing students to develop a strong technical and artistic foundation. The Department of Music and Theatre emphasises practical performance experience: students have frequent opportunities to perform in ensembles, studio recitals and collaborative theatre projects.

The university’s liberal arts context means music students benefit from a broad educational base while pursuing specialised training. Located in a regional community with active arts organisations, Marywood provides internship and community engagement opportunities that link classroom learning to real‑world practice. The campus culture stresses individual mentoring and preparation for a variety of professional and graduate pathways in music and the performing arts.