University of North Dakota

What you'll study

This programme combines rigorous musicianship training with performance experience and academic study. Core coursework typically covers music theory and ear training, music history and literature, applied lessons (private instruction in voice or an instrument), and ensemble participation (orchestras, bands, choirs, chamber groups and musical theatre ensembles).

Students choose a pathway or concentration according to their goals — for example performance, music education, composition, or music technology/industry — and take specialised modules such as:

• Applied Lessons: weekly private instruction with juries and recitals.
• Ensembles and Performance: large ensembles, chamber groups, opera and musical theatre productions.
• Music Theory & Ear Training: sequential courses developing harmony, counterpoint and aural skills.
• Music History & Literature: survey and focused courses on Western music, American music, and 20th–21st century repertoire.
• Conducting & Pedagogy: basic and advanced conducting techniques plus methods for classroom and private teaching (core for music education students).
• Composition & Arranging: composition seminars, scoring for ensembles and digital composition tools.
• Music Technology: recording, editing, electronic music, and software used in contemporary practice and production.
• Electives and Interdisciplinary Options: courses in theatre, dance, business of music, entrepreneurship, or additional languages and liberal arts subjects.

Assessment methods include juries, recitals and performances, written exams and essays, composition projects, and teaching practicums for education tracks. Students often complete a senior recital or capstone project demonstrating their primary area of study.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification and provide official academic transcripts from previous study. Admission into the Bachelor in Music requires an audition; applicants submit live or recorded performance material and may be asked to demonstrate sight-reading, aural skills or prepared repertoire appropriate to their chosen instrument or voice.

Additional requirements commonly include a brief theory/skills assessment and, for some specialisms (for example music education), letters of recommendation or a personal statement outlining goals and prior experience. International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency standards. Specific GPA thresholds, audition repertoire lists and required documentation are available from the Department of Music admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with practical performance experience, pedagogical skills and a broad musical education that supports a range of careers. Common destinations include:

• Professional performer in orchestras, bands, choirs, opera companies, musical theatre and freelance work
• Music teacher in schools, private studios or community music programmes (graduates who complete a music education track pursue teacher certification routes)
• Composer, arranger or orchestrator for concert, theatre, film and media
• Music industry roles such as production, audio engineering, music technology, arts administration and event management
• Further study at conservatoires, graduate schools or specialised postgraduate certificates in education, performance or composition

Students also move into related sectors including theatre production, community arts leadership, and music therapy or research with additional training.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a music programme that balances performance-intensive training with a liberal-arts environment, enabling cross-disciplinary study with theatre and other departments. Students benefit from regular performance opportunities, access to practice rooms and ensemble rehearsal spaces, and mentorship from faculty who are active performers, educators and scholars.

The department supports professional development through masterclasses, regional collaborations and recording/performance projects, and provides advising on career pathways and graduate study. Scholarship and financial-aid opportunities for talented musicians are available; prospective students are encouraged to contact the Department of Music for personalised information on auditions, scholarships and programme pathways.