Cost & earnings at Eureka College What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
The Bachelor of Music at Eureka College is a liberal-arts–based undergraduate degree combining rigorous musical study with practical performance and theatre training. It suits students seeking a broad musicianship foundation, personalised applied instruction, and regular ensemble and stage experience within a small-college environment.
The programme blends core music theory and history with applied performance, composition, and theatre studies. Typical modules cover music theory and aural skills, Western music history, ensemble performance (choral and instrumental), private lessons on your principal instrument or voice, and classes in conducting and score study. Theatre and musical-theatre components include acting, stagecraft, movement, and repertoire for musical theatre. Students also study music technology and basic recording techniques, music education methods, and electives that allow exploration of composition, song-writing or interdisciplinary projects.
The structure normally combines general liberal-arts requirements with a major sequence in music. Practical experience is emphasised through weekly applied lessons, participation in college ensembles and productions, and a senior capstone such as a public recital, senior project or combined music-theatre production.
Applicants should hold a secondary-school diploma or recognised equivalent. Admission is typically based on academic records plus a department audition; the audition demonstrates technical ability, musicality and repertoire appropriate to the chosen performance area. Prospective students may be asked to provide recorded auditions if an in-person audition is not possible.
Other usual requirements include a personal statement and one or more references. Standard national test scores (where used) may be considered but many small liberal-arts colleges operate test-optional policies; consult the college for current practice. International applicants should provide equivalent academic documentation and proof of English language proficiency where applicable.
Graduates leave prepared for a range of music- and theatre-related careers. Common pathways include professional performance (solo or ensemble), music education (classroom teaching or private instruction—note that public-school teaching usually requires additional state certification), musical theatre, and arts administration. Skills acquired also support work in community music, worship and music ministry, auditioning for conservatoires or postgraduate study, and roles in recording, live sound and music technology.
The degree also develops transferable skills valued by employers — communication, project planning, collaboration and presentation — useful in fundraising, event management, publishing, and other cultural-sector roles.
Eureka College offers a small-campus environment where students receive close faculty mentoring and frequent performance opportunities. The liberal-arts setting supports cross-disciplinary study, allowing music and theatre students to combine artistic training with broader academic interests. Regular ensemble rehearsals, staged productions and solo recital opportunities provide practical, real-world experience, while personalised applied lessons help students progress technically and musically.
The college’s community-centred approach emphasises mentorship, ethical formation and civic engagement, which can be particularly appealing for students seeking a values-informed education alongside professional preparation in music and theatre.
Shortlist scholarships and plan your application — free guidance from our advisors.