University of Arizona

What you'll study

The Fred Fox School of Music curriculum balances applied musicianship and scholarly study. Core components typically include one-to-one applied lessons, large and small ensembles, aural skills, harmony and counterpoint, music history and analysis, and professional development.

• Applied lessons and performance: weekly private lessons, studio classes and regular juries; solo recitals and collaborative performances.
• Ensembles: orchestra, wind ensemble, choirs, jazz ensemble, chamber groups and contemporary music ensembles offering ensemble training and public performance experience.
• Theory and aural skills: sequential coursework in harmony, counterpoint, ear training and score reading to develop analytical and compositional fluency.
• Music history and literature: surveys and specialised courses covering Western art music, popular music studies and non-Western traditions.
• Composition and music technology: composition workshops, electronic music studios, recording techniques and music production coursework.
• Pedagogy and education practicum (where applicable): methods courses and supervised teaching experience for students preparing for music education careers.
• Capstone experience: final recital, senior project or research paper that demonstrates mastery in performance, composition or scholarship.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent and meet the University of Arizona's general admissions standards. Because this is a performance-focused programme, admission normally requires a successful audition and may require submission of repertoire recordings or portfolios.

• Completed secondary school qualifications (high school diploma or equivalent).
• Successful audition demonstrating technical skill, musicality and appropriate repertoire for the chosen principal instrument or voice; prerecorded submissions are often accepted for initial review.
• Academic transcripts and, where required, letters of recommendation.
• Evidence of musicianship such as theory placement results or prior coursework may be requested; some applicants may be placed into appropriate theory/aural skills sequences after assessment.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and follow international admission procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of careers in the creative and cultural sectors. The programme’s mix of practical training and academic study supports both performance and non-performance pathways.

• Professional performer in orchestras, chamber groups, choirs, musical theatre, or as a soloist.
• Music educator in schools, private studios or community settings (often followed by teacher certification where required).
• Composer or arranger for concert, media, theatre, film and games.
• Music technologist, audio engineer or producer working in recording studios, broadcast or post-production.
• Arts administrator, presenter, promoter or producer within cultural organisations and festivals.
• Further study at graduate level (master’s or performance diplomas) in performance, composition, musicology or music therapy where applicable.

Why study at University of Arizona

The Fred Fox School of Music is the university’s dedicated music unit, offering high-quality faculty who are active performers, composers and scholars. Students benefit from frequent performance opportunities, specialised studios and access to on-campus venues.

• Active performance culture: multiple resident ensembles and regular concerts provide practical stage experience and professional networking.
• Facilities and technology: practice rooms, rehearsal spaces, recording studios and music technology resources to support composition and production work.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: strong links with theatre and dance departments allow collaborative projects across music and dramatic arts.
• Community engagement: partnerships with local schools, arts organisations and festivals in Tucson give students teaching, outreach and internship opportunities.
• Faculty mentorship: personalised instruction through applied lessons and small seminars from faculty with active professional profiles.