Clark University

What you'll study

The Bachelor in Music at Clark covers core musicianship alongside applied performance and academic study. Typical modules and subjects include:

• Music theory and aural skills: sequential courses in harmony, counterpoint, ear training and sight-singing to develop analytical and practical musicianship.
• Music history and literature: survey and specialised classes examining western art music, popular music, non-Western traditions and twentieth-/twenty-first-century practices.
• Applied lessons and ensembles: weekly one-to-one instruction on principal instrument or voice plus participation in chamber groups, choir, orchestra, jazz ensemble or contemporary ensembles.
• Composition and arranging: courses in composition techniques, score study and collaborative composition for varied media.
• Music technology: introduction to digital audio workstations, recording techniques, music production, MIDI and electroacoustic practices.
• Performance practice and pedagogy: classes on rehearsal technique, historical performance practice and teaching methods for private and classroom settings.
• Capstone or senior project: a culminating recital, composition portfolio, research thesis or collaborative interdisciplinary project demonstrating applied skills and academic work.

The programme is delivered in the context of Clark’s liberal arts curriculum, so students combine major requirements with electives across the university and may pursue double majors, minors (for example in theatre or psychology), or interdisciplinary projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school completion credential with a strong academic record. For the music major, Clark typically asks for:

• Academic transcripts showing a solid performance in coursework.
• A performance audition or recorded portfolio demonstrating technical ability and musicality; applicants may be asked to perform selected pieces and prepared repertoire relevant to their principal instrument or voice.
• Supplementary materials such as a statement of purpose outlining musical experience and goals, and letters of recommendation—one or more from music teachers are often helpful.
• Previous coursework in music theory or participation in ensemble work is recommended but not always required; placement in core musicianship courses is determined after matriculation if needed.

Standard admissions criteria for the university (such as essays and other application materials) apply. Clark considers applications holistically and supports applicants who show potential through both academic achievement and music experience.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor in Music from Clark pursue a wide range of careers in the arts and beyond. Common pathways include:

• Professional performer in solo, chamber, orchestral or contemporary music settings.
• Music educator at private, community or pre-college levels (note that public school teaching commonly requires additional teacher certification).
• Composer, arranger or songwriter for concert, media and commercial contexts.
• Music producer, audio engineer or technician, especially with further specialised training or hands-on studio experience.
• Arts administration, concert production, festival programming and community arts management roles.
• Further academic study (master’s or doctoral degrees) in performance, composition, musicology, music theory or music technology.

Because the degree is grounded in liberal arts, graduates also move into careers in publishing, communications, nonprofit leadership, and any field that values creative thinking, collaboration and strong communication skills.

Why study at Clark University

Clark offers a small, mentor-driven environment that combines conservatory-style training with a broad liberal-arts education. Students benefit from close faculty supervision, frequent performance opportunities, and curriculum flexibility that supports interdisciplinary study with theatre, media studies and other departments.

The university’s location provides access to a lively regional arts scene and collaboration opportunities with local ensembles, theatres and community arts organisations. Clark also emphasises undergraduate research and project-based learning, so music students can pursue creative projects, recordings or research-led theses as part of their degree.

Overall, the programme is well suited to students who want serious instrumental or vocal training while preserving the intellectual breadth and career flexibility of a liberal-art degree.