Cost & earnings at University of Massachusetts Amherst What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
The Bachelor's in Music at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is an undergraduate programme combining rigorous musicianship training with opportunities to work in music theatre and interdisciplinary performance. It suits students who want practical performance and production experience alongside academic study in music, whether preparing for professional performance, education, composition or further study.
The undergraduate music curriculum at UMass Amherst balances core musicianship subjects with applied study and practical theatre-related courses. Core modules typically include music theory and aural skills, music history and literature, large and small ensemble participation, and applied lessons on your principal instrument or voice.
Students pursuing performance- or composition-focused pathways take advanced applied study, solo recitals, chamber music and composition seminars. Technology and contemporary practice are supported through modules in music technology, recording and electronic composition. For those interested in music theatre and stage production, there are classes in musical theatre performance, rehearsal technique, scene study, stagecraft, movement for actors and collaborative workshops with theatre students.
The programme is offered with both professional and liberal-arts orientations (for example, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts routes). Typical semester work includes weekly private lessons, ensemble rehearsals, theory/aural training, and participation in productions or recitals. Students also complete research or project-based work such as senior recitals, capstone projects, or composition portfolios.
Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification. Entry typically requires evidence of academic readiness and musical preparation. Applicants for performance-focused routes are normally required to audition and submit a repertoire list; auditions assess technical ability, musicality and stylistic range. Composition applicants may be asked to submit scores or recordings of original works.
Placement testing in music theory and aural skills is commonly used to determine the appropriate entry point for semester courses. For the Bachelor of Arts option, entry may be possible without a formal audition, but applicants should demonstrate musical experience through recordings, a portfolio or an interview. International applicants should meet the university's general language requirements.
Specific departmental requirements (such as audition repertoire, accompanist provisions or additional interviews) are provided by the Department of Music; prospective students should consult the department for detailed guidance on preparing audition materials and application documentation.
Graduates from UMass Amherst's music programmes follow diverse career paths across performance, education, composition and the wider creative industries. Common destinations include professional performance (orchestral, choral, chamber, contemporary and musical theatre), freelance work as accompanists and studio musicians, and careers in composition, arranging and music production.
Other typical roles include music teachers (with additional teacher certification for public-school positions), arts and production management, music technology and recording engineer positions, dramaturgy and stage technician roles within theatre, and administration for performing-arts organisations. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in performance, composition, musicology, music therapy or sound design to specialise further.
UMass Amherst combines strong conservatory-style training with a broad liberal-arts environment, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration between music and theatre. The department offers frequent performance opportunities — orchestras, choirs, ensembles and staged productions — that allow students to develop both solo and collaborative skills.
Students benefit from experienced faculty active as performers, composers and researchers, as well as access to specialised facilities for practice, rehearsal and recording. Proximity to a vibrant college-town cultural scene and to regional professional ensembles provides additional performance and internship opportunities. The programme's structure supports both professional preparation and academic inquiry, making it suitable for students aiming for careers in performance, education, production or further study.
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