University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

The programme balances applied musicianship, academic study and ensemble experience. Core areas include instrumental or vocal applied lessons, a sequence in music theory and ear training, music history and literature, and ensemble participation. Students typically take modules such as:

• Applied Lessons: one-to-one instruction on your primary instrument or voice, culminating in juries and recitals.
• Music Theory and Ear Training: progressive courses in harmony, counterpoint and aural skills.
• Music History and Literature: surveys of Western art music, courses in non-Western musics and specialised seminars (e.g. 20th-century music, opera, popular music studies).
• Ensembles and Performance: chamber groups, large ensembles, choirs, opera workshops and contemporary music groups.
• Composition and Arranging: introduction to composition, advanced composition seminars and opportunities to have work performed.
• Music Technology and Industry Skills: recording techniques, music production, notation software and digital audio workstations.
• Pedagogy and Music Education (if taken): foundations of teaching, methods and practicum for students interested in classroom or private teaching.

Degree structure normally includes a sequence of required music courses, a number of electives within and outside music (allowing interdisciplinary study), general-education requirements and a capstone recital or research project for performance or scholarly concentrations.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University is competitive and requires a completed high-school credential or equivalent. Applicants to the music programme should expect to submit:

• Academic transcript: showing strong grades across a broad curriculum.
• Audition or portfolio: performance applicants usually provide a live or recorded audition; composition applicants submit a portfolio of work. Specific audition repertoire and format are provided by the Department of Music.
• Personal statement: outlining musical background, goals and interests.
• Letters of recommendation: typically from music teachers or other instructors who can speak to your musical and academic potential.
• Placement or theory assessment: incoming students may be placed into the appropriate theory/aural skills level following assessment.

Standard university admissions requirements (such as proof of secondary education completion) apply. International applicants should demonstrate English proficiency where required. Applicants interested in teacher certification or specialised tracks should check for any additional prerequisites or audition materials.

Career prospects

Graduates from the programme go on to a wide range of careers in the arts and beyond. Common pathways include:

• Professional performance as soloists, ensemble members, orchestral or choral singers.
• Composition, arranging and work in media scoring, film/TV or game audio.
• Music education at K–12 levels (with additional certification where required), private teaching and community music leadership.
• Music technology and production roles in recording studios, live sound and post-production.
• Arts administration, programming, festival management and producing for cultural organisations.
• Further academic study (Master’s, DMA, PhD) in performance, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology or music theory.

The programme’s combination of practical skills and liberal-arts training also prepares graduates for careers in media, publishing, business and other sectors where communication, creativity and critical thinking are valued.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Studying music at UNC–Chapel Hill places you in a leading public research university with a strong liberal-arts foundation. The Department of Music provides focused one-to-one instruction and ensemble opportunities while allowing easy interdisciplinary collaboration across the campus in areas such as theatre, media studies and digital arts. Students benefit from frequent public performances, visiting artists and the vibrant music and cultural scene of the Research Triangle region.

The university offers performance venues, access to production and recording facilities, and opportunities for community engagement and internships with local arts organisations. Faculty are active performers and scholars, and the programme supports both conservatory-level training and scholarly inquiry, giving students flexibility to shape a career that combines artistic practice, teaching or research.