Ursinus College

What you'll study

The music programme emphasises core musicianship alongside performance and theatre-related coursework. You will study a sequence of music theory and aural skills, music history and literature, and applied lessons on your primary instrument or voice. Typical modules include Music Theory and Analysis, Aural Skills/Ear Training, Western Music History, Applied Performance (private lessons), Ensemble Participation (choir, chamber groups, wind/symphony ensembles), Composition and Arranging, Conducting, and Music Technology/Recording.

Because the programme sits within a liberal-arts environment, students also take elective courses that broaden their perspectives: courses in theatre and musical theatre, stagecraft and production, dramaturgy, digital media, and interdisciplinary electives. Regular performance opportunities — juries, studio recitals, ensemble concerts and staged productions — form a consistent part of the curriculum. Seniors often complete a capstone recital, research project or collaborative production that demonstrates integrated musical and theatrical skills.

Entry requirements

Admission to Ursinus College requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and submission of an application to the college. Candidates for the music programme typically submit an audition — live or recorded — demonstrating technical proficiency and musical expression on their primary instrument or voice. Auditions are used to assess performance level, repertoire preparation and potential for studio placement.

Additional materials usually requested include a high school transcript, a personal statement, and one or more letters of recommendation. Prospective students may also be asked to complete a basic music theory placement exercise. While there is no single numeric cut-off for admission, successful applicants tend to show consistent academic performance and clear musical commitment; transfer students are evaluated on college-level work and audition results.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with strong practical skills and a flexible liberal-arts background suited to a variety of paths. Common careers include professional performer (soloist, chamber, orchestral, or choral), collaborative pianist or accompanist, composer/arranger, and musical theatre performer. Many graduates pursue music education, combining further certification or graduate training with classroom teaching or private instruction.

Other realistic options include arts administration, community arts programming, production and stage management, sound and recording work, and further study at conservatoires or university graduate programmes (performance, composition, musicology, or music education). The programme’s emphasis on small-class mentorship and interdisciplinary work also prepares students for careers outside music where strong communication, collaboration and creative problem-solving are valued.

Why study at Ursinus College

Ursinus offers a close-knit educational environment with personalised attention from faculty who are active performers, scholars and teachers. Small class sizes and frequent performance opportunities give students practical stage experience and ongoing feedback. The college promotes interdisciplinary collaboration between the music and theatre programmes, so students interested in musical theatre, production or dramaturgy can gain hands-on experience in staged productions.

Students benefit from applied private lessons, a variety of ensembles, opportunities for chamber and solo performance, and access to internships and community partnerships that connect training to local arts organisations. The liberal-arts setting also allows music majors to design double majors or minors, study abroad, and tailor their degree to individual career goals while building a broad intellectual foundation.