Chapman University

What you'll study

The Bachelor’s in Music curriculum balances individual performance instruction and ensemble experience with coursework in music theory, ear training, music history and contemporary music technology. Core components typically include private lessons, weekly studios, applied ensembles (chamber music, orchestra, choir, jazz ensemble, musical theatre ensembles where applicable), and regular juries and public recitals.

• Performance and Applied Study – regular one‑to‑one lessons with faculty, performance juries, and degree recitals that develop technique, repertoire and stagecraft.
• Music Theory and Musicianship – sequential study in harmony, counterpoint, ear training and analysis to build aural and analytical skills.
• Music History and Literature – survey and specialised courses covering western art music, popular music studies, and 20th/21st‑century repertoire.
• Composition and Arranging – craft of writing for voice and instruments, notation skills, and score preparation for performance.
• Music Technology and Production – courses in recording, digital audio workstations, basic sound reinforcement and electronic music techniques.
• Ensembles and Collaborative Projects – chamber, orchestral, choral and genre ensembles, plus opportunities to collaborate with theatre and film students on interdisciplinary projects.
• Professional Skills and Capstone – courses or seminars on careers in music, portfolio development, pedagogy options for those pursuing teaching, and a capstone performance or project.

Students also take general education modules across the university to ensure a broad undergraduate education and may choose electives or minors in related areas such as theatre, film scoring, business or education. Chapman’s location and institutional links provide chances to work with film and media students on scoring and sound design projects.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor’s in Music at Chapman typically requires a completed secondary school qualification, academic transcripts and an audition. Applicants should prepare a programme of contrasting pieces for the audition and may be asked to demonstrate sight‑reading, scales, or a prepared composition/portfolio for composition applicants. Additional materials often include a personal statement, letters of recommendation and, for some students, an interview.

While exact numeric thresholds (such as minimum GPA or test scores) are set by the university and can vary, successful applicants usually have demonstrated musical preparation via school or private study, ensemble experience, and a clear commitment to a music career. Applicants lacking formal theory background may be advised to take preparatory courses.

Career prospects

Graduates of Chapman’s music programmes move into a wide range of music‑related careers. Common pathways include:

• Professional performance (orchestral, chamber, solo, jazz and musical theatre)
• Composition and arranging for concert, media and commercial projects, including film and television collaboration
• Music production, audio engineering and sound design roles in studios or media companies
• Music education at pre‑college and classroom levels (often followed by teacher certification or graduate study for licensure)
• Arts administration, management and programming for cultural organisations
• Further study at conservatories or graduate schools in performance, composition, musicology or music technology

Chapman’s proximity to Los Angeles and its collaborative links with film and media disciplines enhance prospects for graduates interested in scoring, production or music supervision careers.

Why study at Chapman University

Chapman offers a conservatory‑style music education within a small, liberal‑arts university setting. Students benefit from intensive one‑to‑one instruction, frequent performance opportunities and access to contemporary recording and rehearsal facilities. The university’s campus encourages cross‑disciplinary collaboration—particularly with film and theatre programmes—creating practical pathways into media and entertainment industries.

Additional advantages include small class sizes, faculty who are active performers and scholars, and location in Southern California with cultural and professional networks across the Los Angeles region. These elements together make Chapman a suitable choice for students seeking focused artistic development alongside broader academic study.