Southeastern Louisiana University

What you'll study

The Bachelor in Music combines applied lessons, ensemble participation and coursework in music theory, history and aural skills. Core study typically includes private instruction on your principal instrument or voice, weekly applied lessons, and regular jury examinations. Students take progressive harmony and counterpoint courses, music history surveys, and ear training/solfège. Performance-focused modules include chamber music, orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble or choirs depending on your speciality, plus performance practica and recital requirements.

Elective and specialty topics commonly available are composition and arranging, conducting, music technology and recording, pedagogy for private and classroom teaching, and courses in popular music styles. Students preparing for music education complete additional professional education and methods courses, supervised teaching practica and student teaching placements to meet state certification pathways. The programme emphasises public performance: studio recitals, juries, and larger ensemble concerts form an important part of assessment and professional development.

Entry requirements

• Successful completion of secondary education or equivalent with a college‑preparatory curriculum.
• A formal audition demonstrating performance skills on the principal instrument or voice; auditions typically require prepared pieces, sight‑reading, and may include a short theory/aural screening.
• Submission of academic transcripts; a competitive GPA in high school or previous college study is normally expected.
• For music education tracks, admission into the teacher education programme may require meeting the university's professional standards (background checks and placement prerequisites are handled as part of the certification sequence).
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and may be required to audition for placement and to determine applied lesson level; placement examinations in theory or aural skills may also be used.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers in music and related fields. Common pathways include professional performance (solo, chamber, orchestral, choral or jazz), classroom music teaching at the elementary and secondary levels (with appropriate certification), and private studio teaching. Other careers are available in arts administration, music production and recording, arranging and composition, church music and worship leadership, community music programs, and further academic study at the graduate level.

Alumni also move into allied professions that value musical training — such as event management, audio engineering with additional technical training, and education leadership — or combine music expertise with other vocational qualifications. Students aiming for state certification as K–12 music teachers should consult the university's education office for the required licensure steps.

Why study at Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana University offers a conservatory‑style experience within a public university environment: small applied lesson sizes, regular performance opportunities and faculty who are active performers and educators. The department runs multiple large ensembles and specialised groups, providing a range of on‑stage experience from orchestra and wind ensemble to jazz and choral programs.

The university's facilities and regional location provide practical advantages — studio and rehearsal space, recital programming, and proximity to a vibrant regional music scene for internships, community partnerships and professional networking. The programme emphasises teacher preparation and community engagement, supporting students who want both performance careers and professional certification. Scholarship and assistantship opportunities are available for qualifying students to support applied study and ensemble participation.