Brandeis University

What you'll study

The BA in Music at Brandeis balances core academic coursework in music theory, history and analysis with applied lessons and ensemble participation. Typical modules and experiences include:

• Core theory and musicianship: courses in aural skills, harmony and counterpoint, and analysis that develop written and aural fluency.
• Music history and ethnomusicology: surveys from medieval to contemporary music, special-topic seminars (for example American music, music and politics, or non-Western musical traditions).
• Composition and arranging: instruction in composition techniques, orchestration and portfolio development; opportunities to have works performed by student and faculty ensembles.
• Performance study: weekly one-on-one lessons with faculty or advanced graduate students, chamber music coaching, and participation in choirs, orchestras, bands or small ensembles.
• Music technology and production: classes in recording techniques, digital audio workstations, and music technology applied to composition and performance.
• Interdisciplinary options: elective courses and cross-listed seminars with theatre, dance, computer science and the humanities to support careers in musical theatre, scoring and soundtrack work, or interdisciplinary performance.
• Capstone or senior project: many students complete a senior recital, research thesis or composition portfolio as a culminating experience.

The programme emphasises close faculty advising and allows students to tailor their studies toward performance, composition, scholarly research or music technology while maintaining a broad liberal-arts curriculum.

Entry requirements

Applicants should present a strong secondary-school academic record and evidence of musical preparation. Typical components of a successful application include:

• Completed secondary-school diploma or equivalent.
• Academic transcripts showing consistent achievement in a range of subjects.
• Letters of recommendation, ideally including at least one from a music teacher or mentor.
• A personal statement describing musical background, interests and goals.
• An audition or portfolio for applicants emphasising performance or composition; this may include live audition, recorded submissions, scores or recordings of original work, depending on the focus.
• Placement examinations in music theory or a brief preparatory course may be required for first-year students to determine appropriate course level.
• For non-native English speakers, proof of English proficiency through accepted tests or comparable evidence of academic English ability.

Because Brandeis values a broad liberal-arts education, the admissions process considers academic potential across disciplines as well as musical promise.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Music programme pursue a wide range of careers that draw on both practical musical skills and critical thinking. Common paths include:

• Performer in orchestras, chamber groups, choirs, solo recitalists, and musical theatre companies.
• Composer, arranger or songwriter for concert, theatre, film, television and new media.
• Music educator at primary, secondary or tertiary levels; PATHS include certification routes or graduate study in education.
• Music production, audio engineering and sound design in recording studios, live sound or multimedia production.
• Arts administration, programming and audience development for cultural organisations, festivals and venues.
• Music research, librarianship or archiving, often pursued further through graduate study (MA, PhD, DMA).
• Interdisciplinary careers combining music and theatre, such as musical direction, dramaturgy for music-theatre projects, or collaborative creation for stage and screen.

The programme’s combination of performance experience, technical skills and liberal-arts breadth prepares graduates for both professional practice and advanced study.

Why study at Brandeis University

Brandeis offers a close-knit undergraduate environment within a research university, giving music students personal mentorship from faculty who are active performers, composers and scholars. Small class sizes and frequent opportunities to perform mean undergraduates can take leading roles in ensembles and productions. The university’s proximity to a vibrant regional music and theatre scene provides access to internships, guest artists and collaborative projects with cultural institutions.

Interdisciplinary strengths and cooperative ties between the Music and Theatre departments support students interested in musical theatre, scoring for performance, or cross-disciplinary work. Facilities typically include dedicated rehearsal and performance spaces, recording equipment and opportunities for undergraduate research and senior projects. These resources—combined with Brandeis’s liberal-arts curriculum—help students develop both specialised musical skills and the broader intellectual abilities sought by employers and graduate programmes.