University of San Diego

What you'll study

The Bachelor’s in Music blends applied musicianship with academic study. Core components include private lessons, ensemble participation, music theory and ear training, music history and literature, and courses in composition and arranging. Students pursue a sequence of progressive applied lessons culminating in juries and a senior recital or capstone project.

• Applied Lessons & Performance: weekly one-to-one instruction on primary instrument or voice, studio classes, solo recitals and chamber music coaching.
• Ensembles: large ensembles (choral, orchestra, wind ensemble), chamber groups, jazz combos and musical-theatre productions; ensemble participation is a degree requirement.
• Theory & Aural Skills: harmony, counterpoint, ear training and sight-singing that develop analytical and practical musicianship.
• Music History & Literature: surveys from early music to contemporary practice, with opportunities to study specific genres such as American music, film music or popular music studies.
• Composition & Music Technology: courses in composition, arranging, notation software, recording techniques and digital audio workstations for students interested in creating or producing music.
• Music Education & Pedagogy (where offered): foundational coursework for students considering teaching careers, often including methods classes and field placements.
• Electives & Interdisciplinary Options: classes in theatre, dance, business of the arts, and other liberal-arts subjects allow tailoring the degree to individual goals.

The programme is delivered within a liberal-arts framework, so students also complete general-education requirements that broaden critical thinking, writing and contextual understanding of the arts. Students frequently have opportunities for collaborative projects with the theatre department and community arts organisations, as well as for study abroad and internships in the San Diego region.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor’s in Music typically requires a secondary-school diploma or equivalent and a demonstrated record of musical achievement. Applicants must normally submit:

• Academic transcripts showing satisfactory secondary-school performance.
• Audition demonstrating performance ability on primary instrument or voice; the audition usually includes prepared pieces, scales, sight-reading and may include a short interview with faculty.
• Music portfolio or recordings if an in-person audition is not possible.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or music professionals are often encouraged.
• English language proficiency evidence for international applicants (accepted tests or institutional equivalents).

Specific expectations for repertoire, sight-reading level and technical proficiency vary by instrument and programme emphasis; prospective students should consult the department for detailed audition guidelines. Transfer applicants must provide college transcripts and may be required to audition for placement.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Music pursue a diverse set of careers across the arts, education and media industries. Common paths include:

• Performance: orchestral, chamber, choral, solo, jazz and musical‑theatre performance at professional and community levels.
• Music education: classroom teaching, private studio teaching and continuing to teacher-certification programmes or graduate study for licensure.
• Composition & Production: composing for concert, media and theatre, arranging and roles in music production and sound design.
• Arts administration & community arts: management, programming, fundraising and outreach roles with arts organisations, festivals and community ensembles.
• Music technology & media: careers in recording, audio engineering, game and film scoring, and music software development.
• Further study: many graduates continue to conservatories or graduate programmes (MM, DMA, MA) to specialise in performance, conducting, composition or musicology.

Why study at University of San Diego

Studying music at the University of San Diego combines conservatory-quality instruction with a liberal-arts education in a compact, student-focused environment. Small class sizes and accessible faculty allow personalised mentoring, regular performance opportunities and close support for recitals and capstone projects.

• Location advantages: San Diego’s active cultural scene provides ample performance venues, internship possibilities and community partnerships across classical, jazz, popular and theatrical contexts.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: proximity of the music and theatre programmes encourages collaborative musical-theatre productions, staging projects and cross-disciplinary coursework.
• Facilities & resources: dedicated practice rooms, ensemble rehearsal spaces and access to recording and music-technology resources support both traditional and contemporary musical work.
• Liberal-arts foundation: the degree’s broad curriculum develops transferable skills—critical thinking, communication and creative problem‑solving—valuable in and beyond music careers.

Prospective students should contact the Department of Music and Theatre for audition details, course planning and information about additional opportunities such as scholarships, internships and community engagement projects.