York College of Pennsylvania

What you'll study

The BA in Music provides a balanced curriculum in musicianship, applied performance and music scholarship within a liberal arts context. Core study typically includes courses in music theory and ear training, music history and literature, applied lessons on your primary instrument or voice, and ensemble participation (concert choir, wind ensemble, chamber groups, jazz ensemble and small ensembles).

Students also study topics such as composition and arranging, conducting fundamentals, music technology and recording, and elective survey courses in world music, popular music studies or music business. The programme structure normally combines a sequence of major requirements with general education courses and free electives, allowing room for a double major, minors or internships. Assessment uses juries, recitals, written exams and project-based coursework.

Typical modules and activities

• Applied Lessons: weekly one-to-one instruction culminating in juries and recitals
• Music Theory Sequence: harmony, counterpoint and advanced analysis
• Ear Training and Musicianship
• Music History and Literature: from early music to contemporary practices
• Ensembles: large ensembles and chamber music opportunities across genres
• Composition/Arranging and Music Technology: notation, DAWs and basic studio practice
• Professional Development: recital programming, audition preparation and portfolio development

Entry requirements

Admission to the BA in Music typically requires a completed secondary-school qualification equivalent to a US high-school diploma. Applicants normally submit an application form, academic transcripts and at least one letter of recommendation. An audition—live or recorded—is required to assess performance level; the audition usually includes prepared pieces, sight-reading or aural tests, and may include a short interview with faculty.

Additional materials may include a resume outlining musical experience and, for composition applicants, score samples or recordings. International applicants must meet English-language proficiency requirements. Specific grade-point expectations and standardised-test policies may vary, so prospective students should consult the college for current admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BA in Music pursue a wide range of careers across the creative and cultural sectors. Common destinations include performance (freelance and ensemble work), composition and arranging for media, church and community music positions, and roles in music production, audio engineering and recording. The liberal-arts emphasis also prepares graduates for careers in arts administration, music publishing, event management and music education (many graduates pursue postgraduate teacher certification or a specialised music-education degree when required for K–12 public-school positions).

The programme’s focus on applied skills, ensemble work and professional development supports students seeking graduate study in performance, composition, musicology or music technology, as well as entry into allied fields such as theatre, media production and nonprofit cultural organisations.

Why study at York College of Pennsylvania

York College of Pennsylvania offers a close-knit learning environment with small class sizes and personalised attention from faculty who are active performers, scholars and clinicians. Students benefit from frequent performance opportunities, ensemble diversity, and access to practice facilities and music technology resources. The college’s liberal-arts approach means music majors can combine practical training with broader academic interests, supporting interdisciplinary projects and career flexibility.

In addition, the programme emphasises applied professional preparation—recital experience, audition coaching and community engagement—alongside opportunities for internships with regional arts organisations and music businesses. This hands-on focus, together with academic advising and career services, helps students build practical skills and professional networks as they prepare for diverse careers in music and the creative industries.