Clayton State College

What you'll study

The BA in Music combines core musicianship with applied performance and elective options to build well-rounded musical skills. Typical areas of study include:

• Music theory and harmony: sequential coursework in tonal and post-tonal harmony, form and analysis.
• Aural skills: ear training, sight-singing and rhythmic dictation to develop musicianship.
• Music history and literature: surveys from early music through contemporary practices, with focused modules on specific genres or periods.
• Applied lessons and performance: one-to-one instruction on primary instrument or voice, studio classes and public recitals.
• Ensembles: participation in choirs, bands, chamber ensembles and orchestral groups to gain ensemble experience.
• Music technology and production: fundamentals of recording, DAWs, MIDI and basic audio production techniques.
• Composition and arranging: introductory composition, arranging for small and large ensembles, and contemporary writing techniques.
• Pedagogy and professional skills: methods for private teaching, score preparation, rehearsal technique and career development workshops.

The programme typically culminates in a final recital or capstone project demonstrating applied skills and artistic development. Students can shape the degree through electives and cross-disciplinary courses in areas such as theatre, education or media studies.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a completed secondary school qualification equivalent to a high school diploma. Admissions commonly involve:

• A review of academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory preparation for undergraduate study;
• An audition on primary instrument or voice to assess performance level; recorded auditions may be accepted where in-person audition is not possible;
• A short music theory/skills placement or portfolio in some cases to place students in appropriate theory and aural skills courses;
• Evidence of English language proficiency for international applicants (for example recognised test scores or institutional equivalents);
• Some programmes recommend or require a minimum GPA; applicants transferring from other colleges should supply college transcripts and transfer-credit documentation.

Specific departmental audition requirements, repertoire lists and any placement testing details are provided by the Music Department and should be checked when preparing an application.

Career prospects

Graduates of a BA in Music pursue a wide range of careers in music and the creative industries. Common pathways include:

• Professional performance as soloists, ensemble players, chamber musicians or band/orchestral members;
• Music education at the private or community level; graduates may also progress to teacher training programmes for K–12 certification where required;
• Music production, audio engineering and roles in recording studios or multimedia companies;
• Composition and arranging for film, theatre, games and commercial media;
• Arts administration, concert promotion, artist management and other organisational roles in cultural institutions;
• Further academic study at master’s level in performance, composition, musicology, music technology or education.

The programme’s emphasis on applied work, ensembles and music technology helps equip students with practical portfolio material and professional contacts to enter these fields.

Why study at Clayton State College

Clayton State College offers a supportive, student-centred environment with small classes and close faculty mentorship, which benefits applied study and ensemble coaching. The music curriculum balances academic study with hands-on performance opportunities and access to music technology resources. Located within reach of a vibrant metropolitan arts scene, students can pursue internships, collaborative projects and performance opportunities in the wider community. The department’s combination of applied lessons, ensemble participation and professional-skills training prepares graduates for diverse careers or further study in music.