Music Degree

Western Colorado University’s music degree offers students a strong foundation in music theory, performance, composition, and music history while helping them develop the technical, creative, and analytical skills needed for a wide range of music careers.

Through a Bachelor of Arts in Music, students explore music as both an art form and an academic discipline. In Western’s music degree program, you’ll study performance, history, theory, and composition while gaining hands-on experience in ensembles, private lessons, and diverse performance settings.

Music is an interdisciplinary art that brings together performance, composition, history, and analysis. Western’s music degree program helps students strengthen their musicianship while learning how music connects to culture, creativity, and communication.

With a low student-to-teacher ratio, students work closely with faculty musicians in classes, ensembles, and private instruction. This supportive environment helps you refine your technique, expand your knowledge, and grow as both a performer and a well-rounded musician.

Western’s music degree gives students the flexibility to explore multiple musical disciplines. As part of the program, you may study:

• Classical performance
• Jazz
• Music history
• Music theory
• Composition
• Music technology

This broad approach makes the BA in Music a strong option for students who want both creative development and academic range.

Western’s music degree program prepares students for careers that combine creativity, technical ability, and musical understanding. Graduates leave with experience in performance, composition, and music study that supports a range of paths in the arts.

Career pathways may include:

• Audio Technician
• Music Director and Composer
• Music Therapist
• Musical Instrument Repair and Tuner
• Musician and Singer
• Sound Engineering Technician

A music degree can be highly valuable for students interested in creative careers, as it develops both artistic and transferable skills. In addition to performance, students build abilities in critical thinking, collaboration, discipline, and communication—skills that apply to careers in music, education, media, and beyond.

A Bachelor of Arts in Music offers a broader, more flexible education that combines music study with liberal arts coursework. A Bachelor of Music (BM) is typically more performance-intensive, with a heavier focus on technical training and specialized musicianship. A BA is ideal for students who want to explore music alongside other interests.

Yes. Music students regularly participate in ensembles, concerts, and solo performances throughout their degree. These experiences help students build confidence, improve technique, and gain real-world performance experience.

Yes. A music degree prepares students for a wide range of careers beyond performance, including education, production, arts management, and creative industries. The program supports both performance-focused students and those interested in broader applications of music.

Students develop a mix of creative and technical skills, including musical performance, composition, music theory, critical listening, collaboration, and problem-solving. They also gain discipline, time management, and the ability to work both independently and in groups.