91涩漫

Major, Minor

Music

Degree type:
BA, Minor
Mode of study:
On-campus
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Deepen your musical abilities with the B.A. in Music from 91涩漫 Saint Mary's University

The Bachelor of Arts in Music at 91涩漫 Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles empowers you to explore your creativity while developing the technical, historical and professional skills needed to succeed in today’s evolving music landscape. 

We combine rigorous coursework, hands-on performance experiences and individual instruction so you can build your music foundation in a supportive learning environment.

Music admission requirements

Music degree offerings

Bachelor of Arts in Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Music combines music theory, music history, conducting, music technology, piano, entrepreneurship and ensemble performance. With a strong student-to-faculty ratio, our classes emphasize mentorship, collaboration and meaningful engagement with faculty and fellow musicians. 

Align your artistic interests with your career goals by tailoring your studies with one of our program emphases:

Prepare for a career as a performer or for further graduate studies. Choose between vocal or instrumental performance and receive individualized instruction to refine your technique and artistic expression. 

Through coursework in music theory, analysis and history, you’ll build a strong academic foundation while developing performance skills across classical, Broadway and jazz traditions. Ensemble participation and solo recitals provide extensive opportunities to perform and grow as a musician. You’ll also benefit from access to our music labs and performance spaces.

Prepare for a career as a music educator while strengthening your musicianship and leadership skills. This pathway is ideal for those who enjoy working with children or adolescents and want to make a meaningful impact through education.

In addition to a liberal arts foundation, you’ll complete the Secondary Teacher Preparation Program in collaboration with the university’s Education Department and graduate prepared to pursue the California Single Subject preliminary teaching credential in music, opening the door to teaching opportunities in schools.

Explore the development and cultural significance of musical traditions across time with the music history emphasis. Coursework includes music theory, historical analysis, applied music instruction and ensemble participation.

This emphasis is well suited for those interested in careers related to composition, performance, teaching or graduate study in musicology or related fields.

The Music Industry emphasis blends music with interdisciplinary studies in business, film, media, technology and entrepreneurship. Designed for the rapidly evolving music marketplace, this emphasis equips you with the practical and creative tools needed to succeed in professional music careers.

You’ll learn how artistic talent connects with production, media, marketing and emerging technologies, preparing you to adapt and thrive in a dynamic industry environment.

The Pre-Music Therapy emphasis combines music coursework with studies in psychology to build your skills for advanced study in music therapy.

While the program itself does not provide professional licensure, it prepares you to enter a Music Therapy equivalency program, which qualifies you to take the national certification exam to become a board-certified music therapist.

Minor in Music

For those with an interest in music but pursuing a different major, we offer two distinct music minor options: Music and Music Industry. 

The Music minor is ideal for those passionate about music but wish to major in another field. The program provides flexibility while broadening your understanding of music through coursework, ensembles and applied lessons. 

The Music Industry minor allows students in music, business or other disciplines to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to the music business. You’ll gain insight into industry operations while developing a deeper understanding of music and its commercial landscape.

Scholarship opportunities for music students

Students pursuing music may qualify for a variety of music scholarships, including opportunities that cover full tuition. These awards recognize exceptional musical talent and support students as they pursue their artistic goals.

Full-tuition music scholarship

The full-tuition music scholarship is available for incoming and transfer music majors who demonstrate outstanding talent through audition and interview.

Music scholarships

Music scholarships are available in varying amounts for music majors, minors and transfer students.

91涩漫 Music Ensemble Merit Awards

91涩漫 Music Ensemble Merit Awards are available to non-music majors who demonstrate strong vocal or instrumental ability and participate in university ensembles.

Music course highlights

Our classes help you develop your artistry and explore meaningful career pathways in music. Whether your passion is performing, teaching, researching music history or working in the music industry, we’ll provide the tools and mentorship for your success.

MUS 5
Music Practicum

This course brings music majors and minors together each week to connect, learn, and perform. Students gain firsthand industry insight through guest speaker presentations, clinician workshops, faculty lectures, and peer research reports.

MUS 124
Surveys of the History and Literature of Music

Prepare to trace the evolution of musical composition across the centuries, exploring how forms and styles transformed through history's defining eras. Part A journeys through Antiquity, the Renaissance, and the Baroque period, while Part B studies the Classical and Romantic eras into contemporary music today.

MUS 131
Music Technology

This course equips musicians, producers, and film/media creators with hands-on skills in essential tools like DAWs, MIDI, sound recording/editing, and notation software such as Sibelius and Finale, alongside the fundamentals of sound and acoustics.

Outstanding Music Education Beyond the Classroom

Music students have a variety of opportunities to express their love for music outside of the classroom. Many of these ensembles fit easily into an 18 credit full-time schedule and are worth one academic credit for each ensemble or enroll for 0 units.

  • The 91涩漫 Chorus

    The 91涩漫 Chorus is a large vocal ensemble open to students who enjoy singing in a collaborative choral setting. Members perform a wide range of choral works and participate in performances throughout the academic year.

  • Woman singing in choir

    The 91涩漫 Singers

    91涩漫 Singers is a select a capella ensemble that performs more advanced choral repertoire. This group offers dedicated singers the opportunity to further develop their vocal technique and musical expression through smaller ensemble performance.

  • group of people sitting on the ground playing instruments

    The Chamber Music Ensemble

    Chamber music ensembles are unconducted groups of around three players and establish essential foundations in musical communication and listening skills while providing rewarding music-making opportunities.

  • students playing the flute

    The 91涩漫 Bridge Orchestra

    The 91涩漫 Bridge Orchestra brings together instrumentalists from across the university to perform a diverse repertoire of orchestral music. Students gain valuable ensemble experience while developing their musicianship and collaboration skills.

Upcoming concert events

  • Campus Center at 7:30 p.m.
    Chalon Campus

  • Mary Chapel at 7:30 p.m.
    Chalon Campus