Bachelor of Arts in Music
George Mason, USA
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 4,897 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* International student deadline is 1st of June of every year | Domestic student deadline is 1st of February
** in-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 16,980 - out-of-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 1,803 - mandatory student fee
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
The Mason School of Music is part of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Students study with nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are active performers, conductors, composers, music theoreticians, historians, and music teachers. Admission is based on acceptance to the university and audition. The music program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program Requirements
Admission to the university is determined by the Office of Admissions. However, entrance to all music degree programs is by audition. Auditions are held approximately once per month, and arrangements for an audition must be made in advance. Audition dates and audition application forms are available on the School of Music website.
Competency placement tests are required of all transfer students who wish to present transfer credit in aural skills or keyboard skills.
Opportunities
Music majors at Mason work with world-class faculty who perform regularly in renowned venues with acclaimed ensembles. Music students also study and perform in beautiful spaces outfitted with up-to-date technology. Mason School of Music is an all-Steinway school. Performance opportunities are available for all musicians at Mason in more than 20 ensembles.
Concentrations within the Music, BA include:
- Music
- Music Technology
Degree Requirements (120 credits total)
Mason Core General education program required for all undergraduate students.
College Requirement(s) BA students complete one of the following: a minor, double major, or double degree outside their primary field of study (15-20 credits), or demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language (0-9 credits).
Major Requirements (42-53 credits)
Students may pursue either a traditional Bachelor of Arts in Music program or a specialized Concentration in Music Technology.
Music (without concentration) – complete major requirements
Musicianship
- MUSI 113 - Aural Skills I Credits: 1
- MUSI 114 - Aural Skills II Credits: 1-2 (must be taken for 1 credit)
- MUSI 115 - Theory I Credits: 3
- MUSI 116 - Theory II Credits: 3
- MUSI 171 - Keyboard Skills I Credits: 1 (pianists substitute MUSI 371 for MUSI 171)
- MUSI 172 - Keyboard Skills II (1 credit) - (pianists substitute MUSI 372 for MUSI 172)
Music History
One of the following:
- MUSI 331 - Music History in Society I Credits: 3
- MUSI 432 Music History in Society IV Credits: 3
- MUSI 332 - Music History in Society II Credits: 3
Performance and Music Electives
- MUSI 300 - Recital Attendance Credits: 0 (five semesters)
- MUSI 490 - RS: Musical Communication in Context Credits: 3
- MUSI 259 - Music in Computer Technology Credits: 3
- 12-13 credits in MUSI courses
- Six credits of Applied Music
- Three credits of Music Ensemble Options
Pedagogy
One of the following:
- Two credits of MUSI 395 - Teaching Internship Credits: 1-4
- MUSI 351 - Keyboard Pedagogy Credits: 3 (Required for keyboard students)
- MUSI 352 - Vocal Pedagogy and Lab Credits: 3 (Required for voice students)
- MUSI 353 - Instrumental Pedagogy and Literature Credits: 3 (Required for strings and guitar students; recommended for wind, brass, and percussion students)
George Mason is All Together Different
We became Virginia’s most diverse and highest-ranked university for innovation by welcoming all who are prepared for the academic rigor of a Research 1 (R1) university. Here, Patriots live and learn together in a research-intensive environment, gaining the skills necessary to build a better world for themselves and their communities.
When our students graduate, they continue that work, with nearly nine in ten graduates achieving positive career outcomes within just six months of graduation as they strive for the future they want and deserve. George Mason didn’t achieve this incredible success by being like other institutions. We did it by being All Together Different.
George Mason is ranked a top public university
Undergraduate Programs
Tied for #51 in U.S. News & World Report Five “top 100” undergraduate programs in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report:
- Business (#84)
- Computer science (#100)
- Economics (#99)
- Psychology (#67)
- Teaching (#48 – top 50)
George Mason is a local powerhouse with a global reach
Located just outside Washington, D.C., George Mason’s beautiful 677-acre residential campus in Fairfax, Virginia, is home to the most diverse student body in Virginia. Our physical presence extends across the state and beyond, with Mason Square, our campus in Arlington; the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas; the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in Front Royal; and our overseas campus in Songdo, South Korea.
As a Patriot, you will be part of a powerful regional presence with a global reach.
George Mason is focused on outcomes
89% of our graduates achieve positive career outcomes within six months of graduation.
George Mason is strengthened by our alumni
245,000+ Alumni. With nearly 70 percent of our alumni remaining in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area after graduation, you’ll be connected to an influential and effective network of Patriots ready to help you land the interview, internship, or job that advances your career.
George Mason is fueled by Patriot Pride
We wear green and gold. Patriot Pride flows all throughout campus and is demonstrated by the George Mason gear that we wear, the fight song that we sing, and the work that we do to create a better George Mason community and a better world.