West Liberty University

BM in Music

Every student is unique and brings individual strengths. Certain prior knowledge, however, can give a prospective student a higher chance of success in a collegiate music program. The following list shows preferred knowledge and experience for incoming music majors.

• The ability to read music.
• The ability to identify and understand basic musical elements such as key signatures, scales, rhythms, etc.
• Private instrumental or voice lessons. Preferably, a student will have taken private lessons for at least one year prior to college.
• Experience performing in an ensemble and/or choir.

All music majors at WLU will select a track of either music education, music performance, or music technology.

Music education majors, receiving a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Music Education will take courses and participate in internship experiences that prepare them for a career in teaching music. This can be at the elementary, middle, or high school level. Other opportunities for music education majors could include teaching at a private or parochial school, music camp instructors, or developing a private teaching studio. Both choral and instrumental focus are offered. West Liberty University is an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission/North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

A Bachelor of Music (BM) degree in music performance prepares students for a wide variety of opportunities. Many young people view a music performance career as giving concerts. The glamour of becoming a concert artist attracts many people, but opportunities for a career in music performance are very limited, and great perseverance is required to succeed. In addition to solo performance careers, there are performance opportunities in chamber music, folk, rock, and pop music, as well as free-lance concert and studio opportunities. Performance careers differ widely and depend upon the instrument played and the performance medium. Most performers combine their activities with other careers in music. The BM in performance degree can help prepare students for entry to a graduate program or artist training degree.

The Bachelor of Music with Emphasis in Music Technology (BMEMT) degree is the only one of its kind offered by an institution of higher learning in West Virginia. This degree provides students with advanced experience in recording, mixing, and electronic composition. Career opportunities vary widely for students in this degree program. Some possibilities include recording engineer, sound technician, mastering engineer, and electronic composer. The majority of compositions for movie soundtracks and television shows utilize electronic music and effects.

Other career possibilities in music include music publishing, instrument making and repair, disc jockey, arts administration, sound technicians and tour organizers for musical groups, and many others.

West Liberty University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.