B.A. Music
Nova Southeastern University Undergraduate Programs
Key Information
Campus location
Fort Lauderdale, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 33,510
Application deadline
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Scholarships
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Introduction
The World is Waiting to Hear the Music You Create
As a music major at Nova Southeastern University, you’ll be prepared to meet the high expectations in the very competitive music industry. NSU’s B.A. in Music will teach you to produce music that is innovative, dynamic, and ultimately, market-driven. The music program blends the technological and professional requirements of today’s job market with a compact curriculum that builds fundamental skills in analytical thinking through theoretical study and a broad examination of music’s sociological contexts.
Ensemble provides the synthesis where music majors focus on the commercial aspects of producing music in a variety of musical genres and styles with an emphasis on problem-solving, effective collaboration, and adaptability. Targeted, skills-based electives complement music studies to prepare you for careers in popular music, gaming, advertising/marketing, music editing, podcasting, film/media industry, and more.
Your classes are taught by expert faculty who are invested in your musical development. They’ll help you find internships that suit your interests and encourage you to showcase your talent in a vast array of performing and producing opportunities. NSU’s B.A. in Music will help you craft your personal path to success.
Why Should You Major in Music at NSU?
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Perform for the community in the Mako ensembles.
- Student-run radio station: Radio X 88.5FM.
- NSU is home to incredible rehearsal spaces, classrooms, and performance venues including the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center.
- Opportunities to present in the college's Festival of Student Works and other showcases.
- Exclusive internship and scholarship opportunities for NSU Music students.
- Learn from professional musicians.
- South Florida is home to a diverse mix of music genres.
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Curriculum
Prepare to meet the high expectations in the very competitive music industry. As a music major, you’ll move center stage with confidence in music fundamentals and an understanding of the artistic, industrial, and cultural forces. Become a refined producer, performer, or composer the world is waiting to hear.
Degree Requirements
- General Education Requirements: Students are required to complete 30 credit hours as part of the General Education Program.
- Music Major Requirements: Students are required to complete 49 credit hours as part of the Music Program. See the curriculum below for details.
Core Courses
- Music Through History
- Piano II
- Commercial Music Theory
- Beginning Applied Instruction
- Music Production I
- Introduction to Commercial Music
- Creating Commercial Music
- Intermediate Applied Instruction
- Ensemble I
- Ensemble II
- Ensemble III
- Ensemble IV
- Music of World Cultures
- Popular Music in Western Culture
- Advanced Applied Instruction
- Composition/MIDI
- Advanced Music Production
Electives Courses
- Graphic Design I
- Graphic Design II
- Graphic Design III
- Introduction to Video Editing
- Media Regulation
- Audio/Radio Production
- Advanced Video Editing
- Web, Mobile, and Interactive Design for Communication
- Public Relations Campaigns
- Social Media Theory and Practice
- Special Topics in Music
- Internship in Music
- Independent Study in Music
The Bachelor of Arts degree requires at least 24 credits of coursework from the following disciplines: ARTS, DANC, FILM, HIST, HUMN, LITR, MUSC, PHIL, and THEA, as well as an intermediate degree of competency in a foreign language (generally, a minimum of 6 credits or another demonstration of competency).
Experiential Learning/Internships
In addition to music concerts, students who study music at NSU open themselves up to numerous interdisciplinary opportunities. This could be writing original music for dance production, creating sound design for a theatre show, or performing at an art gallery exhibit. Students in the past have even had radio airplay through NSU's Radio X and scored original musical themes for a podcast.
Students have had great experiences with the Josie Music Awards and the National Association of Music Merchants and all kinds of ensembles, from traditional to experimental, including the NSU Vocal Ensemble, the Mako Band (Commercial Ensemble), the Pistris Chamber, the Bossa Nova Chorale and the Digital Music Ensemble. Opportunities for showcasing your talent are endless at NSU!
NSU Music students also enjoy exclusive internships. Some companies and organizations that students have interned at in the past include MN2S, the School Board of Broward County, and Wired Sound Academy.
Career Opportunities
Become a Music Producer, Film Composer or Music Teacher
With your NSU Music degree, you can become the music producer, film composer, or music teacher that everyone loves. You can showcase your talent as a soloist or in an ensemble of professional musicians. You can work for a record label or a music manager and explore your musical vision for a lifetime of rewards. Graduates of this program are recording their own music and pursuing related graduate degrees.
Average Starting Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, music graduates have the potential to earn an average of $61,410 as secondary school teachers or more than $100,090 as promoters of performing arts events. Independent artists, writers, and performers earn around $72,510 as an average, but high-profile artists can earn into the millions.
Shark Destinations
NSU Music alumni go on to enjoy exciting and rewarding careers. Graduates of this program can become leaders in a variety of professional positions including composer for advertisements, conductor, film and tv music supervisor, gaming composer, music attorney, music librarian, music producer and promoter, recording artist, recording engineer, sound designer, talent manager and more. Additionally, NSU Music graduates have found success in graduate programs, teaching music, writing music, and touring internationally.