Bachelor’s Degree (BM) in Music

The Music Program at the University of the District of Columbia provides an exciting and challenging educational environment for students to extend their musical training and join a vibrant community of performers and educators. With degree offerings in Music Education, Music Performance, Jazz Studies, and Gospel Studies (the only university in the D.C. area to offer such a degree), our graduates are prepared to continue their musical studies at the graduate level, or begin their career as a teacher, performer, composer/arranger, or church musician/music ministry). Our graduates have also continued their professional studies in the fields of music therapy, arts management, library and information science and sound engineering. These career paths are supported by experienced, student-centered faculty dedicated to student success. Furthermore, the Music Program’s ensembles, open (by audition) to all students and community members, provide students and area musicians the opportunity to pursue their musical interests and expand their skills within a shared musical community across the rich cultural life of Washington, D.C.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the technical skills, musicianship, and understanding of repertory as solo and ensemble performers in at least one major performing area at a level appropriate to the concentration;
2. Comprehend the organizational patterns and common elements of music and apply this understanding to aural, verbal, and visual analyses;
3. Create original or derivative music at a level appropriate to the concentration;
4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of music history and repertories in addition to that of the area of the concentration;
5. Utilize basic technologies and applications that are current to their area of concentration;
6. Integrate the range of musical knowledge and skills learned over the course of study in preparation for a career in music and for graduate study in performance, pedagogy, and related areas.

Curriculum and Requirements in the UDC Music Program

For admission to any of the music bachelor’s degree programs, prospective students must apply, audition, and pass the Program’s placement examinations. Students can pursue a two-year associate’s degree through UDC’s Community College in preparation for acceptance into the four-year bachelor’s degree program.

The Bachelor of Music degree is offered in two options: Music Performance and Music Education

The Music Performance option offers five areas of concentration:

• Gospel
• Jazz
• Keyboard
• Instrumental Music
• Voice

The bachelor’s degree in Music Education (pre-certification) offers three areas of concentration:

• Vocal music education
• Keyboard music education
• Instrumental music education

Programs of Study

Music Education – Instrumental
Music Education – Keyboard/Instrumental
Music Education – Keyboard/Vocal
Music Education – Vocal
Music – Gospel
Music – Jazz
Music – Keyboard
Music – Instrumental Music
Music – Voice

The program prepares students for teaching careers and entrance into the Master of Arts in Teaching program (MAT).

The Master of Arts in Teaching program (MAT) prepares teacher candidates to teach music in Grades K-12 with certification in either Choral (Vocal) or Instrumental Music (K-12).

Please note that many music courses are open to students not seeking a music degree.