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Music

College of Fine & Applied Arts

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What is Music?

This major is intended for students interested in the broad historical, cultural, and theoretical aspects of music, rather than professional training. There are four areas of study in our Bachelor of Arts program:

  • Composition
  • Music Technology
  • Musicology
  • Music+

Each area of study has a different focus. Composition focuses on the creation of pieces and techniques behind music. Music Technology looks into the history and application of making music with technology. Musicology offers a cultural education that focuses on an end goal of research or teaching music history. If you have interests beyond these fields, you can create your own curriculum with Music+. Some examples include:

  • Music+ Business
  • Music+ Media
  • Music+ Recording Arts
  • Music+ Administrative Arts

Career Options

  • Arranging
  • Composition
  • Ethnomusicology
  • Equipment technology
  • Music editing
  • Music engineering & mixing
  • Music history
  • Music performance
  • Music promotion
  • Music publishing
  • Music recording
  • Music reporting
  • Music therapy
  • Research

Post-Graduation Success1

93% employed or continuing education

31% employed after graduation

62% attending graduate school

$52,800 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: The Naperville Winds (2), Urbana High School (1), Urbana School District 116 (1) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Carnegie Mellon University, Boston Conservatory at Berklee View All

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Strong talent review (audition or portfolio)

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

4.4 years to degree

91% first-year retention rate

45% four-year graduation rate

85% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $14,620
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $38,558

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $34,972
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $59,250

International

  • Tuition: $35,966
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $60,244
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