Undergraduate Programs
We offer bachelor of music and bachelor of arts degrees, and students can choose an emphasis in classical performance, jazz studies, composition, or recording and production.
What sets us apart as a premier music school? It could be our 300+ performance opportunities, small class sizes, competitive scholarship packages, and award-winning faculty and staff. We instill habits of discipline and critical thinking as well as social and emotional intelligence, equipping you to excel in a variety of roles in the music industry and beyond.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Applied Music
About this Program
The bachelor of arts in applied music provides the opportunity to develop your musical skills and performance aspirations while engaging in a curriculum that contains a large component of courses outside of music. This combination allows you to explore your interests and invest your time into other fields across the University. An education in music challenges you to learn discipline, collaboration and creative thinking while developing emotional intelligence. These skills and abilities prepare you for a successful career not only in music, but also a variety of other fields.
Alongside a robust music curriculum with renowned faculty, you will complete a minor or major in another field, providing a flexible program of study that balances breadth and depth. Pursuing a music education while taking advantage of the academic resources of the broader University provides a perfect environment to sharpen your skills, expand your horizons and pursue your passions.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Composition
About this Program
The bachelor of music in composition offers aspiring composers rigorous training in composition, harmony, counterpoint, analysis, conducting, orchestration and digital audio. The high ratio of performance majors to composition majors at Lamont means composers have many opportunities to hear their music. For students interested in digital audio, our state-of-the-art recording studio is wired to every performance and rehearsal space, allowing students to graduate with a diverse portfolio of digitally recorded works.
This selective program provides a conservatory-level education within a vibrant liberal arts university experience. Pursuing a music education pushes students to develop creative thinking, discipline, the capacity to collaborate and emotional intelligence. Thanks to these abilities and developed skills, students can leave prepared for careers inside and outside of music.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Ethnomusicology
About this Program
The minor in ethnomusicology provides students with opportunities to study music in and as culture. Students engage with a variety of musical practices, including popular, traditional, and art musics from around the world, utilizing a range of methods for studying music and demonstrating the relevance of music in multiple areas of life. This minor consists of 24 credits and can be completed in two years. It includes coursework in ethnomusicology, musicology, and/or anthropology, as well as participation in Lamont’s world music ensembles.
This program does not require experience on a musical instrument, and there is no audition needed for admission.
For more information, see the Undergraduate Bulletin. Interested students should contact Professor Sarah Morelli, Chair of Musicology and Ethnomusicology.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Jazz Studies
About this Program
The bachelor of music in jazz studies provides professional training in all aspects of jazz music. Our faculty of artist-teachers is dedicated to expanding your creativity while providing the experience and knowledge necessary to build a career in jazz.
In today's jazz industry, musical versatility and diversity is key. With ensemble offerings, classes, guest artists, and a robust performing and recording schedule, our students are equipped to go straight from graduation into careers in performing, composing, arranging, recording and arts management.
Students can choose from any of the following areas of jazz study:
- Bass
- Drums
- Guitar
- Piano
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Voice
- Woodwinds
- Composing and arranging
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Music
About this Program
The Lamont School of Music offers a comprehensive minor in music, open to all DU students by audition only. The minor includes music theory, aural skills, musicology, applied lessons and ensemble credits. The minor consists of 23 credits and can be completed in 2 years. An ideal music minor for the Lamont School of Music has previous experience on their primary instrument.
For more information, see the Undergraduate Bulletin. Interested students should contact the Lamont Office of Admissions to schedule an audition.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Music Studies
About this Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies is a non-auditioned degree that provides you with the opportunity to study music through an engaging musical curriculum, emphasizing music academic courses rather than performance. This degree offers a range of experiences and engagement with music in its many cultural practices and expressive forms. Throughout the program, you will develop expertise necessary for music-centered careers in the arts and entertainment industries including administration, marketing, law, (social) media, academia, and public service.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Performance
About this Program
The bachelor of music in performance provides professional training in the performance of Western art music. You'll receive extensive hands-on experience in your area of study with a faculty of artist-teachers dedicated to preparing you for a successful career in music. This selective program features a conservatory-level education within a vibrant liberal arts university experience.
Beyond developing your technical skills, you'll have the opportunity to learn discipline, collaboration and creative thinking while developing emotional intelligence. On top of the intrinsic benefits of a music education, you can pursue additional topics through a minor or a second major, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience that can broaden horizons and prepare you for a career not only in music, but in an array of other fields.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Recording and Production
About this Program
The bachelor of music in recording and production trains students as engineers and producers in the musical genres of jazz, classical, popular, rock and many others. This selective program provides a conservatory-level education within a vibrant liberal arts university. Students take applied music lessons (classical or jazz), study music history and learn music theory while also practicing the art of engineering and producing fantastic music recordings.
Skills and abilities learned in the program can prepare students for successful careers not only in music recording and production, but also in a variety of other fields. Pursuing a music education while taking advantage of the academic resources of the broader university allows you to sharpen your skills, develop emotional intelligence and pursue your passions.
