Music, B.A.

Music Major Requirements

Regardless of which career-oriented track you choose, all Music majors take foundational courses, disciplinary perspectives, and elective courses. 

Music and Entertainment Business

From licensing to ticket sales, learn the business side of the music industry. This track includes a mix of business, marketing, and music courses. A few highlights include:

• MUS 397: Music Entertainment and Promotion
• MUS 497: Publishing, Licensing, and Copyright
• SPM 325: Facility and Event Management

Music Industry and Recording Technology Track

Whether you want to work behind the soundboard or with talent contracts, the Music Industry and Recording Technology Track incorporates a mix of theory, production, and creative courses.

• MUS 244: Live Sound Reinforcement
• MUS 346: Music Production I
• MUS 481: Commercial Songwriting

Music Performance and Pedagogy Track

Participating in music ensembles and recitals are particularly important in this track. You'll also gain practice teaching primary and secondary applied music lessons.

• MUS 394: Applications of Functional Harmony
• MUS 490: Choral Conducting
• MUS 496: Special Topics in Music

Admissions and Financial Aid

All students interested in participating in the Music Program, whether they are majoring in music or any other major, may apply and audition for performance-based scholarships.

• Explore Music Scholarships

We welcome transfer and first-time students to get closer to real-world applications and foster career success. To learn about next steps:

• Discover Undergraduate Admissions
• Review Costs and Financial Aid

Earn a B.A. in Music at York College of Pennsylvania

York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Arts in Music degree program empowers students with comprehensive analytical skills and knowledge, setting them up for diverse career paths and advanced studies in the field.

Eager to unlock your potential in the music industry? Request more information or submit your application today.

A Music degree can lead to a variety of career paths, including performance, education, therapy, and behind-the-scenes roles in the music industry. Graduates can become musicians, independent music teachers, composers, arrangers, producers, or work in areas like audio engineering, music journalism, or arts administration.

Our graduates have gone on to work for Central Dauphin School District, the Department of Public Welfare, Hanover Hall Nursing Center, National Symphony Orchestra and West Point Military Academy. 

Benefits and Salary Outcomes

While entry-level salaries vary based on experience, location, and other factors, here's a breakdown of average annual music career earnings to give a clearer picture of the rewards in this field, reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Music Directors and Composers - $49,500 - $63,670
• Postsecondary Music Teacher - $40,960 - $167,610
• Musicians and Singers - $23.80 / hr - $42.45 / hr

Independent Studies and Internship Opportunities

Begin a research project or internship as early as your junior year.

The nature of music is inherently rooted in project-based learning. Music majors engage in performance ensembles with concerts and productions in which students are both performing and supporting the events with sound reinforcement, lighting, and recording. Internships are a required component to the curriculum for some degree tracks, and the student run York Music Group acts as a campus-based business platform for students to gain experience in facets of the music and entertainment industries.

Learn about internships at York College and explore comprehensive support through the Career Development Center.

Faculty Mentorship

This program ensures small major class sizes, personal instruction, and mentoring faculty relationships in excellent facilities. Students enjoy hands-on, personalized opportunities to thrive in a supportive and challenging environment.

With expert faculty guiding you, we’ll prepare you for a wide array of opportunities in the music world; a world-class advisory board of noteworthy and legendary music professionals adds a mentoring touch. How do we prepare you for your dream career? First, it’s by honing your skills as an outstanding, well-rounded musician. You’ll use your musicianship to enhance and complement your understanding of music production, business, and promotion. Internships, the student rock band, and the student record company enhance the experience.

Clubs and Organizations

Join the York Music Group and build relationships with others through social events and gatherings surrounding the study of music and related topics. Find your community in any of York College’s student-led clubs and organizations, from academics to hobbies.

Explore student clubs.

Facilities

Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the music industry by learning hands-on in our state-of-the-art recording studio. Other spaces used by Music majors are:

• Waldner Performing Arts Center Theatre is the largest campus venue, featuring full sound and lighting systems, multiple dressing rooms, and support for large-scale musical productions.
• DeMeester Recital Hall offers a warm, acoustically rich setting with a wood stage and piano, ideal for student recitals and small performances.
• Perko Black Box Theatre is an intimate, flexible space with three-sided seating, perfect for smaller performances and rehearsals.

Skills for In-Demand Careers

Musicians become expert listeners, critical thinkers, and communicators in ways that translate into all areas of professionalism and career development. A Music major becomes part of a team the moment they step onto campus, making music together, sharing technology and equipment, and supporting each other through the challenges of academic rigor and career readiness. Crucial skills include:

• Strong Communication
• Adaptability
• Teamwork

Related Programs

Expand your skillset even further by adding a related minor to your B.A. in Music:

• Musical Theatre Minor
• Marketing Minor
• Arts Administration Minor