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Bachelor of Science in Music Degree

Earn a bachelor of science in music

If you are interested in a career in music and plan to pursue graduate studies in music, SBU's Bachelor of Science in Music degree is a great fit for you.

This flexible music program allows you to combine the study of music with a large number of elective courses based on your own unique interests and gifts. Students primarily use this degree as preparation for graduate school and further study as they pursue a variety of music career paths.

The General Music bachelor of science degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences.

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree Plan

The SBU Advantage

SBU's music programs are an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Nearly 100% of SBU music graduates find positions within their field upon graduation or continue their education at graduate school.
Many of SBU's performance ensembles tour regionally, nationally and even internationally.

Faith Integration

Faculty in SBU's department of music are all professing Christians while also highly acclaimed musicians in their own rights. Courses are intentionally taught through a Christian perspective and the personal faith of the faculty is naturally integrated in how they teach and interact with students.

Music Careers

Graduates have pursued employment in the music field in a variety of areas including:

Arts/Venue Management
Collegiate Teaching
Freelance Performance
Music Administration
Music Education
Music Publishing
Music Therapy
Recording/Sound Production
Worship Leadership

Graduate Schools

Graduate school faculty from universities across the country report that our music program graduates are among the most well-prepared for graduate school. Most graduates with the Bachelor of Science in Music degree have pursued further education at institutions such as:

Baylor University
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Southern Methodist University
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
University of Missouri
University of Missouri-Kansas City

"While I was at SBU, I was challenged to think about who I am in Christ and why I believe what I believe. God was preparing me for the people and situations I would (and will) encounter in the music world. Although I'm not a full-time career missionary, I do believe in living a missional lifestyle - my career is not a means to an end or something to bring attention and glory to me, but a platform to serve on a mission field of people who need to hear the Gospel."

Traci Pritchard '10

Professional musician

Clubs and Organizations

Pi Kappa Lambda

Join SBU's Zeta Zeta chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda, a national music honor society. It is the only music organization recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. Each year, a select few of the top junior and senior music majors are voted upon by music faculty to join this distinguished national organization.

Student Advisory Council

Student presidents of Chorale, Concert Choir, Wind Symphony, University Band, Chamber Orchestra, Church Music Conference, and National Association for Music Education, along with a representative of keyboard students and one at-large member comprise the Student Advisory Council. This group serves the department of music by assisting in planning social events, identifying problem areas, and setting goals for the future. By serving on this council, you will help represent other music students to faculty and administration, and grow in leadership opportunities.

Performing Groups

wind symphony performing on stage

More than 15 music performance ensembles provide you many opportunities for developing your music performance skills. Ensemble options include various vocal ensembles, bands, orchestra and more.

Audition for one or more of these groups as you put your learning into action!

Learn about music ensembles

Church Music Conference

Join SBU's student chapter of the national Baptist Church Music conference. Membership is open to all students with an interest in worship leadership regardless of major. By joining this organization you will have the opportunity to attend the annual conference each spring and benefit from fellowship and informational meetings each semester.

Collegiate National Association for Music Education

SBU's collegiate chapter of NafME introduces music education students to the world of professional music educators. In addition to regular on-campus meetings, you also will have the opportunity to attend the Missouri Music Educators Association in-service conference each January.

Full-Time Faculty

Dr. Alex Favazza, Division Head

Dr. Terri Wehmeyer, Professor

Dr. Sarah Howes, Assistant Professor

John Wilson, Assistant Professor

Dr. Melinda Jones, Professor

Faculty Associates

Marc Baker, Percussion

Hannah Fong, Elementary Music Education

Carol Harrison, Violin/Viola

Charlton Miller, HigherGround

Renee Waters, Intro to Music/Theory/Orchestration

Esther Clifton, Cello

Crystal Grosvenor, Intro to Music

Eric Jackson, French Horn

John Trew, Guitar

Tim Wootton, Trumpet

Michelle Draper, Flute

Dawn Gutierrez, Voice

Andy Johnston, Chamber Orchestra

Jeff Waters, Clarinet/Saxophone/Woodwind Ensemble

Scholarships

The majority of SBU music students are selected to receive financial assistance through a music performance scholarship in one or more areas (keyboard, vocal and instrumental). Awards are renewable annually. Requirements for receiving scholarships are listed with each scholarship:

Choral and Instrumental Scholarships — Participate in an assigned role in SBU ensembles
Keyboard Scholarships — Perform assigned accompanying duties for soloists and/or ensembles in the department

All scholarship recipients must maintain a 2.5 minimum grade point average in all college coursework.

Music Scholarship Application (PDF)

Repertoire Guidelines (PDF)

Instrumental Music FOUR YEAR PLAN

Keyboard MUSIC FOUR YEAR PLAN

Vocal MUSIC FOUR YEAR PLAN

Discover Core Curriculum