What is the Bachelor of Musical Arts?
The Bachelor of Musical Arts (BMA) is a music performance degree that also allows the student to take approximately 30 credit hours in a secondary emphasis. Students in this degree program present one recital and participate in ensembles for a minimum of three years. The secondary emphasis allows students to pursue additional studies either within the School of Music or in other departments and colleges at the University of Oklahoma.
Students who choose a secondary emphasis from within the School of Music have four options: music technology, jazz emphasis, academic emphasis, or organ technology.
Students who pursue an emphasis outside of the School of Music have a wide array of options when it comes to fulfilling their secondary emphasis requirements. Many choose to pursue a minor in another area of study. At last count, OU has over one hundred available minor degree options.
The BMA program is an excellent degree program for students interested in going into professional programs such as medical school, dental school, physician’s assistant programs, or law school. Students typically use the secondary emphasis to fulfill pre-health or pre-law coursework.
So, what's my degree?
Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree. A Master of Music or Music Education is available, as well as a Doctor of Musical Arts.
Do my interests fit?
Musical Arts students typically have interests in:
- Music Performance
- Music Theory, Musicology, or Ethnomusicology
- Music Technology
- Jazz
- Advanced studies in music
- Another interest in an area outside music
How can I get involved?
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Sigma Alpha Iota
Music Educators National Association
Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
Music Teachers National Association
Graduate Music Student Association
Ensembles and Choirs
What courses will I take?
Bachelor of Musical Arts courses include:
- Musical Structures I-V
- Aural Skills I-IV
- Group Piano I-IV
- Major Area classes
- Music in Culture
- Ancient times to 1700
- Late Baroque through Romantic
- Post-Romantic Period to the Present
Wait, I can have a minor?
Yes, there are over 100 minors available at the University of Oklahoma! Students pursuing a BMA degree must take over 30 hours of credits outside the School of Music; minors or second majors are excellent options.
How can I study abroad?
- The University of Oklahoma has a fantastic Study Abroad program. Music majors usually take advantage of summer programs to earn General Education credit.
- Opportunities are also available to perform abroad with ensembles and choirs.
What kind of career can I pursue?
- The BMA is a very diverse program, the career options are unlimited!
- Symphonies, Orchestras, and Choirs
- Colleges and universities
How much will I make?
Median pay for postsecondary music teachers: $66,930
Median pay for musicians and singers: $26.96/hr
Median pay for broadcast and sound engineering technicians: $42,650
Median pay for music directors and composers: $50,590
*Pay from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Program Accreditation
The OU School of Music is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Contact Us
School of Music
Phone: (405) 325-2081
Email: elizabeth.nunley@ou.edu
Website: music.ou.edu
