Music is essential to the human experience.
At the University of Mary Washington we believe that a vibrant musical community should be at the heart of a dynamic liberal arts institution. Major in music and you’ll engage your mind, body and senses – but the benefits don’t stop with you. You’ll share the gift of music whether through composition, education or performance. Go beyond core courses to discover what moves you most, then pursue it with passion. All the while you’ll gain the critical thinking and communications skills to prepare you for graduate study or a career in music right out of college.
Degree Awarded
Students majoring in music who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in music.
Areas of Study
Music majors get a broad background through courses in a performance area, music theory, and music history. All music graduates earn a bachelor’s degree in music, and some choose to add education courses for teacher certification. To specialize, students need to plan and schedule courses carefully to include elective courses, independent study, and internships.
Career Opportunities
UMW music majors leave prepared for graduate study, performance, composition, research, production, sound engineering, and more. Graduates who include music education often teach in public schools.
Internships
Music majors have the opportunity to complete internships under faculty supervision in music performance and music education.
Learn more about how to earn honors in music at the Honors Program page of the undergraduate catalog.
Students seeking a degree in music must complete courses in music theory, music history, and music performance. Placement in individual lessons and ensembles is based on audition, which all music majors must complete. Majors pursuing teaching certification must register with the College of Education and take music education classes.
The Department of Music offers many scholarships. In addition, the UMW Philharmonic has one of the largest and most progressive scholarship programs in the nation, and it offers generous scholarships to student members.