Become a part of our internationally recognized music program. Our Bachelor of Music degree advances your knowledge in music theory, history, pedagogy, performance and more. Receive one-on-one instruction from our renowned faculty as you develop your skills and build your repertoire. Whether you aspire to teach or perform, our degree prepares you for a variety of careers. Join our community of recognized musicians and apply today! You can also learn more about the Music Department at our main department webpage.
Music (BA) :: 1.3 SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A DEGREE IN MUSIC
SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A DEGREE IN Music
Join Our Community
You’ll discover a vibrant community of talented musicians who are dedicated to fostering world-class ensembles, bands and chorales. Our programs are recognized internationally with students competing and performing overseas.
Learn from the Best
You’ll have opportunities to participate in studio recitals and master classes taught by renowned professors and nationally recognized guest musicians. Our faculty are dedicated to improving your music appreciation, comprehension and performance.
Find Your Program
With over 300 majors, the Department of Music offers top-notch performing experiences while still providing one-on-one mentorship. You’ll have many opportunities to participate in recitals and performances.
Career Readiness
Thinking critically and communicating effectively. That’s what employers are looking for. The College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts is dedicated to providing you the knowledge and resources for exceling in the workforce.
The BM program is for those who wish to specialize in music long term. Our BA program takes a general and well rounded approach to your education. Once you’ve made that choice, the Department of Music offers two different tracks towards earning your bachelor’s degree. Discover what option works best for your career interest and goals.
Music Education
Pass your love of music to the next generation. Our Music Education track equips you with the pedagogical skills to teach at the elementary, secondary and collegiate levels. Credit Hours: 41
Engage in a wide variety of performance opportunities. This track develops your technical skills and abilities through large ensembles, chamber playing, solo performances and more. Credit Hours: 41
Develop essential skills for your piano teaching and performance craft. You will not only prepare repertoire for a solo recital but will receive extensive guidance and hands-on experience teaching piano in individual and group settings. Credit Hours: 41
Let your passion for music shape the lives of those around you. A Master of Music degree prepares you for a wide variety of careers. Our alumni have achieved positions at all levels of music including band or choir director, elementary music teacher, college professors, fine arts directors, studio or private instructor and more. Many of our graduates perform in orchestras, concert and military bands. Others work as collaborative artists and soloists in international touring groups or run their own companies.
A study of the historical development of the art of Western music from the Middle Ages through the Baroque Era. Particular attention will be given to music as an aspect of general cultural and intellectual history as well as to the evolution of musical forms and styles.
Music TechnologyMUS 310
The course is intended primarily for music majors at the junior or senior level. Major topics discussed in the book Experiencing Music Technology (1996) by David Williams and Peter Webster will serve as the basis for course content.
Principal AppliedMUS 152
Private instruction for music majors in keyboard, voice, instruments, or composition. This course includes recitals and performance forums with teacher-directed student evaluations and instructions.
Music (BM/BA) :: Program Admission Requirements US
If you are applying to be a music major or minor or applying for scholarships and admission to the ensembles as a non-music major, you must complete an audition. Music department scholarships are available and awarded based on your audition.
Deadlines
2022 Audition Dates for all Music Majors and Non-Majors
February 19
February 26
March 12
April 9 (Instrumental non-majors only)
Other dates available upon request.
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
Step 1. Apply
Applying to the music program is a two step process. First apply to Texas A&M University-Commerce with ApplyTexas and then apply to the Department of Music with GetAcceptd to sign-up for auditions.
Contact your previous/current academic institution(s) and request that they mail the transcript to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions PO Box 3011 Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
For faster delivery, you may check to see if your previous/current academic institution(s) can submit an electronic version of your transcript to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. A&M-Commerce accepts SPEEDE, National Clearinghouse and Escript-Safe electronic transcripts.
Test Scores
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
You do not need to complete the state-legislated Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment if you meet one of the following exemption criteria.
Met minimum college readiness standard on the SAT or ACT
Obtained the minimum required score(s) on the statewide high school STAAR EOCs Algebra II and English III exams (these are optional for high schools)
Met a veteran or active military waiver (must meet specific requirements for each category)
Received exemption based on earning a prior degree
Received a transfer exemption (declaration by another institution)
Completed prior college-level coursework
Students are responsible for providing proof of exemption and will be considered assessment required until documentation is provided of state exemption. For more information, please contact the Testing Center at [email protected].
ACT/SAT
Submit your scores using the A&M-Commerce codes 4088 (ACT) and 6188 (SAT) on act.org or collegeboard.org.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous, 2-year, pre-university program. In compliance with SB111, TAMU-Commerce offers at least 24 hours of credit to all IB diploma candidates with subject exam scores of 4 or higher.
Music :: Audition Step
Step 3. Audition
Audition and interview to gain acceptance to the program and be eligible for graduate assistantships and scholarships. *Applicants for the Graduate Summer Music Education Cohort will submit a link to video footage of their teaching in lieu of an audition.
Audition Requirements
Voice
Sing 4 pieces: one in English, Italian, German and French.
Be prepared to read text in Italian, German, and French to demonstrate correct pronunciation.
Be prepared to read IPA and to transliterate text to IPA.
Two contrasting etudes (slow and fast) or portions of solo repertoire (lyrical and technical)
Sight-read a short musical example
Students interested in auditioning as a performance major should also be prepared to perform a movement or movements from a standard concerto, sonata or significant solo repertoire. Please contact the applied faculty member for your instrument with any questions.
More than 70% of our undergraduate students receive FINANCIAL AID. Find out how you may be eligible for grants, loans and/or the Work Study Program.
To help you pay for your degree, a variety of SCHOLARSHIPS opportunities are available at A&M-Commerce including institutional scholarships, outside scholarships and state-funded scholarships. All scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available, so apply as early as you can!
Music (BM/BA) :: Program Admission Requirements International
If you are applying as a Performance or Music Education major, you will complete an audition. Music department scholarships are available and awarded based on your audition. Please contact the Department of Music for further information and scheduling.
Deadlines
2022 Audition Dates for all Music Majors and Non-Majors
February 19
February 26
March 12
April 9 (Instrumental non-majors only)
Other dates available upon request.
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
Step 1. Prepare
College is the next big step in your academic journey!
Residents of foreign countries who wish to enter the university should apply to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions well in advance of the semester they plan to attend. Please note that an international student is any degree-seeking student holding a non-immigrant student visa.
All admission requirements are to be completed a minimum of three months prior to the beginning of the semester. In the case of extenuating circumstances, exceptions to this timeline may be considered on an individual basis.
Keep in mind that your transcripts must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before being considered for admission.
Step 2. Apply
Applying to the music program is a two step process. First apply to Texas A&M University-Commerce with ApplyTexas and then apply to the Department of Music with GetAcceptd to sign-up for auditions.
Complete your high school transcript through your junior year.
As an international student, you must show proof of successful completion of a course of study equivalent to that required of a U.S. citizen. Your international transcript must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before we consider you for admission to A&M-Commerce. For freshman admission, high school transcripts need only be evaluated to determine U.S. high school equivalency.
Dual-credit freshmen must also submit an official transcript from the institution that offered the dual-credit classes.
Transcripts must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before a student is considered for admission.
Upon completion of the evaluation, please request the agency provide a copy to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 3011
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
Test Scores
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
You do not need to complete the state-legislated Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment if one of the following exemptions applies.
Met minimum college readiness standard on the SAT or ACT
Obtained the minimum required score(s) on the statewide high school STAAR EOCs Algebra II and English III exams (these are optional for high schools)
Met a veteran or active military waiver (must meet specific requirements for each category)
Received exemption based on earning a prior degree
Received a transfer exemption (declaration by another institution)
Completed prior college-level coursework
Students are responsible for providing proof of exemption and will be considered assessment required until documentation is provided of state exemption. For more information, please contact the Testing Center at [email protected].
ACT/SAT
Submit your scores using the A&M-Commerce codes 4088 (ACT) and 6188 (SAT) on act.org or collegeboard.org.
Credits by Test
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous, 2-year, pre-university program. In compliance with SB111, TAMU-Commerce offers at least 24 hours of credit to all IB diploma candidates with subject exam scores of 4 or higher.
Language Proficiency
As an applicant, you must be adequately proficient in English to pursue a course of study at the university. A score of at least 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based or 79 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and an official report of these scores must be submitted to the Office Undergraduate Admissions prior to admission. Please keep in mind that Education Testing Service (ETS) will not release scores that are older than two (2) years.
Undergraduate Exemptions:
Students who have completed Eng 1301 and Eng 1302, at a U.S. institution, with a grade of “C” or better. Students may provide a certified older score if they have been continuously studying at a U.S. college or university.
Students who have successfully completed the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEP’s) advanced-level program as defined in the information provided by TIEP and who are seeking admissions to our campus.
Students who have completed a minimum of one year of study in a Texas public high school with the completion of English III or English IV (including Advance Placement/AP) with a grade of “B” or better.
Students who are citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the British Virgin Island, Jamaica, United Kingdom, Ireland, Antigua, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, St. Lucia, Wales, Bahamas, Barbados, Switzerland and Canada (excluding French-speaking Quebec). Proof of citizenship must be provided such as birth certificate or passport.
Students who have one of the following tests and scores: CAE: B or Higher CPE: C or Higher AT II E: 968 or Higher IELTS: Overall band 6.0 or Higher SAT Verbal: 500 or Higher ACT Verbal: 19 or Higher
Students who have obtained one of the following foreign high school diplomas/tests/scores:
GCE, GCSE, IGCSE: C or higher in English Language WASC, KCSE, SSCE or equivalent national exams: C or higher in English Language IB (International Baccalaureate): Grade 4 or higher in English subject
Sponsor's Statement
A Sponsor’s Statement of Support for International Student (signed by the sponsor) with a current bank statement showing a balance of at least $28,109.00 USD must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Sponsor’s statements and bank statements must be less than one year old at the time of application.
All educational and living expenses (including medical/repatriation insurance) are the responsibility of the student.
Vaccination Requirements
Texas state law requires all new students 21 years of age or younger to either receive a bacterial meningitis vaccination or meet the exemption requirements prior to the first day of their first semester. Students who fail to submit their proof of vaccination and have their vaccination approved at least 10 days prior to the first day of their first semester may not be allowed to attend classes at A&M-Commerce. Please note that failure to meet this requirement (only students 21 years of age or younger) may result in serious visa status issues.
Audition and interview to gain acceptance to the program and be eligible for Music Department scholarships.
Audition Requirements
Voice
2 Songs memorized (Your selections should be of the same quality as a Texas UIL Solo)
1 of the 2 songs should be in a language other than English
Sight-sing a unison melody
For Non-Major or Music Minor auditions, sing 1 song memorized (Your selection should be of the same quality as a Texas UIL Solo)
Instrumental
All Major Scales and a Full-Range Chromatic Scale
Two contrasting etudes (slow and fast) or portions of solo repertoire (lyrical and technical)
Sight-read a short musical example
Students interested in auditioning as a performance major should also be prepared to perform a movement or movements from a standard concerto, sonata or significant solo repertoire. Please contact the applied faculty member for your instrument with any questions.
Keyboard
Three memorized pieces in contrasting styles (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionism, 20th or 21st Century)
Major and minor scales and arpeggios
Sight-reading
Percussion
Snare Drum:
One concert style solo or etude
Keyboard:
One four-mallet solo
Sight-reading a two-mallet etude
Timpani:
One solo or etude
Drum-Set (Optional):
Demonstrate two-four styles
Step 5. Obtain a Visa
After admission, the Office of International Programs (OIP) will review your documents for eligibility to receive an I-20 (F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 student). As soon as the OIP receives your admission file we will send you an email requesting some additional information and also explaining the process for issuing the I-20. We understand that you need the I-20 as quickly as possible so you can apply for the student visa, and we appreciate your patience while we review your admission and issue the I-20.
J-1 international students are required to provide proof of financial support that equals the estimated cost for one year of study at A&M-Commerce. This requirement is based on the financial support requirements for all F-1 students. These documents are bank and sponsor statements.
Music department scholarships are available and awarded based on your audition. Please contact the Department of Music for further information.
Performance-based scholarships are available to music majors and non-music majors based on the results of the Department of Music audition. The amount of the award varies according to the student’s audition and potential contribution to the department.
Housing scholarships are available in addition to performance-based scholarships. Housing scholarships are awarded as a $500.00 a semester credit toward the students on-campus housing bill.
Students must meet the eligibility requirement of the University to be eligibility for a music scholarship.
Scholarship recipients are required to meet the ensemble and studio requirements as stated in their scholarship contract each semester.
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher for a music scholarship to be renewed each semester. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher for a housing scholarship to be renewed each semester.
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