Undergraduate Degree Programs
Austin Peay State University offers a diverse range of academic pathways for students interested in studying music, including three music degrees with nine distinct concentrations, as well as two music minors.
Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) is a professional degree designed for students seeking intensive, specialized training in music. Concentrations within the B.M. Program provide focused coursework and applied study to prepare students for a multitude of careers in music.
B.M. Concentrations
This concentration prepares students for diverse performance careers, including work
with orchestras, opera companies, musical theatre productions, jazz groups, recording
studios, and military or chamber ensembles. Many graduates performing professionally,
teach private lessons in schools, studios, and at the college level, pursue graduate
degrees or careers in areas like arts administration or pedagogy.
This concentration prepares students for diverse performance careers, including work
with orchestras, opera companies, musical theatre productions, jazz groups, recording
studios, and military or chamber ensembles. Many graduates perform professionally,
teach private lessons in schools, studios, and at the college level, pursue graduate
degrees or careers in areas like arts administration or pedagogy.
This concentration prepares students for diverse performance careers, including work
with orchestras, opera companies, musical theatre productions, jazz groups, recording
studios, and military or chamber ensembles. Many graduates perform professionally,
teach private lessons in schools, studios, and at the college level, pursue graduate
degrees or careers in areas like arts administration or pedagogy.
This concentration prepares students for diverse performance careers, including work
with orchestras, opera companies, musical theatre productions, jazz groups, recording
studios, and military or chamber ensembles. Many graduates perform professionally,
teach private lessons in schools, studios, and at the college level, pursue graduate
degrees or careers in areas like arts administration or pedagogy.
Music teachers are both professional educators and professional musicians. As such, your course work will prepare you to excel as both an educator and a vocalist. Music education courses begin in the sophomore year and conclude with a semester of student teaching. You will also take a group of teacher-preparation courses from the College of Education that prepare you to become a state-certified teacher.
Music teachers are both professional educators and professional musicians. As such, your course work will prepare you to excel as both an educator and an instrumentalist. Music education courses begin in the sophomore year and conclude with a semester of student teaching. You will also take a group of teacher-preparation courses from the College of Education that prepare you to become a state-certified teacher.
Music therapists use music as a therapeutic tool to address motor, communication, cognitive, social, and/or emotional needs. Music therapists work with clients across the lifespan in school, hospitals, mental health agencies, nursing and rehabilitation centers, or private practice. This is a rapidly growing field and APSU is one of only three schools in Tennessee to offer a concentration in music therapy!
This concentration prepares students for careers in composition, conducting, arranging,
music theory, pedagogy, arts management, and more. Composers craft original music
for everything from film and concert halls to digital media and live performance—and
many go on to share their expertise by teaching theory and composition in colleges,
universities, and private studios.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Music provide a broad-based education with a strong foundation in music. These programs are ideal for students who want to combine music with other areas of study.
B.A. and B.S. concentrations
Minors
In addition to our majors, APSU offers a Music Minor and an Arts Entrepreneurship Minor. These options are ideal for students pursuing other majors who want to stay connected to music or explore creative career pathways that blend artistic and business skills.