Music — Bachelor of Art

Bachelor of Art (BA)

Undergraduate Major

Modes of study:

Blended
·
In person

Why should you earn your Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University of Southern Maine?

Earn a BA in Music from the University of Southern Maine and gain a cutting-edge music education at public university tuition rates. Take advantage of all that the Osher School of Music at the new Crewe Center for the Arts has to offer, with one-on-one private lessons, and the knowledge you’ve found your place and people.

Music majors enjoy comprehensive hands-on experiences, from participating in masterclasses with visiting artists and Grammy winners to performing in various ensembles and other opportunities.

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The requirements and courses needed to graduate with this degree are based on the academic catalog that applies to your start year.

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Program duration

Most students typically complete their degree in four years. However, more flexible options may help you save time earning your undergraduate degree.

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School

Osher School of Music

Admissions

SAT and ACT scores optional. Audition required for admission to the Osher School of Music. Early action and year-round admissions.

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Why is earning your undergraduate degree in Music at USM the right choice for you?

Learn in the stunning, state-of-the-art Crewe Center for the Arts: Develop as a musician using the facilities, technology, and creative spaces shaping the future of the music industry. The Crewe Center for the Arts features acoustically optimized spaces, professional-grade recording technology, a 200-seat performance hall, and more than 40 performance and practice rooms.
Study at Maine’s first collegiate All-Steinway institution: With 26 Steinway and Steinway-designed pianos — including three Spirios with expressive playback systems — you’ll develop your artistry using world-class instruments in every stage of your education.
Receive personalized training: Learn from distinguished faculty as you build a strong foundation in music history, theory, sight-singing, aural skills, and piano. Through private lessons, one-on-one mentorship, and frequent performance opportunities, you’ll refine your technique and gain confidence as a performer.
Perform on campus and throughout Southern Maine: The Crewe Center’s 200-seat performance hall is built to be just the right size for your range as a student. Not only will the Osher School of Music’s longstanding performance traditions ensure you take the stage, our central location gives you access to gain additional experience through performance opportunities across Greater Portland’s vibrant arts community.
Develop critical thinking skills that set you apart: A rigorous liberal arts education strengthens your creativity, communication, and critical thinking, helping you adapt your musical expertise to a wide range of careers.
Build your professional network in Southern Maine: Utilize USM’s broad network of partners to find internships and performance opportunities that will build your resume — from Portland’s rich mix of local theaters, companies, and non-profits.
Achieve world-class training at public university tuition rates: Earn a high-quality music education from distinguished faculty while benefiting from the value of a public university.

Enjoy performing in one of USM's many ensembles during the university's performance season.

Engage in the USM Performance Season

While at USM, you’ll have the opportunity to perform with one or more of our ensembles, including:

Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra
University Concert Band and Osher Wind Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Composers’ Ensemble
University Chorale
USM Chamber Singers
Opera and Musical Theatre

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Where can you go after completing your music degree at USM?

Receive a nuanced and flexible musical education as you complete your BA in Music, helping you achieve career success in your desired field upon graduation.

Open up the possibilities as a professional musician

Graduates from the Osher School of Music are part of an impressive network of musicians, including performers, conductors, award-winning composers, scholars, music educators, Grammy winners, opera singers at the Metropolitan Opera and the Lyric Opera, and renowned international talent.

Explore up and coming industries like musicology or music therapy. Many USM graduates also work as professional songwriters, or are involved in arts entrepreneurship.

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We’re here to help answer questions about costs

Tuition & fees Financial aid Scholarships

USM students earning a BA in music may qualify for reduced tuition with the NEBE Tuition Break program.

New England resident? You may qualify for reduced tuition!

If you live in New England, applying for this program qualifies you for a significantly reduced tuition rate, thanks to the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break program.

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Earn a NASM-accredited degree

The Osher School of Music at USM is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), demonstrating the program’s commitment to rigorous academic and professional standards. When you choose USM for your music degree, you’ll receive an education designed to prepare you for a successful future in the broader music industry.

What is NASM?

The Osher School of Music at USM is NASM-accredited.

Get a glimpse into what being a music student at USM entails

Next steps

Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Music — Bachelor of Art