Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.)
At Colorado Christian University, you can combine your passion for music with your education by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music. This music degree is perhaps the most versatile of all music degrees, preparing you for a broad range of musical and non-musical careers. The additional elective hours easily allow you to add a minor in another field of study or more in-depth studies in specific areas of music. You can tailor the program to your unique interests by adding an emphasis in composition, music production and engineering, or performance.
At CCU’s state-of-the-art Armstrong Center, you’ll get to study music in an inspiring, professional-level environment designed to help you grow as an artist. You’ll rehearse and perform in acoustically engineered spaces, practice in dedicated studios, and even record in a real, industry-quality recording studio—all right on campus. With access to a 500-seat performance theater, modern composition and media labs, and plenty of inviting practice rooms, you’ll have everything you need to sharpen your craft and step confidently into your future. It’s a place where your talent is taken seriously, your creativity is encouraged, and your passion for music can truly thrive.
Program FAQs
What are the audition requirements for the School of Music at CCU?
If you are planning to major or minor in music or theatre, you are required to audition for participation in most ensembles and for consideration for School of Music scholarships.
What is a major in music?
A major in music is an undergraduate degree program that develops your musical abilities, theoretical knowledge, and practical skills for various career paths. At CCU, the Bachelor of Arts in Music combines comprehensive music education with a Christian worldview. You will study music theory, music history, and music performance while exploring areas like music composition, music production, and world music. This music degree provides the flexibility to pursue your specific interests through electives and emphasis areas. The Bachelor of Arts in music offers broad liberal arts education requirements that prepare you for diverse careers in and beyond the music industry.
What can you do with a music degree?
A music degree opens doors to numerous career paths in performing arts, education, and the music industry. You can perform and record as a professional musician, work as a sound engineer or in music production, teach music in educational settings or private lessons, pursue graduate school for advanced study, or combine your music major with business, theology, or psychology. The Bachelor of Arts in music is designed to adapt to your unique interests, allowing you to build the future you envision. Many music majors also pursue careers in arts management, music therapy, and music technology. Your music career begins with discovering how your talents align with your calling.
What makes CCU's music program different from other music schools?
At CCU, you will learn how to impact culture for Christ, honor Him through your art, and share His love whether on campus, across the country, or around the globe. Excellence in music performance becomes your tool for making a difference. The music program brings together classical, jazz, contemporary, and world music, all viewed through a distinctly Christian worldview. You will graduate as a leader ready to make an impact in both the world and the Church.
You will receive personal attention from experienced faculty who truly care. These are not just teachers but active performers and clinicians who are out there doing what they teach. They want to mentor you and help you become everything you are meant to be. You could tour nationally with major ensembles and have access to an on-campus recording studio where you can create professional-quality work. Your talent has purpose, and your music has power. At CCU, you will discover how to use both to glorify God and transform lives.
Is a music major a good choice for your future?
Studying music at a Christian university like CCU prepares you for a meaningful career while developing your faith alongside your artistic abilities. A music major is an excellent choice if you want to combine your passion for music with a Christ-centered education. Music education majors and music performance majors alike find that their degree program equips them with both technical performance skills and the theological foundation to serve others.
The Bachelor of Arts in music offers the flexibility to double major or add a music minor while completing general education requirements. Whether you plan to become music educators, pursue graduate school, or enter the music business, this degree prepares students for diverse opportunities. Your career goals and spiritual calling can develop together through extensive practice, applied lessons, and hands-on experience in vocal and instrumental ensembles.
What courses will you take in the music program?
Your required coursework includes foundational classes in music theory, music history, and music performance on your primary instrument. You will also take courses in world music, music composition, and participate in instrumental ensembles throughout your time at CCU. The program includes music electives that let you dive deeper into specialized areas.
If you love creating original music, you will find courses in Music Composition essential to your growth. If you want to work behind the boards in studios, Music Production and Engineering will teach you sound design and music technology. If you are meant to be on stage, Music Performance courses will refine your abilities through ongoing lessons and extensive practice with different instruments and performance styles.
You can choose emphasis areas in composition, music production and engineering, or performance. This is not a one-size-fits-all degree. It adapts to your unique interests and helps you build the future you are dreaming of. Your music journey starts here.
What are some careers you can pursue with a music degree?
Music majors from CCU enter diverse fields across the music industry and beyond. Prominent career paths include:
- Music Education: Become a music teacher in public schools or private educational settings, preparing students to develop their own musical abilities and appreciation.
- Music Performance: Work as professional musicians in orchestras, bands, or as solo artists, performing in various genres from classical to contemporary and popular music.
- Music Production and Technology: Serve as a sound engineer, producer, or specialist in music technology, creating recordings and managing the technical aspects of music creation.
- Arts Management and Music Business: Lead organizations in the performing arts through roles in music management, concert promotion, or arts administration.
- Music Therapy: Help others heal and grow through therapeutic music programs, combining your understanding of music with care for people's well-being.
Additional paths include pursuing a master's degree in graduate school, pursuing careers in commercial music, pursuing jazz studies, and teaching music through applied lessons. The liberal arts education you receive ensures you are prepared for whatever direction your calling takes you.
How does the Bachelor of Arts in Music differ from other music degrees?
The Bachelor of Arts in Music is perhaps the most versatile of all music degrees, preparing you for a broad range of musical and non-musical careers. This degree balances music education with liberal arts requirements. This gives you flexibility that other music majors may not have.
You can easily add a minor in another field of study or pursue more in-depth studies in specific areas like music composition, music business, or music technology.
