Music BA
University of the Pacific, United States
Bachelor of Arts in Music
University of the Pacific
Music
Program Overview: Bachelor of Arts in Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music is an adaptable degree designed to connect music to the liberal arts and sciences. It provides a breadth of study that serves as excellent preparation for graduate study in music while offering flexibility in choosing a professional career path.
This program requires at least 64 units outside of music courses, making it ideal for students who want to pursue a double major, double degree, minor, or pre-professional program alongside their music study. An independent capstone project allows you to further a particular musical interest or combine musical and non-musical research.
Housed within the Conservatory of Music, the first accredited professional music school on the West Coast and a charter member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1928, you will benefit from one-on-one instruction, a broad range of performing ensembles, and faculty who are actively engaged performers, composers, and scholars.
Key Program Highlights
- Flexible degree structure with at least 64 units outside music, ideal for double majors and interdisciplinary study
- Part of the historic Conservatory of Music, NASM-accredited since 1928 and the first professional music school on the West Coast
- Independent capstone project enabling you to explore a specialized musical interest or combine musical and non-musical research
- Small conservatory community of approximately 260 students with dedicated faculty from ensembles such as the American Bach Soloists and San Francisco Contemporary Music Players
Curriculum and Modules
The BA in Music curriculum combines intensive musical training with academic work in music and the other humanities, including foreign language. The music portion of the degree closely mirrors the Bachelor of Music requirements in the first year, giving you room for exploration while progressing toward graduation.
A foundational sequence covering harmonic analysis, part-writing, sight-singing, and dictation that develops your core musicianship skills across multiple semesters.
Survey courses exploring the development of Western music from the medieval period through the contemporary era, with attention to diverse cultural perspectives and repertoire.
One-on-one instruction in your principal performing medium each semester, providing personalized guidance from faculty who are active professional musicians.
Required participation in a major ensemble each semester of full-time residency, with options including concert band, orchestra, chorus, jazz combos, and chamber ensembles.
Liberal Arts and General Education
Minimum 64 unitsA broad selection of courses outside the Conservatory including Pacific Seminars, breadth requirements across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and diversity and inclusion coursework.
Elective Opportunities
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BA in Music program at the University of the Pacific requires both university-level academic qualifications and a Conservatory audition. Prospective students should reach out to Uni4Edu for personalized guidance through the application process.
Academic Requirements
- High School DiplomaCompleted secondary education with strong academic record
- GPAAverage admitted GPA of 3.60; no strict minimum requirement
- Standardized TestsSAT or ACT scores are optional (test-optional policy)
- AuditionPerformance audition in principal instrument or voice required; in-person or recorded auditions accepted
- Tonal Memory ExerciseA brief ear-training exercise is administered at the end of the audition
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 90
- IELTSMinimum overall band score of 6.5
- Duolingo English TestMinimum score of 110
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music offers generous scholarship support to incoming students. International applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon application. Contact Uni4Edu for the latest information on available funding.
Conservatory Music Merit Scholarship
Merit-based awards determined through the audition process and academic record. Undergraduate Conservatory students have collectively received over USD 3 million in combined academic and music merit scholarships in recent years.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
The BA in Music equips graduates with employable skills in leadership, collaboration, and communication. The flexible liberal arts foundation combined with conservatory-level musical training prepares you for diverse career paths in music and beyond, including graduate study at top programs.
Potential Career Paths
Where Graduates Work and Study
Rankings and Recognition
University of the Pacific is a nationally recognized private university founded in 1851, home to the first accredited professional music school on the West Coast. The university has achieved its highest-ever national ranking and is consistently recognized for student outcomes, value, and social mobility.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Conservatory of Music (NASM Accreditation) | NASM | Charter Member Since 1928 |
| Social Mobility (National) | U.S. News & World Report | #42 |
| Private Universities in the West | New York Times | #3 |
| Private Universities in California | Wall Street Journal | #7 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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