Music History BMus
University of the Pacific, United States
Bachelor of Music in Music History
University of the Pacific
Music History
Program Overview: Bachelor of Music in Music History
The Bachelor of Music in Music History at University of the Pacific gives you the opportunity to study the interaction of music and culture within one of the oldest conservatories in the United States. This program combines intensive musical training with academic work in music and the other humanities, including foreign language, preparing you for graduate study or a direct career in the world of music.
The opportunity to major in music history at the undergraduate level is relatively rare, making this program distinctive among conservatory offerings nationwide. At Pacific, you will receive broad exposure to musical eras and genres that encourages the development of communication and research skills applied to music, supported by the resources of a full liberal arts university.
Graduates of this program have gone on to pursue PhDs in musicology and ethnomusicology, archival and librarianship programs, popular writing and criticism on musical figures, and conducting careers. Many have also used their music history expertise to inform their performance careers or their work as music educators, analysts, or composers.
Key Program Highlights
- Rare undergraduate major in music history offered within an NASM-accredited conservatory founded in 1878, the first on the West Coast
- Access to a full liberal arts college on campus, enabling interdisciplinary study that enriches your understanding of music in cultural context
- Small conservatory enrollment of approximately 230 students ensures personalized faculty attention and mentorship throughout your studies
- Opportunities to develop independent research projects and scholarly work typically reserved for graduate students at other institutions
Curriculum and Modules
The Music History curriculum at University of the Pacific requires a minimum of 124 units, blending core musicianship training with specialized music history coursework, general education, and elective study. A breadth of upper-level electives, courses in other disciplines, and ensemble experiences are chosen to support the degree and your individual academic goals.
Survey of Music History I
3 UnitsStudy of western music history covering composers, styles, genres, and institutions from 1600 to 1800, providing foundational knowledge of the Baroque and Classical periods.
Survey of Music History II
3 UnitsContinuation of western music history survey covering composers, styles, genres, and institutions from 1750 to the present, including Romantic, Modern, and Contemporary periods.
Topics in Early Music
3 UnitsStudy of early music topics from before 1700, including medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque periods. Sample topics include Renaissance madrigal, medieval chant, and 17th-century opera.
Topics in Eighteenth-Century Music
3 UnitsExploration of music topics from the eighteenth century, covering high Baroque, pre-Classical, Classical, and pre-Romantic styles and their cultural contexts.
Symphonic Literature
3 UnitsStudy of the history of the symphony from Baroque antecedents to contemporary examples, examining evolving orchestral forms, compositional techniques, and performance practices.
Music Composition Core Sequence
16 UnitsA foundational sequence in music theory and composition covering harmony, counterpoint, form, and analysis, providing essential musicianship skills for all conservatory students.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Music in Music History at University of the Pacific requires both academic qualifications and a successful audition in your principal performing medium. International students are welcome to apply through Uni4Edu, which handles all application processing and guidance on your behalf.
Academic Requirements
- High School DiplomaCompleted secondary education with strong academic record; average admitted GPA of 3.60
- AuditionPerformance audition in principal instrument or voice required for all Conservatory applicants
- Standardized TestsTest-optional admissions policy; SAT/ACT scores not routinely required for international applicants
- Personal StatementWritten essay demonstrating your interest in music history and academic goals
- Letters of RecommendationRecommendation letters from teachers or music instructors who can speak to your academic and musical abilities
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
University of the Pacific offers several scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Music History. International applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships upon application. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding options and scholarship eligibility.
International Student Merit Scholarship
Up to USD 15,000 per yearAwarded to international students applying as first-year or transfer students based on academic merit. Applicants are automatically considered with their admission application through Uni4Edu.
Academic Merit Scholarship
USD 8,000 to USD 24,000 per yearAvailable to students who have graduated from a high school outside of the US. Upon admission, students are considered for a domestic academic merit scholarship based on their academic record.
Conservatory Music Scholarships
Varies by audition performanceMusic-specific scholarships awarded based on audition performance and musical talent. Contact Uni4Edu for current availability and application details for Conservatory-specific funding.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
A Bachelor of Music in Music History from University of the Pacific prepares you for diverse career paths in the music industry, academia, and the broader cultural sector. The program's combination of rigorous musicianship training and scholarly research skills gives graduates a versatile foundation for professional success.
Potential Career Paths
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
University of the Pacific is a nationally recognized private institution founded in 1851, home to the first conservatory of music on the West Coast. The Conservatory of Music has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1928 as a charter member, and the university consistently appears in major national rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Music (Overall) | Music-Colleges.com | #153 in USA |
| Music History & Literature | Music-Colleges.com | #82 in USA |
| Music Therapy | Music-Colleges.com | #18 in USA |
| NASM Accreditation | National Association of Schools of Music | Charter Member since 1928 |
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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