Utah Valley University offers a comprehensive array of music programs designed to cultivate talent and foster artistic growth in students from diverse backgrounds. From performance-based degrees in classical, jazz, and commercial music to specialized programs in music education, composition, and music therapy, UVU's Music Department provides a dynamic learning environment where students can pursue their passions and develop their skills to the fullest.
With a faculty comprised of accomplished musicians and educators, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to hands-on experiential learning, students at UVU receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in both traditional and contemporary music careers. Whether aspiring to become professional performers, educators, composers, or industry professionals, graduates of UVU's music programs emerge with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in the ever-evolving world of music.
"Within UVU's Department of Music, we foster a supportive environment where students receive the instruction they need to meet their educational and professional goals. Many of our string students have been accepted into some of the finest graduate programs in the country. The majority of them have built thriving and lucrative private studios with excellent opportunities for freelance performing."
—Donna Fairbanks, Department of Music Faculty
5
Bachelor
Degrees
Receive a BM, BS, or BA (120-129 credits) in as little as 8 semesters (4 years)!
1
Associate
Degree
Receive an AS (63 credits) in as little as 4 semesters (1.5–2 years)!
4
Certificate
Programs
Receive a Certificate of Proficiency (16-21 credits) in as little as 2 semesters (1 year)!
1
Minor
Program
Receive a Music Minor (18 credits) in as little as 2 semesters (1 year)!
Prepares students for performance-related work and studio teaching. In addition to standard courses that focus on performance skills, it includes courses relevant to the music industry, such as entrepreneurship, music technology, and studio recording.
Provides students with the competencies essential for a professional career in music secondary education.
Music education certification is possible for individuals who have been awarded bachelor degrees in music in areas other than music education. A minimum two-semester residency is required for music coursework, which includes music-major lessons, ensembles, and music education courses. To get started, interested individuals should do the following:
Will the music education degree meet the educational requirements for the professional credentials in the state or US territory you live in during or after completing your UVU degree? Visit the UVU Professional Licensure website to learn more!
Prepares students for professional work in the music industry. Includes training in studio arranging and production, film/media composition, and jazz/commercial performance.
A liberal arts degree with a significant component of electives designed for students who desire a broad base of knowledge. The Bachelor of Arts in music includes foreign language requirements.
A two-year program that offers foundational studies in musicianship and performance. Prepares students for continuation in a four-year degree program in music.
Prepares students for performance-related work and studio teaching. In addition to standard courses that focus on performance skills, it includes courses relevant to the music industry such as entrepreneurship, music technology, and studio recording.
The Certificate of Proficiency in Collaborative Piano-Chamber Music is a one-year program designed to provide further education for pianists interested in collaborating with instrumentalists. The program provides a thorough education in all aspects of piano technique related to instrumentalist accompanying, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The degree is open to current UVU students and local pianists seeking to refine their collaborative piano skills through instrumental literature.
The UVU Certificate of Proficiency in Collaborative Piano/Vocal Coaching is a one-year program designed to provide further education for pianists interested in collaborating with vocalists. The program provides a thorough education in all aspects of piano technique related to vocal accompanying, diction, and literature. The degree is open to current UVU students and local pianists enrolled at UVU seeking to refine their collaborative piano skills through vocal literature.
The UVU Certificate of Proficiency in Piano Pedagogy is a one-year program designed to equip present and prospective piano teachers with rigorous and practical musical training.
The program is open to current teachers and UVU students seeking non-piano degrees who are seeking to enhance their individual piano ability and deepen their knowledge of pedagogical theories and techniques.
A degree with dual emphases, one in music and a second in another academic area of the student’s choice.
Offers introductory studies in musicianship and performance, including theory, aural skills, private instruction, and ensemble participation.
"There is no better commercial music program in Utah if you're planning to make a living with music. The faculty, real-world opportunities, and the students you interact with at UVU are among the best in the business."
—Joshua Larsen, Commercial Music Graduate
Due to the nature of the coursework, Music students should expect ensemble courses to have 3 or more contact hours for one credit. Faculty-supervised rehearsals ensure that students receive adequate preparation for required curricular performances. Additional music courses in the core curriculum and in the required curriculum for all majors have a range of credit hour and contact hour ratios. For example, aural skills classes have two contact hours and one credit. These are challenging courses where the department has determined that more contact time with professors will significantly lessen barriers to student success or graduation. In all instances, our credit hour to contact hour ratios represent increased mentorship between faculty and students.
All music credit hour and contact hour ratios follow the national guidelines of the National Association of Schools Music. Additionally, USHE institutions also follow these patterns. This ensures that students have sufficient time with professors to help them fulfill the program learning outcomes for their degrees. Outside work will also be required of students as per the Class Periods/Credits section of Academic Policies and Standards in the UVU Catalog.
