Applied music
Bachelor of Arts
Compose your career
Offered through the nationally accredited Lionel Hampton School of Music, this major is a popular choice for students pursuing careers as professional performers, composers or teachers. The broad liberal arts degree also prepares students for careers in fields such as business, law and medicine.
As an applied music major, you’ll develop your skills by performing, creating, analyzing and listening to music. Intensive, hands-on training will help you refine your musical talent, while courses in theory, history and performance build a strong foundation in the humanities and social sciences.
Note: You must audition for admission into this program.
Overview
Related Topics
Performing and creating music
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Love to play, perform or create music
- Have prior training in an instrument or voice
- Want to combine music with another major
- Have an artistic personality
- Are disciplined and hardworking
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,405 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Elementary School Teachers
$53,111 - Secondary School Teachers
$51,531 - Middle School Teachers
$52,900 - Musicians and Singers
$24,022 - Audio and Video Technicians
$36,577
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced counselors can help you explore financial aid options, make informed financial decisions and address common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs you can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
- Teach as an undergraduate teaching assistant in music theory, aural skills, music history and applied instruction.
- Teach and develop your pedagogy skills through our Preparatory Division, which offers exceptional pre-college music instruction to the community.
- Perform in master classes with renowned musicians, including artists from the Auditorium Chamber Music Series, a series that presents some of the world’s finest chamber ensembles.
- Perform with one of our 20-plus large and small ensembles, which produce over 150 concerts per year.
- Participate as a performer, listener, intern or volunteer at the annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, a four-day event that draws hundreds of top jazz artists and spectators from around the world.
Internships
- Disney All-American College Band
- Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Dynamix Academy of Music and Dance (Shanghai)
- Interlochen Center for the Arts
School of Music internships include arts management, choral administration, jazz festival audio technician, jazz festival site management and production management.
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September, and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.