Music BA
- Major
- BA
- In-Person
- Greeley
- Culture and Expression
- Latinx Music
- Music Business and Recording Arts
4 Years
Program Overview
With no audition required, UNC’s BA in Music program will help you gain musical knowledge plus specialized training in what you love most. You’ll explore music theory, history and performance while building skills for your specific career goals — whether that’s producing tracks, managing artists, performing Latin American music, working behind-the-scenes for non-profit or community-based arts organizations, or carving out your own niche in the industry.
In small classes with dedicated faculty, you’ll gain hands-on experience that prepares you for careers in performance, production, artist management, entrepreneurship, sync licensing, and wherever the industry takes you next.
You’ll tailor your degree by selecting one of three concentrations: Music Business and Recording Arts, Culture and Expression, or Latinx Music. These concentrations give you room to grow beyond music. You can add a minor in an area within or outside the arts or pursue a second major to further shape your degree around your personal goals.
Learn from accomplished musicians, scholars, and industry professionals—including Grammy winners and internationally recognized performers.
Gain practical experience and industry knowledge to launch a career in music, pursue graduate studies, or work in related creative fields.
To earn the Music BA, you’ll complete 120 total credits, including 46–50 credits in music courses, depending on your concentration. There is no audition required for this program or for either of the concentrations.
Core music requirements include:
-
- Music Theory I & II (classical or Jazz & Latin)
- Aural Skills I & II (classical or Jazz & Latin)
- Music History & Styles
- Applied Lessons (primary instrument or voice)
- Ensemble participation
View full degree requirements for each of these concentrations:
You’ll study music in world cultures, advanced music history and electives in cultural studies.
You’ll learn about music industry operations, recording techniques and production.
You’ll gain an understanding of Latin American music history, U.S. Latinx music traditions and performance in Latinx ensembles
Why Study Music at UNC?
The BA in Music at UNC blends a strong foundation in musicianship with the freedom to focus on what inspires you most. You’ll study theory, history and performance while diving into one of three concentrations—each with its own specialized experiences and career pathways.
No matter your path, you’ll work closely with faculty mentors, collaborate with talented peers, and gain the skills to succeed in a variety of fields—from performance and education to arts management, recording, and cultural research. UNC’s music community offers the creativity, support, and professional preparation you need to turn your passion into a career.
First of Its Kind in the U.S.
UNC’s Latinx Music concentration is the first program of its kind in the nation. Led by acclaimed clarinetist Javier Vinasco, it offers in-depth study of Latin American and U.S. Latinx music traditions, along with opportunities to perform in specialized ensembles that celebrate cultural diversity and innovation.
Music Business + Recording Arts
In the Music Business and Recording Arts concentration, you’ll learn how to navigate the industry, from marketing to production, with access to professional studios and guidance from Grammy-winning faculty.
This concentration will help you gain a deep understanding of the financial, legal and artistic sides of the industry while gaining hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art studios. You’ll learn both the technical and creative skills you need to produce, market and record music in today’s professional landscape.
Culture and Expression
This concentration is designed for students with broad interests and career goals. You’ll take courses in music theory, history, technology, and entrepreneurship, while also having the freedom to add a second major or minor.
As a Culture and Expression student, you can perform in UNCs music ensembles and take lessons while exploring how music connects with culture, creativity and community.
Concentrations
Choose one of three concentrations to shape your B.A. in Music. Each offers unique courses, experiences, and career pathways.
No audition is required for these programs, but you may audition for scholarship consideration.
Join the first program of its kind in the U.S., led by acclaimed clarinetist Javier Vinasco. Study Latin American and U.S. Latinx music traditions, performance practices, and cultural impact while performing in specialized ensembles.
Combine music skills with business and technology. Learn about the music industry, marketing, and entrepreneurship while gaining hands-on experience in recording, production, and sound design. Directed by Grammy-winning producer Socrates García and Music Business professor Dr. Sarah Off.
Explore music as a cultural force. Study diverse traditions, music history, and the role of music in identity, community, and social change. Ideal for students interested in musicology, ethnomusicology, or cultural studies.
What Sets UNC Music Apart
The Only One
Our Latinx Music Program is the first bachelor's degree specialized in Latinx Music in the country.
State-of-the-Art Studios
We offer a state-of-the-art, large-scale recording studio and multiple hybrid project studios available for students' projects.
Connections Through Music
Our programs not only focus on the technical aspect; we also emphasize community engagement. We create music to create community.
Listen to Our Faculty
Music's Impact in Culture
“I began to become very fascinated by this idea of history and music’s position within culture, and trying to understand the way that music impacted the cultures of their time, as well as the way it impacts our own culture.”
Janice Dickensheets, Ph.D.
School of Music
Professor of Music History
Music to Connect
"Our program emphasizes community engagement and culturally relevant learning, preparing students to connect with diverse populations through music."
Javier Vinasco, Ph.D.
School of Music
Latinx Music Program Director
Center for Arts Entrepreneurship
The Center for Arts Entrepreneurship strengthens the connection between the Northern Colorado arts community and the UNC and values innovative ideas, the advancement of knowledge and creative energy for all Artist-Entrepreneurs.
Ensembles
Join one of UNC’s many ensembles—auditioned and non-auditioned—from classical choirs and orchestra to jazz bands and specialized small ensembles like Latin Beat. Explore your options and perform in the styles that inspire you.
Internships
Our internships program gives you real-world experience that expands your knowledge and sets you up for success when you enter the job market.
Contact Us
- PVA@unco.edu
- (970) 351-2993
- Frasier Hall