Popular Music Performance and Enterprise (BA)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Offered by the Department of Performing Arts , College of Arts and Sciences , the Popular Music Performance and Enterprise (BA) attracts students interested in popular music, with an emphasis on performance. The curriculum includes theory and history in addition to courses in audio production and technology, and the enterprise of popular music. Culminates with a final project, recording, or performance.

Admission to the Program

Formal admission to the music major requires demonstrated ability through an audition and interview arranged with the department, preferably prior to beginning university studies. However, a student may enter as an intended major and audition/interview during the first year. Students will be accepted based on programmatic approval and written declaration of major.

University Requirements

120 credit hours with minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 2 )
Completion of all requirements for a major (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 9 )

AU Core Requirements

Completion of AU Core foundation requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.2-8.6 )
Completion of AU Core Habits of Mind requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.7 )
Completion of AU Core integrative course requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.8-8.11 )

For additional information, see AU Core Curriculum .

Major Requirements

54 credit hours with grades of C or better, including at least 18 credit hours at or above 300-level
Performance Ensembles: All students must successfully complete a minimum of six semesters of approved performance ensembles. Music majors must enroll in a performance ensemble in all semesters in which they are enrolled in applied music lessons

Course Requirements

Required (25 credit hours)

Music History (6 credit hours)

Complete 6 credit hours from the following:

Private Studies in Applied Music (8 credit hours)

Complete a minimum of 8 credit hours (over four semesters) from the following:

MUS-122 Private Instrumental or Vocal Study (2)

Performance Ensembles (0-6 credit hours)

Complete six courses (over six semesters) from the following:

Note: Students may register for ensembles in either the 1 credit hour or noncredit options. Students registered for 16 credit hours or less in any given semester are required to register for credit. All majors enrolled in applied music must be registered in an ensemble during each semester of private studies.

Concentration Electives (12 credit hours)

Complete 12 credit hours from the following, or other courses approved by program director:

Capstone (3 credit hours)

MUSC-446 Senior Colloquium in Music (3)

Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees

American University offers students the opportunity to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees through its combined bachelor’s/master’s programs. See Admission to a Combined Bachelor’s / Master’s Program and Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for more information.