Music

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Music

As a Bucknell music major, you'll refine your skills and expression while preparing for careers under the direction of highly accomplished faculty artists.

Students in the bachelor of arts program build a solid foundation in music theory, history and performance, while the bachelor of music program offers two specialized concentrations in performance and music education.

Take advantage of ensemble performance opportunities in musical styles ranging from gamelan and opera to jazz and orchestra.

You'll graduate ready for jobs in teaching, performance, business and more, or for advanced study in areas such as composition and musicology. Arts Merit Scholarships are available to prospective students.

Degree Programs

Our degree programs offer a wide variety of concentrations within music. All degree programs require an audition.

The music education major at Bucknell University is a comprehensive program featuring a variety of teaching, professional development and research opportunities. From their very first semester, music education majors are in a variety of public schools, observing and working with children in realistic settings. With a focus on special education, Bucknell teaches music educators how to facilitate learning for every student and classroom. Music education majors have access to numerous research, professional development and volunteer opportunities while gaining a strong education in the liberal arts.
Bachelor of music in music education
The Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance program provides students with a challenging but robust curriculum.
As part of the initial audition process, Vocal Performance majors must demonstrate basic proficiency in Italian, French and German. Students enrolling in the University who have had at least the equivalent of one college semester of study in a language (one full year in secondary school) may petition the voice faculty to waive further study in that language during the degree process. Singers are encouraged to pursue as much language study as possible.
Candidates in Vocal Performance are reviewed at the end of each semester through an examination by a jury comprising members of the faculty of the Department of Music. At the end of the sophomore year, students must be approved for upper-level study by the department. Candidates whose progress is determined to be insufficient will not be permitted to continue in the Bachelor of Music degree program.
Bachelor of music in vocal performance
Culminating Experience
Vocal Performance majors are expected to appear in several successful performances as soloist and in chamber ensembles prior to presenting a full public recital in the senior year as a Culminating Experience. The senior recital demonstrates a student’s synthesis of theoretical and historical knowledge, technical skills, understanding of musical language and concepts, and musicality.
The Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Performance degree allows students to develop strong performance skills through the practice and study of musicianship and technique. Students explore a variety of musical styles along with performance practice and healthy body use. Students are expected to build a strong musical foundation through the study of music theory and history. Performance Concentration students receive an hour-long lesson weekly each semester they are in residence and are required to perform each semester on department recitals. Performance Concentration students must present a full recital during their senior year. Vocalists may choose either the BM Performance degree or the BA performance concentration depending upon their own goals as well as the outcome of the audition process.
Bachelor of arts in music with concentration in performance
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree may elect to follow the requirements for the general BA or they may elect to pursue a concentration within the confines of the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree. Concentrations include those in Cultural and Critical Studies in Music (CCSM), Contemporary Composition and Performance. Students will be required to participate in at least one of the departments vocal or instrumental ensembles. A successful completion of performance juries each semester and successful completion of one of two options to meet the Culminating Experience requirement:
- A full, public senior recital
- A research project done within an upper-level music course. Students choosing a research project must receive permission from the instructor of the course in which they wish to fulfill the Culminating Experience.
Bachelor of arts in music
The Contemporary Composition concentration of the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree allows students to engage in the study and practice of music composition and creation through the development of their creative compositional voices. Students will engage with various styles of music composition while building a strong musical foundation based on the study of composition, music theory, instrumental performance, music notation, music history and culture and music technology. Students are encouraged to compose for a variety of mediums, including acoustic and electro-acoustic media. Students are expected to build a portfolio of composed works throughout their course of study with performance of their works occurring regularly.
Bachelor of arts in music with concentration in contemporary composition
Cultural and Critical Studies in Music (CCSM) offers a concentration within the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree for students who wish to apply a variety of historical and analytical approaches to music study. In addition to pursuing traditional musical instruction, students will learn how to look at music through the lens of many different cultural traditions. These concepts are drawn from the fields of Ethnomusicology, Musicology, Critical Theory, Jazz Studies and Cultural Studies. Each of the listed Music and Culture courses employs an interdisciplinary approach and encourages students to think across traditional academic boundaries as they pursue a degree in Music.
Bachelor of arts in music with concentration in cultural and critical studies

Most students who come to Bucknell want to have a professor who is actively working within the field. Someone who has the contacts, knows what’s going on and can help them make those connections.

Professor Emily Martin, music, whose album was named one of The Best Classical Recordings of 2020

Take a closer look at the arts

Areas of Study

Brass
Contemporary Composition
Cultural/Critical Studies
Music Education
Percussion

Performance
Piano & Keyboard
Strings
Vocal Performance
Woodwinds

Application and Audition Information

An audition is required for acceptance into all music degree programs, including the bachelor of music degree programs and the bachelor of arts degree programs. All music candidates must follow the Arts Merit Scholarship process, regardless of their interest in these competitive scholarships. The music faculty will submit their recommendations for scholarships to the Arts Merit Scholarship Committee after the completion of the audition requirements. The Office of Admissions considers applications incomplete until the audition requirements are satisfied.

Detailed audition and application information

Piano & Keyboard Studies

The Piano & Keyboard Studies Program offers a comprehensive musical education unlike any other. Faculty tailor their teaching styles to each student's needs and interests and combine it with a weekly group performance class to create a relaxed environment for peer feedback and a communal learning experience.

Students have access to excellent practice rooms and performance facilities as well as performance opportunities. The Piano Showcase Series, the On the Rise Series and the Bucknell Piano Series give students the chance to display their talent and work with world-renowned artists to perfect their craft. Whether your interest is in classical piano, contemporary music, chamber music or learning about other keyboard instruments, we can help you pursue your musical journey.

Strings

As a string student, you will work closely with faculty to develop a study program that takes advantage of all the opportunities at Bucknell. Students can hone their performance skills while still being able to conduct research and study to be an arts administrator, a music educator or a composer.

String students will have the opportunity to participate in the orchestra and chamber music group. Our string ensembles expose students to a wide variety of music, from the classics to modern composers from all over the world. Music students will have the opportunity to learn from professional, internationally recognized musicians and music groups.

Voice Performance

Vocal performance majors at Bucknell have opportunities to perfect their skills in a wide range of performance styles. From Bucknell Opera Theatre to weekly studio classes, your music education at Bucknell will allow for a variety of learning experiences that will prepare you for your career after graduation.

Our students have been selected as finalists in the National Opera Association Collegiate Scenes Competition and as Young Artists for programs such as Opera Steamboat and the Taos Opera Institute. They have attended master's degree programs in voice performance at Peabody Conservatory, Boston Conservatory and Westminster Choir College, among others.

Learn about voice performance at Bucknell

Arts Merit Scholarships

Bucknell offers merit scholarships to applicants who have extraordinary talent in the arts. Students studying creative writing, literature, film/media studies, art & art history, music and theatre are eligible for scholarships that range from $2,500 to $20,000 per year.

Learn more about Arts Merit Scholarships

News from the Arts