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Music

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Whether you seek a career in music performance or you want to increase your love of music through learning, UAFS has the right opportunity for you.

UAFS is known in the region as a leader in music education, and because of our unique relationship with local communities, we host many public performances for sophisticated audiences each year. The Bachelor of Arts in music provides broad coverage of the entire field of music while simultaneously providing the opportunity for intense study in instrumental or vocal performance. Students are encouraged to develop an individual program tailored to meet their educational and career goals.

Music helps students express themselves in ways the written or spoken word does not. Research has shown that music students score better on tests, have higher abstract reasoning skills, and experience less test or performance anxiety.
 
Degree holders may perform in musical groups from symphony orchestras to duos or solos, compose music, or create music software. In addition, they may be producers or engineers for recorded music, or they may publish music. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for fine arts graduates is $45,000.

Format

On Campus

Credit Hours

120

Degree Plan

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Related Degrees

Bachelor of Music Education - Vocal
This degree program provides students with the competencies needed for success in K-12 classrooms with an emphasis in vocal education.

Bachelor of Music Education - Instrumental
This degree program provides students with the competencies needed for success in K-12 classrooms with an emphasis in instrumental education.

Minor

This 22-hour program provides students with instruction in the core subjects of the music degree. Students may participate in music ensembles and receive private instruction in their chosen instrument.

Special Application Procedure

Students who seek a bachelor’s degree in music must possess a certain level of proficiency in their chosen instrument and complete an audition before being accepted as a music major.

Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Arts in music, graduates will be able to:

  • perform with developed technical skill and stylistic refinement, both as a soloist and as an ensemble member.
  • demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the theoretical concepts of music and their relationship to each other with reference to works performed.
  • critically analyze, discuss, and demonstrate the use of musical concepts to present a stylistic interpretation of music performed.
  • demonstrate proficient aural and visual skills in reading and writing music, including composing, arranging, and improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
  • demonstrate critical listening skills.
  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the major Western historical music periods and music of world cultures.
  • demonstrate fundamental competence in using music technology through study and laboratory experience.
  • synthesize skills and knowledge through jury, recital, and concert performance as well as portfolio development and practice.
  • demonstrate fundamental keyboard skills with proficient ability to accompany and perform at the piano. 

NASM Accreditation

NASM Accreditation LogoThe University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is an accredited institution of the National Association of Schools of Music. 

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