Bachelor of Music in Music
Department
Department of Music and Dramatic Arts
College
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Overview of the program
The Bachelor of Music degree is the initial professional degree for students desiring to specialize in music. The course of study may be taken in preparation for a career in performance, composition, or private applied studio instruction. It may also serve as a foundation leading to advanced graduate study. Its primary emphasis is on development of the skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential to the professional life of the musician.
In any of several possible roles, the successful professional musician must exhibit technical competence, a broad knowledge of music and musical literature, the ability to integrate musical knowledge and skills, sensitivity in musical style, and insight into our culture. Students in this program must possess exceptional talent, well-developed musicianship, artistic sensibilities, mental stamina, and above all, a strong sense of commitment. Only students who are prepared to make a disciplined effort that must become a way of life beyond the degree years should enter the program. Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree should view audition requirements for entering the program located on the Department's Web pages.
The Department of Music and Dramatic Arts is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
For students interested in a music education program, please view information on the Bachelor of Music Education degree program.
Concentrations
Concentrations are a specialization in one area of the degree program. The concentrations for the Bachelor of Music in Music degree program include:
- Instrumental
- Vocal
- Piano
Strengths of the program
- Our highly qualified faculty of twenty-three full-time and twenty-one part-time teachers and scholars is devoted to teaching and providing a positive and supportive learning environment for all of their students. Our faculty members are leaders in their fields, holding offices in state and national professional organizations and receiving national and university awards in teaching, research, and creative activity. They can be heard performing nationally and internationally in live concerts and on compact discs.
- The quality of performance teaching is reflected through the accomplishments of our students in competitions, placements, audition results, grad school placements, fellowship awards, etc.
- Our student body is diverse -- our students come from throughout the United States and several foreign countries, including Honduras, Bulgaria, Russia, Romania, Germany, the Republic of Moldova, and Mexico.
- Graduates continue to distinguish themselves in a variety of ways, as successful on-stage performers and as educators in public schools, colleges, and universities.
- The Community Music School (CMS) at Southeastern Louisiana University provides the northshore region with a vital community-based program of music education. The CMS provides an opportunity for Southeastern music students to teach students and have their teaching evaluated by Southeastern faculty members.
Preparing for a job in the program
Students hoping to pursue a career in music should:
- Have substantial pre-college experience singing or playing an instrument.
- Develop written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Develop computer skills.
- Seek opportunities to perform (alone or in local ensembles) or work in local music stores.
- Volunteer to work with local area music educators.
- Network with professionals in arts related fields.
Careers in the program
A bachelor's degree in music prepares students for work in the following fields:
- Elementary/secondary music teacher
- College/university teacher
- Studio/private teaching
- Instrumentalist, classical
- Instrumentalist, pop/rock/jazz
- Vocalist, classical
- Vocalist, pop/rock/jazz
- Church musician
- Studio musician
- Conductor/director
- Composer/arranger/orchestrator
- Staged musical/theatre
- Music librarian
- Musicologist
- Music editing & publishing
- Computer software industry
- Instrument repair & design
- Retail music sales
Some occupations may require graduate or professional education. For information on training and qualifications needed for the specific occupations you are considering, consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook or other career guidance resources. Also, take advantage of career planning services offered by the University.
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
Performing Arts, $23,000 - $34,000
Elementary Teacher Education, $27,000 - $34,500
Secondary Education, $27,000 - $31,500
Specific Academic/Vocational Teacher, $26,650 - $33,000
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
- Music Educators' National Conference (MENC)
- Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Honorary Music Fraternity)
- Kappa Kappa Psi (KKY, National Band Fraternity)
- Delta Omicron (National Music Fraternity)
- American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
Related fields that might interest you
- Attorney (music business)
- School teacher
- Television, movie and radio industries
- Entertainment industry
- Military bands & choruses
- Film score composer/editor
- Ethnomusicology
- Library arts
- Piano tuning
- Disc jockeys and announcers
- Music programming (radio)
- Arts management/administration
- Community development specialist
- Music reporter or critic
- Sound & recording engineering
- Audio/visual equipment technician
- Producer
- Music promoter
- Advertising
- Government agencies such as U. S. State Department - Cultural Affairs
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Necessary qualities for the music major include:
- Previous musical training, including the ability to perform - either vocally or on a musical instrument.
- Self-motivation, discipline, persistence & perseverance are all necessary in order to effectively practice, study and learn about music.
Notable Alumni
William J. "Bill" Evans, BMEd., 1950 - Grammy-winning Jazz Pianist and Composer
Ralph R. Pottle, Jr., BA & BM, 1949 - Hornist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Fulbright Fellow
Donald George Smith, BM, 1969 - International opera soloist
Alvin Duain Wolfe, BM, 1966 - Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Contact Information
Department of Music and Dramatic Arts
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
SLU Box 10815
Hammond, Louisiana 70402-0815
On Campus: Pottle Music Building, Room 102
Telephone: (985) 549-2184
Fax: (985) 549-2892 fax
Email: devenson@selu.edu
