The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree is tailored for the specific talents of music students who are seeking a music career that requires musical production, composing, or theory. The Department of Music is committed to offering a world class music education and building a music school where student artists expand their creative gifts, and ultimately contribute their talents to the Western classical music heritage.
Designed to provide a broad aesthetic experience for the music major, the general student, and anyone in between that might come into contact with our music school, the program introduces undergraduates to the fine arts along with the theories that underlie them, and offers opportunities for creative involvement and enrichment in various ensembles.
Small class sizes allow our students to study with mentor-professors, and build lifelong relationships with colleagues and faculty. Students may choose to participate in exciting ensemble experiences with Schola Cantorum, University Singers, the Opera Workshop, or the University Bands. Selected music school students may collaborate with faculty to experience heightened challenges in the Music Honors Program.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music is a versatile liberal arts degree designed to equip the student with a strong music foundation enhanced through an emphasis on academic coursework. The degree in music studies combines music theory, literature and history with a large number of music elective hours that allow the student to shape the degree to meet their personal educational goals. Students gain performance experience in ensembles and improve their skills through applied study.
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Experience performances by the world-class cultural organizations in the city – the Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet – are all included in several course requirements, and solo and chamber performances available from Da Camera, Nexus, Society for the Performing Arts, and the Friends of Music are readily available.
The Department of Music presents between 50 and 70 programs each year, including student recitals, faculty concerts, major ensemble concerts and invited guest performances. The Choral program hosts a week-long residency each year by a well-known choral composer. String players study with Dr. Mauricio Oliveros of the Terra Nostra Ensemble, HCU’s ensemble-in-residence, for their private lessons and chamber music coaching.
Additionally, select instrumental students perform with the Houston Civic Symphony as part of their orchestral/large ensemble training.
HCU Bachelor of Music majors have gone on to successful performing and conducting careers. They teach courses in music studies at universities, colleges, and music schools, as well as maintain private studios and/or pursue advanced degrees in graduate school. Graduates are also teaching in public and private schools as band directors and choir directors, and are serving as ministers of music and worship leaders in churches.