Music (Popular Music), BA
Are you interested in a career in the modern music industry? Choose from multiple specializations in this flexible program that emphasizes hands-on, applied study in the industry.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Bachelor of Arts program in music offers a popular music concentration, for musicians like you who are interested in various popular music genres, such as singers, songwriters, laptop performers, producers, composers, instrumentalists and vocalists. You can choose between performer and nonperformer tracks, following a flexible major map.
The program equips you with foundational skills in musicianship, preparing you for specialized areas such as songwriting, production, composition, performance and more. You engage in group and individual applied study with robust extracurricular opportunities that include visiting artists, an annual music industry career conference, organized trips to key industry cities, and yearly special programming. Internships offer practical experience, while a capstone senior year enables you to work on your own large-scale project that prepares you to enter the industry. You need a personal laptop with digital audio workstation capability, which may require purchasing music software applications.
The program fosters excellent musicianship, a strong understanding of the music industry, and business and entrepreneurial skills to ensure that you're well-prepared for careers in popular music.
Courses
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze key creative and artistic processes from a range of musical styles and historical periods.
- Apply music industry studies as it pertains to popular and contemporary music industry starting from the late 19th century to modern day.
- Execute professional level techniques in their chosen specializations.
Analyze key creative and artistic processes from a range of musical styles and historical periods.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
Audition Process for admittance to BA in Music (Popular Music) concentration: Artist Statement: Audition: For students seeking to pursue popular music performance, a live or recorded performance video is required for at least part of the audition. For other disciplines in which a video is not possible (studio recording, music creation and composition), students are required to submit a digital audio sound recording of three to five selections. The audition also includes a live or remote interview. A live audition is preferred. Applicants who are unable to visit the campus for a live audition may upload a recorded audition to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre application. These students are contacted by faculty to arrange a remote interview. Students interested in pursuing classical music lessons are required to follow the classical repertoire audition requirements for MUP 111 Studio Instruction in addition to auditioning for MUP 111 Studio Instruction in popular music.
All auditioning students must submit an artist statement explaining both their current work and vision of their future work in popular music. A minimum of 250 words is required.
Live auditions or recorded auditions are required for admission to the BA program in popular music and for placement in MUP 111 Studio Instruction in popular music. A live audition consists of a 15-minute performance or presentation consisting of three to five selections of live or digital music performance. The selections may be original works or selections from popular music repertoire. The audition also includes scales, improvisation and aural skills. Students may also provide a recorded sample of their creative popular music work if they so choose.
Transfer admission requirements:
Students transferring from community colleges, other universities or other ASU programs engage in the same audition process as first-year students. Transfer students are encouraged to audition during the semester before they wish to enroll at ASU. They will also take piano and music theory diagnostic exams at that time to ensure placement in appropriate coursework. Transfer of courses from other accredited institutions is subject to the existence of parallel and equal courses in the college's curriculum, and departmental or school evaluation of studio and class piano courses with respect to performance standards. Every candidate for the bachelor's degree must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in resident credit at ASU. Transfer students enrolled in the institute must complete a minimum of 15 resident credit hours in the major as approved by the faculty.
Students who want to change their major to this one should reference the audition requirements listed in the admission requirements section above.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, music students are able to tailor their experience to their interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Professor | 2.2% | $78,620 | Learn more |
| Casting Director | 4.0% | $90,360 | Learn more |
| Freelance Writer | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| Music Producer | 1.2% | $73,710 | Learn more |
| Musician/Singer | 0.3% | Not available | Learn more |
| Public Relations Manager (PR Manager) | 5.7% | $146,910 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Specialist | 1.8% | $74,750 | Learn more |
| Sound Recording Engineer | -3.1% | $73,130 | Learn more |
| Talent Agent | 9.7% | $82,890 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Graduates are prepared for careers in the popular music industry that involve creativity and creating new work, being a flexible musician, collaborating with others in the community, and having music business and music marketing knowledge. Possible jobs include:
- concert or artist manager and promoter
- contemporary composer for film, TV and games
- entrepreneur and music marketer
- label or music executive
- live event production and experience designer
- music performer in the popular music sector
- musical director, arranger and publisher
- nonprofit arts-related professional
- songwriter, producer or teacher in a private studio
- sound designer or studio engineer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
mdtadmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
