Music, B.M.
Bachelor of Music
Develop musicianship. Celebrate creativity. It’s time to take the stage.
If you have your dreams set on a career as a music performer or composer, the Bachelor of Music is for you. You’ll benefit from studio instruction with uniquely qualified faculty members who offer the personal attention you need to hone your craft. With your talent, plus the skills and experiences you gain at Penn State, you’ll be ready to take the stage.
Earn a Bachelor of Music at Penn State
It’s time to take your musical talents to the next level, and we’ll help you get there.
The Bachelor of Music is your next step to a professional career as a performer or composer. Students pursuing this degree select from four concentration options: Composition; Keyboard Instruments; Strings, Winds, Brass, and Percussion Instruments; or Voice. Our talented faculty will teach and guide you while sharing their own experiences from stages around the world. You’ll hone your skills in small studio sessions, in large and small ensembles, and in a variety of performances at venues ranging from the School of Music’s own brand-new recital hall to Carnegie Hall.
Concentrations
Next Steps
Is the B.M. in Music right for you?
The Bachelor of Music prepares our students for professional careers as performers or composers. It’s a rigorous program where undergraduates benefit from individualized attention from faculty committed to their students’ future success. Faculty share their experiences from their own world-spanning professional careers, preparing students to enter a competitive industry. An audition is required for entrance to the major.
Level Up
Take advantage of these opportunities, and then take the stage.
Minors and Options
- Recommended Minors
Pursue a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Music Technology. - Concurrent Majors
Contact your academic adviser to discuss pursuing a concurrent major.
International Programs
- IES Vienna
Music Summer and Academic Year Programs. Select from English- and German-taught course options focusing on music and European culture and society. - IES Milan
Immerse yourself in the language and culture of Italy while taking a variety of courses, including an Italian language course tailored to your level. - University of Leeds Summer Program
One of the largest universities in Great Britain and located in a city known for its rich musical tradition and thriving local music scene.
Outreach
- Community Outreach and Beyond
Performances in the community and on campus; musical presentations at conferences and schools throughout the region; teaching private lessons.
Considering the Bachelor of Music? Consider this.
Most of our students find work as performers or enroll in graduate school within months of graduation.
- This degree prepares students to pursue careers as professional performers or composers.
- Perform in the new recital hall, with other performances across campus and the world.
- Faculty truly committed to their students’ success.
- Music students enjoy and contribute to Penn State’s vibrant and diverse campus community.
alumni spotlight
Alex Meixner
Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator, and a leading advocate of polka music. Formally trained in classical, jazz, and ethnic music, he has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz, and polka. Photos: Chris Spiegel and Michael G. Stewart.