Prepare for a lifetime of success in music
Pfeiffer University’s Bachelor of Arts in Music is a liberal arts degree that is designed for students who wish to be as versatile as possible in their collegiate experience while still achieving a well-rounded musical experience.
The program seeks to build a solid musical foundation of knowledge and skills while focusing on the individual interests of each student. Through classroom instruction, private lessons, and performances, students mature as musicians and prepare to thrive as an artistic leaders.
About the Program
The bachelor of music degree program weaves together excellence in musical performance with the academic rigors of music history, music theory, and ear training.
Students are offered individual instruction in:
- Voice
- Piano
- Organ
- Guitar
- Woodwind
- Brass
- Percussion
In their Junior and Senior years, students with less interest in performance may choose to emphasize the intellectual side of music or to pursue music composition.
How to Apply
Applying to the Bachelor of Arts in Music Education program is a multi-step process.
First, apply to Pfeiffer using our undergraduate admissions application.
Then, complete an audition form for the Pfeiffer Music Program. On the form, you will be asked to select an audition date, or you will check a box that reads, “I need an audition date other than the options above.” If you choose a date, then you’ve done your part once you submit the form! The Music Coordinator, Elizabeth Harrison, will be in touch about your audition details.
If you need to select an alternative audition date, submit your audition form then contact elizabeth.harrison@pfeiffer.edu or 704-463-3142 to find a day that works for you.
If you want to submit a recorded video audition instead of coming in person, you must contact elizabeth.harrison@pfeiffer.edu or 704-463-3142 for approval.
- One song or aria in English
- One song or aria in a (non-English) language of your choice
- All selections must be performed from memory and should be drawn from a variety of stylistic periods. Songs may be from the art song repertoire or a combination of:
- art songs
- musical theater
- aria from an opera, operetta, or oratorio (Only one selection may be an aria. Arias are not required.)
- Jacc, Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM), and original compositions are not acceptable.
- Piano accompaniment is preferred but not required.
- One piece by Johann Sebastian Bach. The “Eight Little Preludes and Fugues” are accepted.
- One contrasting piece of your choice.
- Be prepared to sight-read during your audition.
- Two contrasting pieces of your choice that are:
- performed by memory
- drawn from a variety of stylistic periods
- not jazz, Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM), or original composition.
- During your audition, be prepared to:
- play scales in parallel motion and hand together for 2–4 octaves
- sight-read
- Two contrasting pieces of your choice OR your all-distract or all-state solo. Does not need to be memorized.
- During your audition, be prepared to:
- play major scales and a chromatic scale. You may play in an All-State scale pattern.
- sight-read
- Questions regarding instrumental auditions may be directed to Dr. Joseph Earp, joseph.earp@pfeiffer.edu.
- Two contrasting pieces of your choice OR your all-distract or all-state solo. Does not need to be memorized.
- During your audition, be prepared to:
- play (mallets) major and chromatic scales (two octaves), snare (rudiments), timpani (tune intervals)
- sight-read
- show off multiple instruments including smare, mallets, and/or timpani
- Questions regarding instrumental auditions may be directed to Dr. Joseph Earp, joseph.earp@pfeiffer.edu.
Accreditation
Pfeiffer University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Contact
Questions?
The Pfeiffer B.A. in Music combines a strong music curriculum with selections of courses outside of the music major. Students invest 48 semester hours in the music major curriculum, which includes instruction in music theory, ear training, class piano, music history, ensembles and private lessons. Electives range from Arranging and Orchestration to Music Technology, Composition, and Conducting.
Hands-On Experience
Music students as well as students seeking other majors may participate in ensembles including:
- Pfeiffer Wind and Percussion Ensemble
- University Singers
- Gospel Choir
- Jazz Ensemble
- Pep Band
- The Village Ringers
- Guitar Ensemble
- Chamber Music
- Women’s Ensemble
Career Opportunities
Pfeiffer music graduates have gone on to graduate school or to pursue careers in arts administration, retail music, teaching, and music production, among other careers.