Overview
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Why Study Music at PBA?
Develop your God-given musical talents within a vibrant artistic community through Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Bachelor of Arts in Music. Students build expertise in music theory, performance, composition, and historical and cultural studies while integrating a Christ-centered perspective. Through ensembles, recitals, individualized instruction, and professional opportunities, students develop as musicians, performers, and creative leaders.
- Guided by Faith: Integrate biblical principles and Christian thought throughout your musical education.
- Performance Opportunities: Participate in choral groups, instrumental ensembles, symphonic band, opera workshop, and the PBA Symphony.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from accomplished musicians and educators with extensive professional experience.
- Arts Community: Experience performances and professional opportunities through organizations such as the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Palm Beach Opera, and Palm Beach Symphony.
What You’ll Learn
Students in the Music program learn to:
- Perform music with technical proficiency and artistic expression
- Develop skills in music theory, composition, and aural analysis
- Understand the historical and cultural contexts of musical works
- Apply musical knowledge through individual and ensemble performance
- Integrate Christian faith into artistic expression and professional practice
Program Details
The Music program combines music theory, history, aural skills, applied study, and performance within a broad liberal arts education. Students develop their individual artistic voices through specialized coursework, ensemble participation, recital performances, faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary study.
PBA offers a variety of courses that students can choose from within this program. Take a look at what you’ll be learning while working toward your degree.
Students can customize their academic experience through elective coursework, minors, and additional majors that align with their academic and career goals. Explore the opportunities available at PBA.
Students in the College of the Arts develop their talents through rehearsal and performance spaces that support individual instruction, ensemble work, recitals, and collaborative artistic experiences. Students also benefit from PBA’s proximity to professional arts organizations such as the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Palm Beach Opera, and Palm Beach Symphony.
Learn from distinguished music faculty with extensive experience as performers, composers, educators, and professional musicians. Through individualized instruction, ensemble leadership, and mentorship, PBA professors help students develop their technical abilities, artistic voices, and confidence as musicians.
Students develop professional experience through individual performances, ensembles, recitals, internships, and collaborations with local and professional arts organizations. PBA’s hands-on opportunities include vocal, choral, and instrumental performance groups, professional chapters, world-class events at the Kravis Center, internships, and local and professional arts organizations.
Students also participate in a weekly Recital Seminar, gaining experience as both performers and engaged audience members while developing confidence in live performance.
Entry Requirements
- Completed PBA application
- Official high school transcripts
- Live audition and faculty interview
- Additional admissions materials as required
Admission to the Department of Music requires a live audition and interview. Students who complete their audition before March 20 receive priority consideration for music scholarships, and scholarship eligibility requires acceptance to PBA and the Department of Music before April 1.
Career Outcomes
Music graduates develop performance, composition, communication, and collaborative skills that prepare them for careers across music, education, ministry, entertainment, and the performing arts. Graduates have applied their musical talents with organizations including Walt Disney World, Palm Beach Christian Academy, and Hope Maui Chapel.
Roles in music vary greatly in different locations, genres, and levels of intensity, but the national median pay for music directors and composers is just over $30 per hour, and musicians and singers earn upwards of $39 per hour.
Potential career paths include:
- Professional Musician
- Composer
- Music Director
- Music Teacher*
- Sound Technician
- Performing Artist
- Ensemble Director
- Church Musician
- Arts Administrator
*Some teaching positions may require additional certification or education.
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What Can You Do with a Music Degree?
Student Stories
Music students develop their artistic voices through individual instruction, ensemble performances, recitals, faculty mentorship, and collaborative creative experiences. These opportunities help students strengthen their musical abilities while discovering how their talents can be used to serve others and glorify God.
Ereina Totman: Using Music to Serve and Worship
Watch Ereina Totman’s story below to learn how studying Music and Worship Leadership at PBA helped her develop her musical gifts while preparing to serve others through ministry. Through performance opportunities, faculty mentorship, and a Christ-centered education, Ereina strengthened her skills as a musician and leader while discovering how music can be used as an expression of faith and worship.
Financial Aid
PBA’s robust scholarship program awards over $3 million every year. Invest in your learning with major-specific scholarships and other financial aid opportunities, which are awarded to 97% of our undergraduate students. Explore the resources below to learn more about tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
