Music

Create, Connect, Perform

Turn that passion into a rewarding career! Our Music major and minor offer a well-rounded selection of courses in music history, performance, theory, literature, and sound studies. You'll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in your musical education, whether you're interested in playing instruments, singing, or exploring the world of sound. Discover your creativity and develop your skills Join a vibrant community of fellow music enthusiasts and take the first step toward a fulfilling future in music!

School/Division

Performing Arts

Campus Locations

Main Campus - Alfred, NY

Major

Music (BA, BFA) Music Performance (BFA) Sound Studies (BFA)

Double Major

Double Major option(s) offered.
Learn More

Minor

Music

Program Contact

Lisa Lantz

lantz@knowledge-gate.com

607-871-2569

Why Music at Alfred University?

Inclusion

The Performing Arts at Alfred University is a welcoming space open to everyone, regardless of background or experience. With seating for 700+, the Miller Performing Arts Center serves as cultural hubs for the region. Students can find their place by joining courses, ensembles, private lessons, theater productions, clubs, or attending events. The Alfred University Performing Arts community embraces all who seek connection and collaboration through creativity in the arts.

Mentorship

Receive personalized mentorship in the performing arts through hands-on experiences like internships, research, and performance projects. Our dedicated faculty and visiting artists offer close guidance to help you develop your creative talents and technical skills. With small studio classes and the opportunity to lead or participate in projects, you'll be supported in every step of your artistic journey, ensuring your growth and success.

Intersections

Collaborate across music, theater, dance, performance design and technology as well as disciplines outside the performing arts with mentorship from dedicated faculty and visiting artists. Our intimate studio classes foster cross-disciplinary innovation, helping you develop both artistic and technical skills while connecting with others to create bold, collaborative work that reflects diverse perspectives and talents.

About Our Music Programs

Music welcomes students of all musical backgrounds - performers, songwriters, and composers. Discover your unique voice, expressivity, and creative potential through a well-rounded curriculum that blends practical and academic courses. Music major and minor options offer solid foundations in traditional, contemporary , popular, Western, and non-Western styles, shaping versatile musicians skilled in performance, theory, and composition.

From Theory to Practice to Performance

At Alfred University, our music programs bridge theory, practice, and performance to help students thrive. We ground students in solid musical foundations, transform theory into hands-on practice, and elevate their skills through dynamic performances. Whether in the classroom, the rehearsal hall, or on stage, our programs are designed to help students grow as musicians, thinkers, and performers, preparing them for success in every aspect of their musical journey.

Learn and Collaborate

At Alfred University, our music program, including Music Performance and Sound Studies, offers a rich learning environment that encourages collaboration and artistic exploration. Students benefit from mentorship by experienced faculty and industry professionals, guiding them through practical projects and performances. We prioritize inclusivity, welcoming students of all backgrounds and skill levels, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The interdisciplinary aspect of our program promotes collaboration with peers in theatre, dance, and performance design, fostering creativity and innovative approaches to music. Through this dynamic integration, students gain the skills and confidence necessary to excel in diverse areas of the music industry and beyond.

Sample List of Courses for BFA and BA

MUSC 101-107 and 301-307 - Private Lessons-Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Piano, Voice
MUSC 110 - Music Appreciation
MUSC 120 - Music Theory I and MUSC 220 - Music Theory II
MUSC 130 Beginning Class Piano I and MUSC 131 - Beginning Class Piano II
MUSC 132 Beginning Voice Class I and MUSC 332 - Advanced Voice Class
MUSC 133 Music of the Guzheng
MUSC 135 Class Guitar I and MUSC 136 - Class Guitar II
MUSC 211 World Music
MUSC 212 American Popular Music
MUSC 213 Introduction to Jazz
MUSC 214 The Story of Music and Film
MUSC 215 History of Rock Music
MUSC 225 Western Music History I and MUSC 226 – Western Music History II: Romanticism to the 20th Century
MUSC 240 Songwriting and Composition

Musical Ensembles

MUSC 200 Popular Music Ensemble
MUSC 205 Sound Gathering
MUSC 271 University Chorus
MUSC 273 Concert Band
MUSC 274 Jazz Ensemble
MUSC 275 University Symphony Orchestra
MUSC 279 Chamber Music
MUSC 495 Music Capstone-Research
MUSC 496 Music Capstone: Performance/Presentation

Music Minor – 20 credits

MUSC 110 Music Appreciation or MUSC 211 World Music or MUSC 225 Western Music History I or MUSC 226 Western Music History II
MUSC 120 Music Theory I
MUSC 130 Class Piano I and MUSC 131 Class Piano II or MUSC 135 Class Guitar I and MUSC 136 Class Guitar II
MUSC 271-279 Music Ensembles

Note: Technique classes such as Beginning Voice, MUSC 132, may be substituted for one semester of private lesson.

Select 4 credit hours from:

MUSC 101-107; 301-307 Private Lessons (on primary instrument or voice)
MUSC 132 Beginning Voice Class
MUSC 133 Music of Guzheng
MUSC 200 Special Topics
MUSC 211 World Music
MUSC 212 American Popular Music
MUSC 213 Introduction to Jazz
MUSC 214 The Story of Music and Film
MUSC 215 History of Rock Music
MUSC 220 Music Theory II

Ensembles and music private lessons are open to all students, regardless of major.

Coursework (See Catalog)
Chorus
Pop Music Ensemble
Concert Band Orchestra
Chamber Music: Piano & String
Chamber Music: Guzheng
Jazz Ensemble
Sound Gathering Ensemble

Private Lessons are available on all instruments and voice types. If you need an instrument, you can borrow one! For more information, please contact Performing Arts Secretary Monica Reginio

A music degree provides students with a comprehensive skill set and knowledge base that directly translate into various professional opportunities in the arts and beyond. Through rigorous coursework in performance, songwriting, and composition, music theory, music history, and sound studies, students build a solid foundation for successful careers in the music industry.

In our programs, students engage in collaborative projects, ensemble work, and live performances, enhancing their ability to work effectively with others. These experiences foster essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking and listening, and problem-solving, which are highly valued in any career path. Additionally, students develop time management and self-discipline through consistent practice and preparation, preparing them for the demands of the professional world.

With the growing importance of sound studies, students learn to analyze and create sound in various contexts, enhancing their adaptability in an evolving industry. Our curriculum encourages critical thinking and the embrace of new technologies, enabling students to stay relevant in a rapidly changing arts landscape. By the time they graduate, students not only possess the technical skills required for their chosen profession but also the soft skills and readiness to thrive in diverse environments, both within and outside the Performing Arts.

Graduates of our music programs are well-equipped for diverse careers, including music performance, educational outreach (non-licensure), composition, sound design, music production, arts administration, and many others. They often find roles in schools (non-licensure), theaters, recording studios, and cultural organizations, where they utilize their creativity and technical expertise to inspire and connect with others.