College of Arts and Sciences
Music
College of Arts and Sciences
Music
Shape Your Future with a
Music Degree from NMSU
At New Mexico State University, we believe in the transformative power of music. As one of the Southwest's premier institutions, our Department of Music offers a dynamic environment where students are inspired to excel, innovate and lead in the world of music. Whether you're drawn to the stage, the classroom, or the studio, NMSU provides the education and experiences to help you thrive.
Our comprehensive programs, combined with hands-on experience and a supportive community, equip you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in these diverse fields.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total classes: 40-45
- Total credit hours: 120-137 depending on concentration
- Cost per credit hour: $223.58**
Delivery Format
In-person
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about our Bachelor of Music? Fill out our inquiry form.
Discover Your Sound. Shape Your Future.
Major in music and immerse yourself in a vibrant, creative community where your passion becomes your profession. As a music student, you'll receive personalized instruction from expert faculty, perform in dynamic ensembles, and grow as an artist through hands-on experiences both on stage and in the classroom.
Whether you're dreaming of the stage, the studio, or the classroom, your journey starts here. Join a program that nurtures your talent, fuels your creativity, and connects you with a network of passionate musicians.
- Bachelor of Music (BM): Specialize in instrumental, piano, or vocal performance, honing your skills for professional artistry.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA): Explore diverse musical interests with concentrations in general music, musical theatre, pre-music therapy, or pre-speech language pathology.
All students majoring or minoring in music, must enroll and participate in the ensemble appropriate for their particular degree plan.
NASM Accredited
All programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and are supported by NMSU's School of Teacher Preparation, Administration and Leadership.
Scholarships Available
Get up to 100% of tuition covered with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.**
The Bachelor of Music (BM) curriculum is designed to prepare students for performance careers and private studio teaching and serves as a foundation for advanced study toward master’s and doctoral degrees: M.M., D.M.A., or Ph.D in Music. In addition, the BM degree may lead to positions as professional entertainers or teachers at the college and university levels, or lead to music related work in the business world. All performance majors are required to give a half recital (30 minutes of music) in their junior year and a full recital (60 minutes of music) in their senior year.
The Bachelor of Music in Music (Instrumental Performance) consists of 127-130 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all university degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. There is no second language requirement for the degree.
Take classes like:
- MUSC 1450 – Ear Training I
- MUSC 1460 – Music Theory I
- MUSC 2240 - Music History and Literature: Antiquity through Baroque
- MUSC 2310 – Sound and Music Technology
- MUSC 326 - Instrumental Conducting
- MUSC 1310 – Recital Attendance
The Bachelor of Music (BM) curriculum is designed to prepare students for performance careers and private studio teaching and serves as a foundation for advanced study toward master’s and doctoral degrees: M.M., D.M.A., or Ph.D in Music. In addition, the BM degree may lead to positions as professional entertainers or teachers at the college and university levels, or lead to music related work in the business world. All performance majors are required to give a half recital (30 minutes of music) in their junior year and a full recital (60 minutes of music) in their senior year.
The Bachelor of Music in Music (Piano Performance) consists of 125-128 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all university degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. There is no second language requirement for the degree.
Take classes like:
- MUSC 1450 – Ear Training I
- MUSC 1460 – Music Theory I
- MUSC 2310 – Sound and Music Technology
- MUSC 2110 – Chamber Ensemble
- MUSC 1310 – Recital Attendance
- MUSC 2510 – Applied Music I
The Bachelor of Arts in Music (Pre-Music Therapy) consists of 120 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all university degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. There is no second language requirement for the degree.
Take classes like:
- MUSC 1450 – Ear Training I
- MUSC 1460 – Music Theory I
- MUSC 2310 – Sound and Music Technology
- MUSC 1310 – Recital Attendance
- SPMD 2210 – Anatomy and Physiology I
- PSYC 350 – Developmental Psychology: Conception through Childhood
The Bachelor of Arts in Music consists of 120 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all university degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. There is no second language requirement for the degree.
Take classes like:
- MUSC 1450 – Ear Training I
- MUSC 1460 – Music Theory I
- MUSC 2310 – Sound and Music Technology
- SPHS 2110 – Introduction to Communication Disorders
- SPHS 4610 – Language Acquisition
- SPHS 4720 – Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Mechanisms
The Bachelor of Arts in Music consists of 120 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all university degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. There is no second language requirement for the degree.
Take classes like:
- MUSC 1450 – Ear Training I
- MUSC 1460 – Music Theory I
- MUSC 2310 – Sound and Music Technology
- THEA 1223 – The Art of Theatre
- THEA 317 – Musical Theatre
- DANC 2460 – Dance for Musical Theatre
The Bachelor of Music (BM) curriculum is designed to prepare students for performance careers and private studio teaching and serves as a foundation for advanced study toward master’s and doctoral degrees: M.M., D.M.A., or Ph.D in Music. In addition, the BM degree may lead to positions as professional entertainers or teachers at the college and university levels, or lead to music related work in the business world.
Take classes like:
- MUSC 1450 – Ear Training I
- MUSC 1460 – Music Theory I
- MUSC 2310 – Sound and Music Technology
- MUSC 2210 – Diction I
- MUSC 1310 – Recital Attendance
- MUSC 2510 – Applied Music I
All performance majors are required to give a half recital (30 minutes of music) in their junior year and a full recital (60 minutes of music) in their senior year.
Applied Music Requirements for All Music Degrees
Music Performance degrees require at least two semesters of applied music study at the 430 level. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music (any track) must complete at least four semesters of applied music study at the 230 level and at least two semesters at the 330 level. B.A. students may take applied lessons at the 430 level, but it is not a requirement for this degree path.
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Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.