Demonstrate an understanding of musical forms, processes and structures and the ability to place music in historical, cultural and stylistic contexts.
Bachelor of Arts in Music
In the Bachelor of Arts in Music program, you will go beyond technical mastery to become a well-rounded musician, gaining a deep understanding of history, society, culture, and art.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate, Major, Minor
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Conservatory of MusicSchool / College
College of Arts and Sciences
What is a music degree?
Designed for you to dive deeper into the world of music, the music degree blends rigorous academic study with creative expression. The program offers a broad exploration of music theory, history, and performance, allowing you to develop your musical skills while also understanding the rich cultural and historical contexts of music. The program provides you with a solid foundation to help you achieve your goals and make your mark in the world of music.
Why should you major in music at Redlands?
Majoring in music at Redlands will help you transform your passion for music into a strong education, preparing you for a rapidly changing world, a wide range of music-related careers, or graduate school. Through hands-on learning and working closely with faculty who are dedicated to your success, you will have the opportunity to participate in special events like the Concerto Competition or be recognized for your outstanding abilities at the President's Honor Recital. The program will prepare you for a successful career in opera and musical theatre, arts management, performing, studio teaching, and education.
Classes you'll take
To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
What you'll learn
- Develop and defend musical judgements.
- Demonstrate the ability to realize a variety of musical styles.
- Demonstrate the technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression at a level appropriate for the particular music concentration.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills sufficient to work as a leader and in collaboration on matters of musical interpretation.
-
School of Performing Arts applicants
A supplemental School of Performing Arts (SOPA) application and audition are required for those who want to major or minor in Music and/or Theatre. For more information on the program, application, or audition, please contact Brad Andrews (the Director of Admissions for the School of Performing Arts) at brad_andrews@redlands.edu or (909) 748-8014.
To be admitted to the Conservatory of Music and/or the Department of Theatre and Dance, you must also be admitted to the University of Redlands.
In addition to filing The Common Application, a supplemental application and audition are required. The School of Performing Arts (SOPA) application includes options for music and theatre.
You can submit the SOPA application via your application status portal after you have applied to University of Redlands.
Spring 2026 deadlines:
- November 1 - application deadline
- December 1 - audition deadline
Fall 2026 application and audition dates and deadlines:
- February 7 - Music auditions at University of Redlands
- February 14 - Music and theatre auditions at University of Redlands
- February 15 - Video audition submission deadline
- February 21 - Virtual Interviews
Anyone wishing to participate in a music ensemble while pursuing a major other than music is invited to apply and audition for a talent scholarship. Applicants interested in this opportunity should choose the Ensemble Only option on the music application.
Video auditions can be one or multiple video files and should include:
- Please include the title of your piece/character and the name of the composer/play. These can be announced verbally or displayed as a title in the video.
- Video auditions can be uploaded on your application status page after you submit the SOPA application.
Helpful resources:
Undergraduate music programs include:
- Bachelor of Music in Composition
- Bachelor of Music in Music Education - Certified Single Subject Teaching Credential Program
- Bachelor of Music in Performance
- Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music
- Minor in Music
Undergraduate theatre and dance programs include:
- Bachelor of Arts with a major in Theatre
- Bachelor of Arts with a major in Theatre Business
- Minor in Theatre
- Minor in Musical Theatre
- Minor in Dance (no application or audition required)
Why should you minor in Music at Redlands?
Minoring in Music at Relands will encourage your development of competence in a specific area of music, while majoring in an area outside of music. If you have been actively involved in musical activities in high school, have musical talent, enjoy listening to and/or performing music, or simply wish to continue your musical studies, this minor is for you. A minor in one of these four areas may not be combined with a major in music. View the current university catalog to learn more about program requirements.
Additional information
If you wish to pursue the minor in music, you must complete the music application and audition.
As a prospective minor, you must complete the Declaration of Major/Minor form as soon as possible in order to avoid music fees; approval of the Director of the Conservatory of Music is also required. You are encouraged to seek out a music faculty member to serve as a minor advisor. Other than MUS 110, Recital Repertory Class, and MUSI 124, Introduction to Voice, no course for the minor may be taken for credit/no credit.
You must declare your desire to minor in music prior to the beginning of their junior year. Contact the Director of Music Admissions at music@redlands.edu or (909) 748-8014.
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall Term - First Year
Early Action 1: November 1
Early Action 2: December 1
Regular Decision: January 15*
Spring Term - First Year
Deadline: November 1*
Fall Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: March 1*
Spring Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: November 1*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
Find us on campus
Watchorn Hall
Contact us
For more info on the program, application, or audition, contact Brad Andrews, Director of Admissions for the School of Performing Arts.
Graduates pursue careers in
Many students choose to continue their training at the Masters level, and our students have gone on to distinguished M.M. programs in composition and film scoring at institutions that include Peabody, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, San Francisco Conservatory, UCLA, CSU-Long Beach, to name a few.
Some graduates use their training, portfolios, and professional networks from Redlands to pursue careers in:
• Film, media, and new media
• Video game and interactive sound industries
• Composition for visual and digital arts
• Film, media, and new media
• Video game and interactive sound industries
• Composition for visual and digital arts
Students who develop strong performance and composition skills often combine both paths to build careers as:
• Performer-composers
• Independent artists and entrepreneurs
• Professionals engaged in creative production and collaboration
• Performer-composers
• Independent artists and entrepreneurs
• Professionals engaged in creative production and collaboration
Other graduates apply their skills in diverse professional fields, including:
• K–12 and higher education
• Finance, law, and marketing
• Music therapy
• K–12 and higher education
• Finance, law, and marketing
• Music therapy
Graduates pursue careers in
200+ annual recitals and concerts
200+ annual recitals and concerts
Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Chapel Singers, University Choir, Opera Workshop, Studio Big Band, Jazz Improvisation Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, Low Brass Ensemble, Chamber Ensembles, Rhythm Ave Singers, and Mariachi Tierras Rojas.
• Feast of Lights is a University of Redlands holiday tradition since 1947, the Feast features the choral and instrumental programs.
• Opera Workshop performs a major production with orchestra each spring.
• Musical Theatre and Opera have the School of Performing Arts (SOPA) students work in collaboration with faculty to produce and perform a full staged musical production or opera in alternating years.
• Opera Workshop performs a major production with orchestra each spring.
• Musical Theatre and Opera have the School of Performing Arts (SOPA) students work in collaboration with faculty to produce and perform a full staged musical production or opera in alternating years.
• The Conservatory of Music has a close relationship with the Redlands Symphony Orchestra (RSO). Students have opportunities to play in the RSO as an assistant, substitute, or section player.
• Undergraduate and graduate music students can compete to perform in the President's Honor Recitial.
• Undergraduate and graduate music students can compete to perform in the President's Honor Recitial.
Student Testimonial
“Redlands has given me the opportunity to expand my musical knowledge and helped pave the road for a life in music."
— Justin Brunette ’16, Bachelor of Music in vocal performance
Redlands' Signature Experiences
The Core Four Framework
At Redlands, our students’ success is at the heart of everything we do. We offer experiential learning opportunities, but our CORE Four initiative takes that commitment to a deeper, intentional level. More than a set of experiences, the CORE Four is a framework for transformation. Learn more about how students can prepare for their academic journey.
Conservatory of Music
In the Conservatory of Music, our goal is to help each student achieve their potential to become a well-rounded musician. Our faculty are accomplished performers, composers, scholars, and educators dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians. Explore all our music programs, upcoming recitals, featured events, and ensemble opportunities.
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
Loading...