Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix campus)
Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix campus)

Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix campus)

411 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States Arizona, Phoenix, USA Visit web page

Music (Popular Music), BA

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Music (Popular Music), BA HIMUSPMBA : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Additional requirements:

Audition Process for admittance to BA in Music (Popular Music) concentration:

Artist Statement:
All auditioning students must submit an artist statement explaining both their current work and vision of their future work in popular music. A minimum of 250 words is required.

Audition:
Live auditions or recorded auditions are required for admission to the BA program in popular music and for placement in MUP 111 Studio Instruction in popular music. A live audition consists of a 15-minute performance or presentation consisting of three to five selections of live or digital music performance. The selections may be original works or selections from popular music repertoire. The audition also includes scales, improvisation and aural skills. Students may also provide a recorded sample of their creative popular music work if they so choose.

For students seeking to pursue popular music performance, a live or recorded performance video is required for at least part of the audition. For other disciplines in which a video is not possible (studio recording, music creation and composition), students are required to submit a digital audio sound recording of three to five selections.

The audition also includes a live or remote interview. A live audition is preferred. Applicants who are unable to visit the campus for a live audition may upload a recorded audition to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre application. These students will be contacted by faculty to arrange a remote interview.

Students interested in pursuing classical music lessons are required to follow the classical repertoire audition requirements for MUP 111 Studio Instruction in addition to auditioning for MUP 111 Studio Instruction in popular music.

Speciality

Transfer admission requirements:

Students transferring from community colleges, other universities or other ASU programs engage in the same audition process as first-year students.

Transfer students are encouraged to audition during the semester before they wish to enroll at ASU. They will also take piano and music theory diagnostic exams at that time to ensure placement in appropriate coursework.

Transfer of courses from other accredited institutions is subject to the existence of parallel and equal courses in the college's curriculum, and departmental or school evaluation of studio and class piano courses with respect to performance standards.

Every candidate for the bachelor's degree must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in resident credit at ASU. Transfer students enrolled in the institute must complete a minimum of 15 resident credit hours in the major as approved by the faculty.

Additional information

Program description

The BA program in music offers a popular music concentration, accommodating musicians who are interested in various popular music genres, such as singers, songwriters, laptop performers, producers, composers, instrumentalists and vocalists. Students can choose between performer and non-performer tracks, following a flexible major map.

The program equips all students with foundational skills in musicianship, preparing them for specialized areas such as songwriting, production, composition, performance and more. Students engage in group and individual applied study, with opportunities that involve visiting artists and include industry exposure and professional development. Internships offer real-world experience, while a capstone senior year deepens their craft. Students need a personal laptop with digital audio workstation capability, which may require purchasing music software applications. Classes are held at the Downtown Phoenix campus.

The program fosters excellent musicianship, a strong understanding of the music industry, and business and entrepreneurial skills to ensure that students are well-prepared for careers in popular music.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Analyze key creative and artistic processes from a range of musical styles and historical periods.
  • Apply music industry studies as it pertains to popular and contemporary music industry starting from the late 19th century to modern day.
  • Execute professional level techniques in their chosen specializations.

Global opportunities
Global experience 

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, music students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers in the popular music industry that involve creativity and creating new work, being a flexible musician, collaborating with others in the community, and having knowledge of music business and music marketing. Possible jobs include:

  • contemporary composer for film, TV and games
  • concert or artist manager and promoter
  • entrepreneur and music marketer
  • live event production and experience designer
  • label or music executive
  • musical director, arranger and publisher
  • music performer in the popular music sector
  • nonprofit arts-related professional
  • sound designer or studio engineer
  • songwriter, producer or teacher in a private studio
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