The Music Department offers all Binghamton students a wide variety of musical activities. All Performance courses (including lessons and ensembles) are open by audition to all students regardless of major, and admission to all concerts presented by the Department is free or discounted for students.
Binghamton offers the Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA), the Bachelor of Music in Performance (BMus) and the Music Minor.
The BA in music is a liberal-arts program requiring 52 credits in music, emphasizing coursework in music theory, music history, ethnomusicology, as well as elective options in music composition, musicology, music analysis and other areas. Performance courses in ensembles and studio lessons are also required. Incoming students are expected to read music, and must successfully audition for studio lessons before declaring the major. The BA is frequently completed as part of a double major. Recent graduates have continued to graduate school and careers in music composition, classical and pop-music performance, musicology, music production, music education, arts administration and a wide range of musical and non-musical fields.
The BMus in Performance is an intensive program intended for highly talented students planning to pursue graduate study and careers in classical music performance. In addition to academic music courses, it requires extensive studies in music performance, culminating in two recitals. Recent graduates have been accepted to top conservatories and universities to continue their careers. Admission to the Bachelor of Music Program is by audition only. Current Binghamton students should speak to their studio teachers about auditioning. Freshman and transfer applicants to Binghamton should submit a Special Talent portfolio with their university application, and indicate their interest in BMus Performance; portfolios are pre-screened prior to audition invitations.
The Music Minor requires 29 credits in music, emphasizing liberal-arts courses as well as performance experience.