Music (MUSB, BA, Minor)

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, and 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.

Internships, Research Opportunities, and More

Binghamton students pursue their musical interests in many ways. Music Majors and non-majors alike participate in performance courses and performance opportunities. Music faculty supervise projects in music composition, musicology, music theory and analysis, and ethnomusicology. Students perform recitals, appear as concerto soloists with the University Orchestra, star in operatic roles, and compose music in many styles and genres. Recent highlights of student composition and research projects have included a multi-year composers’ collaboration with musicians from China, a funded study on Music and Emotion, and lecture-recitals "Prokofiev and Musical Freedom in the Soviet Union," and “Women Composers.”

Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), is the #1 public university in New York. We are a mid-sized university of 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students, including over 1,500 international students from over 100 countries. Binghamton provides top tier education in six schools and 130+ academic programs, with several exclusive honors programs and world-class research opportunities for students in every major.

On campus, there’s always something to do, with 21 NCAA Division I teams and 450+ student-led clubs and organizations. Binghamton University is nestled in picturesque rolling hills just minutes from a vibrant downtown area where students can explore the arts, local restaurants, and professional sports. We are just a few hours from major urban centers such as New York City, Boston, and Toronto, and our award-winning career center connects students to opportunities around the country and around the world.

Binghamton offers countless resources to support students learning and excelling both within and outside of the classroom. Combined with an affordable price, Binghamton University consistently earns a best value ranking among US universities.