Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Master your craft through conservatory-style training rooted in a Biblical Worldview
Biblical Worldview Impact
Restore the arts to the centrality of culture.
Conservatory-Style Mastery
Intense study of music theory and techniques.
Innovation
Develop the sound of 21st century music.
Collaborative Performances
Student ensembles perform custom compositions.
ACU’s Bachelor of Science in Music is a comprehensive program designed to equip students for advanced studies and diverse professional careers in music. Through rigorous core studies in theory, ear training, music history, private lessons, and ensemble experiences, you’ll build the foundation for excellence in any musical career path.
What sets this program apart is the dual-track approach. You can choose to specialize in one of our most demanding concentration tracks—Academic Studies, Commercial Voice, Classical Voice, Piano Performance and Pedagogy, or String Performance—or maintain maximum flexibility by designing your own path with open electives. Either way, you graduate prepared for graduate school, teaching, ministry, professional performance, and entrepreneurship.
With an 8:1 student-to-music-faculty ratio, you’re not just a number. Faculty work closely with you to discern your musical gifts and guide your academic choices throughout the program. Our close-knit community of musicians encourages each other’s growth while challenging one another toward excellence.
Core Musical Foundation
Master the essential building blocks of musical study through comprehensive training in music theory, ear training, sight-singing, music history, and private lessons. You'll develop strong analytical skills, musical literacy, and performance abilities that serve as the foundation for any musical career path.
Performance Excellence
Gain extensive ensemble experience through participation in multiple groups each semester, including choirs, bands, jazz, worship, and specialized ensembles. You'll develop stage presence, collaborative skills, and the ability to perform confidently in diverse musical settings.
Specialized Concentration Training
Choose from our most rigorous specialty tracks to develop advanced expertise in Academic Studies, Commercial Voice, Classical Voice, Piano Performance and Pedagogy, or String Performance. These concentrations provide intensive, professional-level training that prepares you for graduate study or specialized career fields.
Versatile Musical Skills
Explore diverse musical styles, genres, and traditions through elective coursework that lets you customize your education. You'll gain exposure to classical repertoire, contemporary styles, worship music, and emerging trends—building the versatility needed for today's dynamic musical landscape.
Professional Preparation
Develop practical skills needed for real-world musical careers through performance opportunities, masterclasses, and mentorship. You'll learn to audition effectively, market yourself professionally, collaborate with other musicians, and adapt to various musical environments.
Music isn't just notes on a page—it reflects something deep about how we're made and how we experience the world. At ACU, you'll explore how a Biblical framework enriches your understanding of beauty, creativity, and the role of the arts in culture. This isn't an add-on. It's woven into how every subject is taught.
Stewardship of Talent
Understand your musical abilities as gifts to develop and deploy for the good of others. You'll explore how stewardship shapes practice discipline, artistic integrity, and generosity with your craft.
Musicians who lead with integrity build lasting careers and trusted reputations.
Beauty, Truth & Aesthetics
Study the nature of beauty through both music theory and Biblical theology. You'll gain a framework for evaluating artistic excellence that goes beyond personal taste or market trends.
Artists who can articulate why beauty matters stand out in any creative field.
The Arts & Cultural Renewal
Explore the historical role of the arts in shaping culture and how musicians today can contribute to cultural renewal through excellence, creativity, and faithful presence.
Graduates equipped to restore the arts to a central role in communities and churches.
Ethics in the Music Industry
Examine the ethical complexities of the modern music industry—from content creation and copyright to fair compensation and artist representation—through a Biblical ethic of justice and human dignity.
Professionals who navigate industry pressures with clear moral conviction.
ACU music graduates work across a wide range of professional settings—from concert halls and recording studios to churches, classrooms, and beyond.
Professional Performer
Solo artist, band member, or session musician.
Studio Musician
Record and collaborate in professional studio settings.
Private Music Teacher
Build a teaching studio and develop the next generation of musicians.
Collaborative Pianist
Accompany vocalists, instrumentalists, and ensembles in performance and rehearsal.
Worship Leader / Pastor
Lead congregational worship and develop music ministry programs.
Professional Freelance Musician
Perform, teach, and create across multiple settings and genres.
Music Professor / Lecturer
Teach at the college or university level after completing graduate study.
Music Director
Direct musical programs for churches, schools, theaters, or community organizations.
I often have students come to my office who know they want to pursue music seriously but aren’t sure which direction to take. Others know exactly what their calling is. This General Music degree is designed to be the most flexible avenue for you to craft your degree to your specific interests and calling.
When you start any of our music programs, you’ll dive into the same rigorous music core that all our students take—theory, ear training, music history, and private lessons. As you progress and discover your calling, you can choose to specialize in one of our most demanding concentrations: Academic Studies, Commercial Voice, Classical Voice, Piano Performance and Pedagogy, or String Performance.
If a rigorous concentration isn’t your direction, you’re free to use your electives more creatively. This allows for broader study. Students that choose this route graduate as well-rounded musicians with the versatility to adapt and thrive wherever their musical journey leads them.
Jim Watson, D.M.A.
Chair, Department of Music
With highly qualified faculty teaching biblically-integrated curriculum, our music program offers advantages you won't find elsewhere.
Maximum Flexibility
Choose from our most rigorous specialty concentrations or design your own path with open electives, depending on where you're headed.
Rigorous Foundation
All students master the same comprehensive music core—theory, ear training, music history, and private lessons—that prepares you for any musical career.
Elite Concentration Options
Access our most demanding specialty tracks: Academic Studies, Commercial Voice, Classical Voice, Piano Performance and Pedagogy, and String Performance.
Performance Opportunities
Participate in multiple ensembles each semester including choral groups, jazz band, pep band, praise band, and specialized groups.
16:1 Student-Faculty Ratio
Small class sizes ensure individual attention and personalized instruction from faculty who know your strengths.
Personalized Mentorship
Faculty work closely with you to discern your musical gifts and guide your academic choices throughout the program.
Real-World Experience
Gain practical experience through regular performances at churches, schools, community events, and university functions.
Faith Integration
Develop both musical skills and spiritual maturity, preparing you to impact culture through your art.
All music students begin with an audition. This is your chance to show us what you can do and for us to get to know you as a musician. Don’t worry—it’s a supportive process designed to help us understand your strengths and place you in the right program track.
Apply to ACU
Submit your application to Arizona Christian University. Music auditions are a separate step from the general application.
Apply to ACUSchedule Your Audition
Sign up for a music audition online. We'll walk you through what to prepare.
Learn MoreTake the next step toward an education that sharpens your musicianship, deepens your faith, and prepares you to make an impact through the arts.