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Subject · 798 verified programs

General Music Studies: degrees, diplomas and programs

Broad music degrees that combine performance, history, theory and electives without committing to a single specialist track.

Also called: Music, Music Studies, Liberal Arts Music, Music Foundation Studies, Musikstudium, Studi musicali, Études musicales.

496 BA / BA (Hons) · 67 BM / BMus · 39 PhD · 38 MA · 37 BS / BSc · 33 Other bachelor’s award · 29 MM / MMus · 16 Other master’s award · 11 Other research doctorate · 6 Certificate · 4 BFA · 4 DMA · 4 Other diploma · 4 Graduate / postgraduate certificate · 2 MS / MSc · 2 Other practice doctorate · 2 Graduate Diploma · 2 Postgraduate Diploma · 2 MFA · 738 dedicated degree, 34 named major, 7 documented pathway, 19 official concentration

798 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About general music studies study

General music studies covers degrees that give a wide grounding in music rather than one specialist focus. Students typically take a mix of practical work, such as lessons and ensembles, with courses in theory, aural skills, history and often some composition, technology or world music. The shape of the degree depends heavily on the institution, and the degree may be called simply Music.

These programs often allow students to choose their own emphasis as they go, for example leaning toward performance in one year and toward history or technology in another. They are common in universities and liberal arts settings where music sits alongside other subjects, and in some systems they lead naturally to graduate study in more specialized areas, or to careers outside music.

General music studies differs from specialist degrees in the depth of focus and in the amount of choice. A general degree can also be a useful base if a student is undecided about direction, though a specialist track may be preferable for those aiming at advanced performance or a research career. Because the term is broad, course lists and available modules are the best way to compare programs.

What study typically involves

  • Music theory, harmony and aural skills
  • Music history and listening across periods and traditions
  • Principal instrument or voice lessons and ensemble participation
  • Introductory composition, arranging or technology
  • World music, popular music or jazz electives
  • Research and writing about music
  • Electives in other subjects within the wider institution
  • Capstone, recital or dissertation in some programs

Award titles. General music study is commonly recognized through the BA in music, the BMus or BM with a broad curriculum, or the BS in some institutions, and at postgraduate level through the MA, MMus or MM. Doctoral options are generally specialized, such as the PhD. Names and structure vary by country, and awards are not treated as equivalent here.

A program appears under General Music Studies when it is a broad music degree, a named general music major or a documented non-specialist pathway, rather than a degree centered on one specialty. Programs with a clear specialist focus appear under the matching subject instead.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Entry to general music programs usually involves an application with academic records and a personal statement, plus some evidence of musical background. This may be an audition on an instrument or voice, a grade or exam result, or a short interview, but expectations are often lighter or more flexible than for specialist performance degrees.

Some programs add a theory or aural placement test to set the right starting level, or request a short portfolio of musical activities. Where the degree sits in a liberal arts setting, general academic requirements may weigh more heavily than the audition.

Formats vary by institution and country and differ from specialist routes. Check the official admissions page for requirements and deadlines. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding may include academic or music scholarships, tuition waivers, ensemble awards, and public loans or grants where available. Some institutions offer separate awards for students who contribute to performing groups.

Availability and terms differ by institution and country, and many students receive partial support or none. Contact each program and funding body directly.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include an instrument or rental, scores and textbooks, software for notation or listening, lesson fees where not covered, and travel for ensemble tours or performances.