All the music degree programs at Valparaiso University are designed to prepare you to meet the demands of musical life.  Mastery of performance, verbal, and critical thinking skills is expected in most music-related professions. Some fields, such as music education, church music and music business, require hands-on training through internship experiences. Skill in use of electronic technology is increasingly important in many fields. Ability to improvise, compose, arrange, and conduct increases the musician’s chances for success. With a teaching-oriented faculty and small class size, the Department of Music helps each student meet his or her full musical potential.

At Valparaiso University, you can select music majors to match a wide range of career aspirations:

• Some students know for sure that they will seek careers as musicians. For students preparing for careers as music educators, as full-time church musicians, or as professional performer-teachers, our department offers intensive professional training. As a student in one of the professional tracks (Bachelor of Music Education or Bachelor of Music), you will have music as your only major.  Your curriculum is designed to prepare you for professional employment or for graduate school in your field.
• Other students expect to make their careers in music-related fields (including in business, arts administration, church work, and theatre). If you are one of these students, our department offers you a liberal arts music major (Bachelor of Arts in Music) with specific concentrations in related fields.
• Many students do not expect that music will be how they will make their living, but they know for sure that music will be an important part of their lives. If you seek a full music major curriculum while planning for a profession in another field, our Liberal Arts Music Major (Bachelor of Arts in Music) offers full performance opportunities and plenty of flexibility for an additional major or minor.