Music (BM)
Refine your musical skills through our program and join our community of musicians.
Fine Tune your Career in Music
Become a part of our internationally recognized music program. Our Bachelor of Music degree advances your knowledge in music theory, history, pedagogy, performance and more. Receive one-on-one instruction from our renowned faculty as you develop your skills and build your repertoire. Whether you aspire to teach or perform, our degree prepares you for a variety of careers. Join our community of recognized musicians and apply today! You can also learn more about the Music Department at our main department webpage.
See Yourself Succeed with a Degree In Music
Join Our Community
You'll discover a vibrant community of talented musicians who are dedicated to fostering world-class ensembles, bands and chorales. Our programs are recognized internationally with students competing and performing overseas.
Learn from the Best
You'll have opportunities to participate in studio recitals and master classes taught by renowned professors and nationally recognized guest musicians. Our faculty are dedicated to improving your music appreciation, comprehension and performance.
NASM Accredited
The Department of Music at Texas A&M University-Commerce is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Find Your Program
With over 300 majors, the Department of Music offers top-notch performing experiences while still providing one-on-one mentorship. You'll have many opportunities to participate in recitals and performances.
Focus Your Passion
The BM program is for those who wish to specialize in music long term. Our BA program takes a general and well rounded approach to your education. Once you’ve made that choice, the Department of Music offers two different tracks towards earning your bachelor’s degree. Discover what option works best for your career interest and goals.
Bachelors of Music in Music Education
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree, combined with professional education requirements, provides students with the information and skills to be a music educator at all levels and prepares them to take the exams for teacher certification in Texas. Though students are prepared to teach instrumental and vocal music at all grade levels, the curriculum allows them to select one of three areas of emphasis: (1) elementary general—preparation for teaching general music in the elementary grades, (2) secondary choral—preparation for organizing and directing choral organizations at the secondary level; or (3) secondary instrumental—preparation for directing bands and orchestras at the secondary level.
Credit Hours: 41
Bachelors of Music in Performance
Engage in a wide variety of performance opportunities. The Bachelor of Music in Performance degree develops your technical skills and abilities through large ensembles, chamber playing, solo performances and more.
Credit Hours: 41
Faculty Spotlight
Daniel Kelly, DMA
Daniel Kelly, a native of Charleston, SC, joined Texas A&M University-Commerce in the fall of 2010 after serving on the faculty of Indiana State University and the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Kelly is a member of the Dallas Wind Symphony and has performed with the Plano Symphony, Northeast Texas Symphony, Mobile Symphony and Opera […]
More About Daniel
Phillip Clements
Phillip L. Clements is the Director of Bands and Instrumental Activities at Texas A&M University-Commerce. In this role, Mr. Clements serves as conductor of the Wind Ensemble, teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in conducting and music education, and guides all activities within the instrumental area. Prior to his appointment in 2008, Mr. Clements served on […]
More About Phillip
Randall Hooper, DMA
Dr. Randall Hooper has earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Texas State University, a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from Baylor University where he studied with Donald Bailey, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting from Louisiana State University where he studied with Kenneth Fulton and Sara Lynn […]
More About RandallWhat You Will Learn
A bachelor’s degree in music will offer you the opportunity to:
- Become a part of a community of world-class musicians and scholars
- Receive private lessons from seasoned musicians
- Increase your knowledge in music history and theory
- Participate in conferences, master classes and workshops
Careers
Let your passion for music shape the lives of those around you. A Bachelor of Music degree prepares you for a wide variety of careers. Our alumni have achieved positions at all levels of music including band or choir director, elementary music teacher, college professors, fine arts directors, studio or private instructor and more. Many of our graduates perform in orchestras, concert and military bands. Others work as collaborative artists and soloists in international touring groups or run their own companies.
Career Possibilities
Education
- College professor
- Band director
- Choir director
- Elementary music teacher
- Private teaching studio
Performance
- Military bands
- Professional orchestra
- Collaborative and solo artists
- International touring shows
- Musician in rock, country and jazz bands
Other
- Entrepreneur
- Composer
- Arranger
- Music business manager
Featured Courses
Admission
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
If you are applying to be a music major or minor or applying for scholarships and admission to the ensembles as a non-music major, you must complete an audition. Music department scholarships are available and awarded based on your audition.
Deadlines
2024 Audition Dates for all Music Majors and Non-Majors:
- February 17
- February 24
- March 9
- April 6 (Instrumental Non-music Majors Only)
November and January early audition dates are available by request.
Other dates available upon request.
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
Applying to the music program is a two step process. First apply to Texas A&M University-Commerce with ApplyTexas and then apply to the Department of Music in order to sign-up for an audition.
Submit your application through ApplyTexas.
- Select “Create a new undergraduate admissions application”
- Select Texas A&M University-Commerce as your “target university.”
- Select “Music” as your “Major.”
Contact your previous/current academic institution(s) and request that they mail the transcript to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
For faster delivery, you may check to see if your previous/current academic institution(s) can submit an electronic version of your transcript to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. A&M-Commerce accepts SPEEDE, National Clearinghouse and Escript-Safe electronic transcripts.
You do not need to complete the state-legislated Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment if you meet one of the following exemption criteria.
- Met minimum college readiness standard on the SAT or ACT
- Obtained the minimum required score(s) on the statewide high school STAAR EOCs Algebra II and English III exams (these are optional for high schools)
- Met a veteran or active military waiver (must meet specific requirements for each category)
- Received exemption based on earning a prior degree
- Received a transfer exemption (declaration by another institution)
- Completed prior college-level coursework
Students are responsible for providing proof of exemption and will be considered assessment required until documentation is provided of state exemption. For more information, please contact the Testing Center at [email protected].
Submit your scores using the A&M-Commerce codes 4088 (ACT) and 6188 (SAT) on act.org or collegeboard.org.
A&M-Commerce accepts scores on certain College Board Advanced Placement (AP) tests for credit in selected courses.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous, 2-year, pre-university program. In compliance with SB111, TAMU-Commerce offers at least 24 hours of credit to all IB diploma candidates with subject exam scores of 4 or higher.
More than 70% of our undergraduate students receive FINANCIAL AID. Find out how you may be eligible for grants, loans and/or the Work Study Program.
To help you pay for your degree, a variety of SCHOLARSHIPS opportunities are available at A&M-Commerce including institutional scholarships, outside scholarships and state-funded scholarships. All scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available, so apply as early as you can!
Music :: Scholarship Accordions Undergraduate
Music students at A&M-Commerce are afforded a wide range of scholarship options.
- Performance-based scholarships are available based on the results of the auditions.
- The amount varies depending on the student’s audition and the potential contribution to the department.
- Housing scholarships are available and are awarded as a $500 a semester credit toward the on-campus housing bill.
- Students must meet the eligibility requirement of the University.
- Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 for a music scholarship and a 3.00 for a housing scholarship to be renewed each semester.
- Scholarship recipients are required to meet the ensemble and studio requirements as stated in their scholarship contract each semester.
- Keyboard scholarship is available as an accompanist for a reasonable amount of rehearsals and performances as needed.
- Performance-based scholarships are available based on the results of the auditions.
- The amount varies depending on the student’s audition and the potential contribution to the department.
- Housing scholarships are available and are awarded as a $500 a semester credit toward the on-campus housing bill.
- Students must meet the eligibility requirement of the University.
- Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 for a music scholarship and a 3.00 for a housing scholarship to be renewed each semester.
- Scholarship recipients are required to meet the ensemble and studio requirements as stated in their scholarship contract each semester.
- Keyboard scholarship is available as an accompanist for a reasonable amount of rehearsals and performances as needed.
Basketball Band Scholarships are available through an audition held during the fall semester each year.
Check your myLeo account for admission status, financial aid and scholarship info, registration, updates, and deadlines.
If you are applying as a Performance or Music Education major, you will complete an audition. Music department scholarships are available and awarded based on your audition. Please contact the Department of Music for further information and scheduling.
Deadlines
2024 Audition Dates for all Music Majors and Non-Majors:
- February 17
- February 24
- March 9
- April 6 (Instrumental Non-music Majors Only)
November and January early audition dates are available by request.
Other dates available upon request.
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
College is the next big step in your academic journey!
Residents of foreign countries who wish to enter the university should apply to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions well in advance of the semester they plan to attend. Please note that an international student is any degree-seeking student holding a non-immigrant student visa.
All admission requirements are to be completed a minimum of three months prior to the beginning of the semester. In the case of extenuating circumstances, exceptions to this timeline may be considered on an individual basis.
Keep in mind that your transcripts must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before being considered for admission.
Applying to the music program is a two step process. First apply to Texas A&M University-Commerce with ApplyTexas and then apply to the Department of Music in order to sign-up for an audition.
Submit your application through ApplyTexas.
- Select “Create a new undergraduate admissions application”
- Select Texas A&M University-Commerce as your “target university.”
- Select “Music” as your “Major.”
Complete your high school transcript through your junior year.
As an international student, you must show proof of successful completion of a course of study equivalent to that required of a U.S. citizen. Your international transcript must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before we consider you for admission to A&M-Commerce. For freshman admission, high school transcripts need only be evaluated to determine U.S. high school equivalency.
FOREIGN ACADEMIC CREDENTIAL EVALUATOR RESOURCES
Dual-credit freshmen must also submit an official transcript from the institution that offered the dual-credit classes.
Transcripts must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before a student is considered for admission.
Upon completion of the evaluation, please request the agency provide a copy to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 3011
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
You do not need to complete the state-legislated Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment if one of the following exemptions applies.
- Met minimum college readiness standard on the SAT or ACT
- Obtained the minimum required score(s) on the statewide high school STAAR EOCs Algebra II and English III exams (these are optional for high schools)
- Met a veteran or active military waiver (must meet specific requirements for each category)
- Received exemption based on earning a prior degree
- Received a transfer exemption (declaration by another institution)
- Completed prior college-level coursework
Students are responsible for providing proof of exemption and will be considered assessment required until documentation is provided of state exemption. For more information, please contact the Testing Center at [email protected].
Submit your scores using the A&M-Commerce codes 4088 (ACT) and 6188 (SAT) on act.org or collegeboard.org.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous, 2-year, pre-university program. In compliance with SB111, TAMU-Commerce offers at least 24 hours of credit to all IB diploma candidates with subject exam scores of 4 or higher.
As an applicant, you must be adequately proficient in English to pursue a course of study at the university. A score of at least 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based or 79 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and an official report of these scores must be submitted to the Office Undergraduate Admissions prior to admission. Please keep in mind that Education Testing Service (ETS) will not release scores that are older than two (2) years.
Undergraduate Exemptions:
- Students who have completed Eng 1301 and Eng 1302, at a U.S. institution, with a grade of “C” or better. Students may provide a certified older score if they have been continuously studying at a U.S. college or university.
- Students who have successfully completed the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEP’s) advanced-level program as defined in the information provided by TIEP and who are seeking admissions to our campus.
- Students who have completed a minimum of one year of study in a Texas public high school with the completion of English III or English IV (including Advance Placement/AP) with a grade of “B” or better.
- Students who are citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the British Virgin Island, Jamaica, United Kingdom, Ireland, Antigua, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, St. Lucia, Wales, Bahamas, Barbados, Switzerland and Canada (excluding French-speaking Quebec). Proof of citizenship must be provided such as birth certificate or passport.
- Students who have one of the following tests and scores:
CAE: B or Higher
CPE: C or Higher
AT II E: 968 or Higher
IELTS: Overall band 6.0 or Higher
SAT Verbal: 500 or Higher
ACT Verbal: 19 or Higher - Students who have obtained one of the following foreign high school diplomas/tests/scores:
GCE, GCSE, IGCSE: C or higher in English Language
WASC, KCSE, SSCE or equivalent national exams: C or higher in English Language IB (International Baccalaureate): Grade 4 or higher in English subject
A Sponsor’s Statement of Support for International Student (signed by the sponsor) with a current bank statement showing a balance of at least $28,109.00 USD must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Sponsor’s statements and bank statements must be less than one year old at the time of application.
All educational and living expenses (including medical/repatriation insurance) are the responsibility of the student.
Texas state law requires all new students 21 years of age or younger to either receive a bacterial meningitis vaccination or meet the exemption requirements prior to the first day of their first semester. Students who fail to submit their proof of vaccination and have their vaccination approved at least 10 days prior to the first day of their first semester may not be allowed to attend classes at A&M-Commerce. Please note that failure to meet this requirement (only students 21 years of age or younger) may result in serious visa status issues.
Audition and interview to gain acceptance to the program and be eligible for Music Department scholarships.
Audition Requirements
- Sing 2 pieces: One in English and one in a Foreign Language. If you are interested in a concentration in Musical Theatre, you may perform a third piece from a Musical.
- Sight-reading
- Vocalization
- Theory Diagnostic Test (For incoming Freshmen only)
- All Major Scales and a Full-Range Chromatic Scale
- Two contrasting etudes (slow and fast) or portions of solo repertoire (lyrical and technical)
- Sight-read a short musical example
- Students interested in auditioning as a performance major should also be prepared to perform a movement or movements from a standard concerto, sonata or significant solo repertoire. Please contact the applied faculty member for your instrument with any questions.
- Three memorized pieces in contrasting styles (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionism, 20th or 21st Century)
- Major and minor scales and arpeggios
- Sight-reading
- Snare Drum:
- One concert style solo or etude OR One rudimental style solo or etude
- Keyboard:
- One four-mallet solo
- One two-mallet solo or etude
- Sight-reading a two-mallet etude
- Timpani:
- One solo or etude
- Drum-Set (Optional):
- Demonstrate two-four styles
After admission, the Office of International Programs (OIP) will review your documents for eligibility to receive an I-20 (F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 student). As soon as the OIP receives your admission file we will send you an email requesting some additional information and also explaining the process for issuing the I-20. We understand that you need the I-20 as quickly as possible so you can apply for the student visa, and we appreciate your patience while we review your admission and issue the I-20.
J-1 international students are required to provide proof of financial support that equals the estimated cost for one year of study at A&M-Commerce. This requirement is based on the financial support requirements for all F-1 students. These documents are bank and sponsor statements.
How to Receive an I-20 or DS-2019 Funding Requirement for Undergraduate Student
Check your account for admission status, financial aid and scholarship info, registration, updates and deadlines through myLeo.
Undergraduate Music Department Scholarships
Music department scholarships are available and awarded based on your audition. Please contact the Department of Music for further information.
- Performance-based scholarships are available to music majors and non-music majors based on the results of the Department of Music audition. The amount of the award varies according to the student's audition and potential contribution to the department.
- Housing scholarships are available in addition to performance-based scholarships. Housing scholarships are awarded as a $500.00 a semester credit toward the students on-campus housing bill.
- Students must meet the eligibility requirement of the University to be eligibility for a music scholarship.
- Scholarship recipients are required to meet the ensemble and studio requirements as stated in their scholarship contract each semester.
- Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher for a music scholarship to be renewed each semester. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher for a housing scholarship to be renewed each semester.
Undergraduate Program Costs
Program Costs
Tuition and fees for undergraduate students taking 12 credit hours are $4,212 for Texas residents and $9,108 for non-residents.
We are here to help!
Contact Us
- Department of Music
- 903.886.5303
- 903.468.6010
- [email protected]
