The bachelor of applied music in contemporary music program is offered at several colleges. The general curriculum offers instruction in modern recording technology, entrepreneurial business strategy, performance, production, songwriting and composition in multiple genres. Music skills evolve through electives in arranging, composition, advanced improvisation, film scoring, recording/producing techniques or songwriting. The goal of this degree program is to foster each student's individual artistry through original arrangements, compositions and recordings.
Many colleges and universities offer applied music programs that lead to a bachelor of music degree. The bachelor of music comprises majors such as performance, composition, history, jazz studies, music education, music production and music technology. Bachelor of music in performance degree programs provide instruction in guitar pedagogy, guitar performance, piano pedagogy, piano performance, voice pedagogy and voice performance.
The bachelor of arts in music program is also offered by many colleges and universities. Prerequisites include a minimum of five quarters totaling 15 units of private instruction in instrumental and/or vocal performance, three quarters of participation in the department's traditional large ensembles and passing the piano proficiency and ear-training proficiency examinations. Courses typically include music theory, musicianship and music history, among many others.
The bachelor of music in popular music performance is an alternative degree program for applied music students who don't fit into the traditional classical and jazz degree programs. Students are selected by audition in genres such as rock, pop, R&B, folk, Latin and country. Students are encouraged to create and perform original songs outside of class to develop off-campus recognition. The curriculum includes courses such as popular music performance, individual instruction, proficiency classes and popular music forum.