The Bachelor of Arts in Music at Rice University is designed for students who wish to explore music as both an intellectual discipline and a creative art form. Blending performance, theory, and history, the program allows students to develop a deep understanding of musical structure, context, and expression. Through courses in music theory, composition, musicology, and ensemble performance, students gain not only technical proficiency but also a broad appreciation for musical traditions from around the world. The curriculum fosters both artistic growth and critical inquiry, allowing students to understand music’s role in shaping human culture and identity.
This four-year, full-time program provides flexibility for students to combine musical studies with interests in other academic areas. Students can pursue focused training in their principal instrument or voice, while also engaging in interdisciplinary coursework across the humanities or sciences. With access to world-class faculty, dedicated practice spaces, and performance halls, students are encouraged to take part in solo recitals, chamber music, orchestral ensembles, and contemporary music projects. The program emphasizes collaborative learning, creativity, and technical excellence, offering a strong foundation for future studies or careers in a wide range of music-related and interdisciplinary fields.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Music
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 December 2025
- Location: Rice University, United States
- Field of Study: Music
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Music Literacy
- Fundamentals of Music Theory
- Ear Training and Sight Singing I
- Music History: Antiquity to Baroque
- Ensemble Participation
Year 2 – Intermediate Techniques and Analysis
- Harmony and Voice Leading
- Ear Training and Sight Singing II
- Music History: Classical to Romantic
- Instrumental or Vocal Private Lessons
Year 3 – Advanced Studies and Performance
- Counterpoint or Orchestration
- 20th-Century Music and Analysis
- Chamber Music and Conducting
- Elective in Composition or World Music
Year 4 – Specialization and Final Project
- Seminar in Music Research
- Independent Study or Senior Recital
- Music and Society
- Portfolio Development or Thesis Option
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Music BA program at Rice University pursue diverse and fulfilling careers across the arts, education, and media industries. Many continue on to graduate-level performance programs, music education certifications, or musicology and theory PhD tracks. Others find roles as performers, composers, arts administrators, or music directors in professional ensembles, schools, or nonprofit organizations. With strong skills in analysis, collaboration, and creativity, music graduates also transition successfully into fields such as sound production, film scoring, digital media, or cultural policy. The training in communication, discipline, and emotional intelligence that music demands makes graduates highly attractive to employers beyond the arts sector as well, including areas like marketing, project coordination, or community engagement. Whether pursuing a career on stage, in academia, or in a cross-sector role that values artistic insight, Rice music alumni are well-prepared to contribute with both depth and versatility.
Why Choose This Program
The Music program at Rice University offers a richly interdisciplinary experience that balances performance excellence with academic exploration. Unlike conservatory-only training models, this liberal arts-based program encourages students to place their musical development in dialogue with broader social, cultural, and intellectual perspectives. The faculty includes distinguished performers, composers, and scholars who mentor students closely and support individual artistic growth. Facilities such as advanced practice rooms, digital labs, and acoustically refined concert venues provide the ideal setting for both study and performance. Located in Houston, a city with a vibrant arts scene and numerous professional music organizations, Rice offers students unique access to internships, mentorships, and real-world performance experience. For students who want to cultivate musical skill, artistic identity, and critical understanding within a supportive and challenging environment, this program offers a deeply rewarding educational path.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 713-348-7423
Email: admission@rice.edu
Address: Office of Admission – MS 17, 109 Lovett Hall, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States
