The University of Kentucky School of Music offers degree programs within programs of study as well as Minors in Music Performance and Music Theory and History. Our performance areas are brass, keyboards, percussion, strings, voice, and winds; each boasting world-class faculty on a variety of instruments. Additionally, we have research programs for scholars and professional training for teachers. Please follow the links below or in the menu to find out more about each discipline.
Students may also be interested in the more general and comprehensive B.A. in Music. Bachelor of Arts in Music provides the flexibility multidisciplinary degree students need with a grounding in music theory, history, and performance. The route provides a liberal arts approach to the study of a fine arts discipline. As the most flexible degree in the School of Music, the Bachelor of Arts in Music is a smart choice for students who are considering a double major or will pursue another discipline at the University of Kentucky alongside Music. An audition is still required for entry into the School of Music, see the Auditions and Admissions page for information on how to apply.
You can also find links to official UK documents about degree types and degree requirements on the CFA Degree Programs page.
Music Education Undergraduate
The major in music education is the joint concern of the School of Music in the College of Fine Arts and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education.
Music Liberal Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Music curriculum consists of music theory, music history, ensemble performance, private lessons and a foreign language requirement. Students will also complete at least 12 hours of related electives outside the School of Music.
Music Performance Graduate
Our students have performed with renowned artists including Lang Lang, Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell and more. Our faculty are world renown performers practicing their craft on a global scale.
Music Theory & Composition
UK offers PhD and MA degrees in music theory, the MM and DMA in composition, as well as a concentration in theory or composition within the BA
Music Therapy
A career in music therapy begins with a strong foundation in music coursework. Current UK undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in music therapy should discuss this interest as soon as possible with their academic advisor and/or UK Music Therapy faculty.
Musicology & Ethnomusicology
The Division of Musicology and Ethnomusicology of the UK School of Music offers a superior education in musicology with its diverse faculty of scholars, its dual emphasis on traditional research and creative explorations in the field, its focus on collaborations between scholarship and performanc
Music Education Graduate
Alumni in music education are teaching in K–12 schools throughout the United States as well as universities such as the University of Florida, Louisiana State University, and more.
Sacred Music
The information presented here is for your convenience. Be sure to always check the official UK Catalog for curriculum and degree requirements.
Minor in Music Performance
Students may concentrate on either Music Performance or Music Theory and History. An audition is required for students pursuing the Music Performance track.
Minor in Music Theory and History
The Minor in Music curriculum consists of music theory, music history, ensemble performance, and private lessons. The Music Theory and History option requires three credit hours of private lessons or ensemble performance.
Certificate in Eurhythmics
The Dalcroze approach has three branches: Eurhythmics trains the body to respond kinesthetically to rhythmic and dynamic concepts. Solfège trains the ear, eye, and voice in pitch, melody, and harmony.
Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy
As required by the Graduate School, students who wish to be admitted into this certificate curriculum should complete a graduate application, submit transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Certificate in Baroque Trumpet
Students examine the stylistic aspects of Baroque music through primary sources from the Baroque era, prominent secondary sources on Baroque interpretation, and music from the Baroque era on the natural trumpet.
Certificate in Orff Schulwerk
The Schulwerk was created by composers Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman in Europe. The emphasis is on students as improvisers and performers. It is the most exciting way to teach and learn music.
Musical Theatre Certificate
Students in this interdisciplinary program train with experts in Private Voice Coaching, Musical Theatre Dance and Technique as well as Master Classes and Musical Theatre Productions and Performances.