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Department of Music College of Arts and Sciences

The Major and Concentrations

""If you choose to study music with us, we are determined to give you the options and flexibility to make the most of your education and your career. We offer:

  • the Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Music (General)
  • the Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Music and a Concentration in Music Technology
  • the Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Music and a Concentration in Music Education—Instrumental or Vocal/Choral
  • the Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Music and a Concentration in Music Therapy

The Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Admission Requirements

Admission to UAB does not guarantee admission to the Department of Music programs. All students who plan on pursuing a degree in music must audition with us before being accepted into the program. During the audition, you will also be given examinations that will help us determine your readiness to join the program. After the audition, students will be informed of one of three outcomes:

  • Admission to the program is granted and you may enroll as a music major.
  • Admission is conditional, in which case you are admitted as a Liberal Arts major with music interest. You will have one year to gain full admission as a music major.
  • Admission to the program is denied.

In the case of conditional admission, you will need to re-audition in order to gain full admission. Once fully or conditionally admitted to the Department of Music, you will work closely with a music faculty advisor who will monitor your progress and give you advise in selecting appropriate courses. If you are admitted conditionally, it is very important that you follow the advice of your faculty advisor.

If you gain conditional admission but fail your second audition, you will be advised to seek another major within the University.

Ensemble Participation Requirements

Students must participate in at least one semester hour of Music Ensemble per term for a minimum of seven terms. Music Ensembles are divided into two groups, Major Ensembles and Minor Ensembles. Music majors must complete at least six hours in a Major Ensemble, with the remaining hour in either a Major or Minor Ensemble. Read more about ensemble participation.

Major Ensembles include:

  • MUP 220: Concert Choir

    Performs choral music representing a variety of periods and styles. Some sight-reading ability necessary. May be repeated for credit. 1 hour.

  • MUP 225: Symphony Band

    Performs concert band literature. Open to students of all majors. May be repeated for credit. 1 hour.

  • MUP 230: Guitar Ensemble

    Performs original and pre-arranged selections of guitar ensemble literature. May be repeated for credit. 1 hour.

  • MUP 231: Orchestra

    Participation in community orchestra. Open to string students; wind or percussion players must enroll concurrently in MUP 225, MUP 235 or MUP 236. 1 hour.

  • MUP 232: Marching Band

    With over 200 members, the Marching Blazers contribute to campus life at UAB through performances at athletic events, pep rallies, and many other campus-wide events. The group is frequently sought-after to perform at statewide and regional marching band competitions as the exhibition band. In addition, the Marching Blazers have performed in local and regional parades. In 2013, the Marching Blazers traveled to Ireland to perform in the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day parade. While in Ireland, the Marching Blazers competed in the Limerick International Band Competition and were named “Best International Band” in March 2013. In March of 2015, the Marching Blazers travel to Hawaii to represent our city and state at the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor.

    The Marching Blazers consist of four main components: brass, woodwinds, percussion, and auxiliaries. A placement audition for all musicians is required for membership and part assignment. These auditions may be set up individually through the band office in the spring semester for the following school term. The Blazerettes, Majorettes, Colorguard, and Drum Majors are selected by audition in the spring of each year as well. The Marching Blazers perform a traditional marching band show as the exhibition band at numerous high school marching band contests and professional sporting events. The band travels throughout the state and country as the musical ambassadors of UAB. Rehearsal times are on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 3:30-5:15 in the fall semester. Band camp takes place approximately one week before the start of classes in the fall. Open to students of all majors with marching band experience. May be repeated for credit. 1 hour.

  • MUP 235: Wind Symphony

    Performs finest concert band literature. Open to students of all majors. May be repeated for credit. 1 hour.

  • MUP 236: Jazz Ensemble

    Performs classic and contemporary jazz, swing, and rhythm and blues. May be repeated for credit. 1 hour.

  • MUP 353: Piano Ensemble

    Explores piano literature for multiple performers. May be repeated for credit. 1 hour.

Minor Ensembles include:

  • MUP 110: Gospel Choir

    Performs traditional and contemporary gospel choral music. Open to students of all majors. May be repeated for credit.

  • MUP 221: Jazz Combo

    Performs repertoire of traditional and contemporary jazz for small ensembles. Rehearsals will focus on reading from "Real Books" and will include harmonic analysis as well as a study of basic improvisation, form, and style.

  • MUP 234: Percussion Ensemble

    Performs original and pre-arranged selections of concert percussion literature. Advanced percussion skill necessary. Open to students of all majors. May be repeated for credit.

  • MUP 237: Blazer Band

    Supports UAB basketball program by performing at games. May also perform for other special University or community events. Open to students of all majors. May be repeated for credit.

  • MUP 320: Chamber Singers

    Advanced choral group. Performs a variety of choral music representing different periods and styles. By audition only. Advanced music-reading skills required. May be repeated for credit.

  • MUP 321: Women's Chorale

    Performs choral music for women's voices and covers a variety of periods and styles. Some sight-reading ability necessary. May be repeated for credit.

  • MUP 341: Computer Music Ensemble

    Performs computer and other electronically generated music of various styles. Prerequisites: MU 222 [Min Grade: C], MU 225 [Min Grade: C], and MU 341 [Min Grade: C].

  • MUP 420: Opera Workshop

    Select member group. Performs staged productions of operas and opera scenes. Requires advanced music-reading skills. May be repeated for credit.

Course Catalog

A complete list of major requirements, courses, and a proposed four-year program of study for music majors are available in the UAB Undergraduate Catalog.

Ready to Apply?

All the information you need to apply can be found on our Applying to the Department of Music page. You will need to apply to the department as well as to UAB directly. Information about applying to the University can be found on UAB's Undergraduate Admissions Hub.