Degrees & Programs Offered
Undergraduate Degree Programs
B.A. in Music
The B.A. degree in music provides broad, liberal education options for concentrations in general music, music theory, music history and music composition.
B.A. Music Degree Requirements
Students must complete the following:
An audition is required for all new students seeking to enter a music degree program. At the discretion of the music faculty, an audition may be required for a current music major who seeks to change their music degree program (such as BA to BM) or add a second music degree program (double major).
Undergraduate Audition Process:
All students must pass an audition before declaring a music major. A new student may be allowed to take music classes in the fall with the understanding that they will audition the next semester for formal admission as a music major.
Students must fill out and submit the online audition request form to book their audition (confirmation will be sent to you from the audition coordinator). Students already enrolled at UAF or those who live within the Fairbanks North Star Borough must audition in person on campus. Those outside the borough may audition in person, or may submit an unedited DVD or a link to an unedited digital audition (YouTube video or Google Drive file). Auditions should include two works of contrasting style and together be about 10 minutes in length.
Please note, only music majors are eligible for music scholarship awards. To be considered for a music scholarship for the upcoming academic year, new students must first audition in February and be admitted as a music major. For more information on scholarships and application process, please follow the Financial Aid link in the navigation or click here.
Music majors are required to earn a minimum of 8 large ensemble credits in the B.M.
in Music Performance program. Large ensembles include the Northern Lights String Orchestra,
the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Choir of the North.
Wind and percussion instrumentalists are required to take a minimum of 4 credits in
Wind Ensemble. Piano majors may substitute up to 2 credits of Chamber Music.
Attendance at recitals and concerts provides students with a variety of musical experiences that expand their regular curriculum. All applied music students enrolled in Private Lessons (MUS F261) or higher are required to perform in at least one Music at One program during each semester of study.
At the end of each semester, all music majors must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in performance (Performance Juries) in their applied instrumental area in order to advance to the next level of study. At the discretion of the music faculty, a student may be held at the F200 level to further prepare to pass the requirements for admission to upper-division study. Competency levels required for each degree must be achieved in one applied instrumental area.
Complete one of the following:
B.M. in Music Performance
The B.M. degree in music performance offers intensive specialization for those desiring professional training in music performance. The Music Department is a full member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the national accrediting organization.
B.M. Music Performance Degree Requirements
Students must complete the following:
Music majors are required to earn a minimum of 8 large ensemble credits in the B.M.
in Music Performance program. Large ensembles include the Northern Lights String Orchestra,
the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Choir of the North.
Wind and percussion instrumentalists are required to take a minimum of 4 credits in
Wind Ensemble. Piano majors may substitute up to 2 credits of Chamber Music.
Attendance at recitals and concerts provides students with a variety of musical experiences that expand their regular curriculum. All applied music students enrolled in Private Lessons (MUS F261) or higher are required to perform in at least one Music at One program during each semester of study.
At the end of each semester, all music majors must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in performance (Performance Juries) in their applied instrumental area in order to advance to the next level of study. At the discretion of the music faculty, a student may be held at the F200 level to further prepare to pass the requirements for admission to upper-division study. Competency levels required for each degree must be achieved in one applied instrumental area.
B.M. in Music Education
The B.M. degree in music education offers thorough preparation in teacher training and develops excellence in music performance areas. The bachelor’s degree in music education offers comprehensive, personalized music training within the vibrant arts community of Fairbanks, Alaska. The program also features extensive field-based teacher training, including a semester-long internship in a school setting.
Our music education program includes teacher certification and licensure within the five-year curriculum. When you graduate, you won’t need to take additional certification courses—you’ll be ready to start your career as a licensed public school teacher in the state of Alaska.
B.M. Music Education Degree Requirements
Students must complete the following:
An audition is required for all new students seeking to enter a music degree program. At the discretion of the music faculty, an audition may be required for a current music major who seeks to change their music degree program (such as BA to BM) or add a second music degree program (double major).
Undergraduate Audition Process:
All students must pass an audition before declaring a music major. A new student may be allowed to take music classes in the fall with the understanding that they will audition the next semester for formal admission as a music major.
Students must fill out and submit the online audition request form to book their audition (confirmation will be sent to you from the audition coordinator). Students already enrolled at UAF or those who live within the Fairbanks North Star Borough must audition in person on campus. Those outside the borough may audition in person, or may submit an unedited DVD or a link to an unedited digital audition (eg. YouTube video or Google Drive file). Auditions should include two works of contrasting style and together be about 10 minutes in length.
Please note, only music majors are eligible for music scholarship awards. To be considered for a music scholarship for the upcoming academic year, new students must first audition in February and be admitted as a music major. For more information on scholarships and application process, please follow the Financial Aid link in the navigation or click here.
Music majors are required to earn a minimum of 8 large ensemble credits in the B.M.
in Music Performance program. Large ensembles include the Northern Lights String Orchestra,
the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Choir of the North.
Wind and percussion instrumentalists are required to take a minimum of 4 credits in
Wind Ensemble. Piano majors may substitute up to 2 credits of Chamber Music.
Attendance at recitals and concerts provides students with a variety of musical experiences that expand their regular curriculum. All applied music students enrolled in Private Lessons (MUS F261) or higher are required to perform in at least one Music at One program during each semester of study.
At the end of each semester, all music majors must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in performance (Performance Juries) in their applied instrumental area in order to advance to the next level of study. At the discretion of the music faculty, a student may be held at the F200 level to further prepare to pass the requirements for admission to upper-division study. Competency levels required for each degree must be achieved in one applied instrumental area.
Complete one of the following:
Study Plans
The following study plans outline required music courses in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor Music degree programs over four-year and five-year sequences. Your course registrations will always be completed and approved in consultation with your academic advisor.
MUS F245 Singer's Diction I: English and Italian (h)
2 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
A systematic approach for singers through use of the International Phonetic Alphabet for the transcription and pronunciation of song texts in English and Italian. A singer's diction course would be valuable to radio announcers or anyone needing rules of pronunciation for names, titles, phrases, etc. in foreign languages.
Minor in Music
... one with a performance emphasis, and another with an academic emphasis. Each minor requires 18 credits.
Graduate Degree Program
M.Mu. in Music Performance
A student’s Master of Music Performance degree program is determined by the student in coordination with the student’s graduate advisory committee. Each graduate student’s program is designed to support the student’s individual professional interests and aspirations, consistent with program requirements. The Master of Music Performance degree program emphasizes academic achievement and superior musicianship through music performance. In addition to the curriculum, recitals and concerts provide students with a variety of musical experiences and performance opportunities.
M.Mu. Music Performance Degree Requirements
Students must complete the following:
- Performance audition, demonstrating knowledge and ability in solo literature of various historical periods and styles. Audition may be either a live performance or a performance recorded and submitted in an unedited video format (DVD or online).
- Diagnostic examinations in music theory and history. These diagnostic exams identify strengths and deficiencies in music theory, music history and music literature. Applicants will be accepted from any accredited institution; however, before admission to a degree program, all students (including UAF or UAA baccalaureate graduates) must take these preliminary examinations.
