Undergraduate Programs

Whether you're an aspiring performer, composer or music historian, you'll find a place for your love of music in the College of Charleston Department of Music.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Department offers programs to promote both academic exploration and artistic growth.

Undergraduate Music Programs

One of the original liberal arts, music plays an important and distinctive role in the lives and education of the entire campus community. Explore these opportunities to further enrich your College of Charleston experience through music.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music

    The Bachelor of Arts in Music program offers a dynamic environment for both academic exploration and artistic growth.

    As a music major, you can earn your degree with a concentration in one of three areas:

    A major in music provides you with personalized and unique experiences to further inspire your work and develop your skills:

    • Small class sizes and individualized instruction from renowned faculty, all accomplished professional musicians, ensure personalized attention.
    • Performance opportunities abound including opportunities with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Opera Theater and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. 
    • World-class performances by renowned guest artists and faculty members inspire and elevate your musical journey.
    View B.A. in Music in the Catalog
  • Music Minor

    Make Music a Part of Your College of Charleston Experience

    You know Charleston for its artistic soul and as a city that cherishes and cultivates the performing arts. Now you can be a part of it.

    Enrich your academic journey by adding a music minor.

    The flexible 18-hour progam allows you to explore music theory, history and music culture in addition to a wide range of music course electives and participation in ensembles and concert choir that may be applied toward your program requirements.

    In addition to fueling artistic expression and creativity, adding a music minor demonstrates your diverse interests and abilities. 

    View Music Minor in the Catalog
  • Music Activities/Courses for Non-Majors

    Discover the many opportunities for non-majors to participate in ensembles, one-on-one applied lessons and music classes:

    Ensembles

    College of Charleston ensembles are open to both majors and non-majors. Some ensembles require auditions at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.

    Applied Lessons

    The Music Department offers individual instruction in both classical and jazz performance areas. Private lessons are 30 minutes (1 credit hour) or 60 minutes (2 credit hours) per week.

    Lessons carry a fee of $225 per credit hour in addition to regular tuition charges.

    Music Courses for Non-Majors

    Explore music through our non-major courses that also fulfill gen-ed requirements. You'll learn music appreciation, explore diverse genres, open up to cultural musical expression, and discover a whole new dimension to listening.

    Courses will take you from the club scene and electronic dance music to the culture and traditions that shape our popular music today:

    • MUSC 131 Music Appreciation
    • MUSC 222 Special Topics for Non-Majors (fall 2024: History of Hip-Hop Music, Women in American Popular Music, Black Musics in the Americas)
    • MUSC 223 History of Electronic Music: Electronica, Rock, and the Avant-Garde
    • MUSC 227 Broadway: The History of American Musical Theatre
    • MUSC 230 Masterworks of Music
    • MUSC 232 History of Popular Music in the United States
    • MUSC 233 World Music Cultures
    • MUSC 234 Music in Latin America
    • MUSC 280 Music as Culture 

    Find these courses when you register for classes. Complete the following form to request non-major registration for ensembles and one-on-one applied lessons:

    Request Ensembles & Lessons
  • Musical Theatre Certificate

    Students majoring in Music, Theatr or Dance now have the opportunity to add on interdisciplinary coursework through the Musical Theatre Certificate Program.

    This exciting program is a collaboration between the Department of Music and the Department of Theatre & Dance. These 24 credit hour certificates provide additional training and the chance to further focus on skills needed as a musical theatre artist. The combination of courses vary according to the three majors and help develop versatile performance skills needed for careers in this specialized art form. 

    Course and production work in all areas of theatre, dance and music provide hands-on learning experiences. Students will be able to audition for CofC Stages productions, CofC Opera productions and have performance opportunities through Broadway Ensemble, Musical Theatre Workshop, Musical choirs and ensembles, and other special events and courses between the multiple departments.

    More on musical theatre certificate

Performance Areas

Academic Areas

Ensemble Opportunties