Our Programs

There are two careers paths in the Cal Poly Pomona music program: The Bachelor of Music (BM) and the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees.

Note that all prospective students, once accepted to the University, audition. Those pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree (BM), must audition for admission. Those pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) audition for studio/ensemble placement and for scholarships. See below for more details on each degree program.

The Bachelor of Music (BM), considered a “professional degree,” is for those wanting to perform music, compose music, or teach music in the K-12 schools for a living. A BM is training for such careers as film and game music composer, orchestra player, band or choir director, opera singer, orchestrator or arranger, middle and high school music teacher, jingle writer, conductor, session musician, and many more.

There are three options in the BM: Composition, Performance, and Music Education.

The BM…

NOTE: This degree path requires an audition for admission.
Is more heavily weighted with music classes, including theory, musicianship, performance, and the like.
Requires performance of a Senior Recital.
Click for audition requirements for the BM

The Bachelor of Arts is a liberal arts degree. Those who pursue the BA in Music Industry Studies are often training to work behind the scenes in the music industry, or training for such careers as music producer, recording engineer, booking agent, concert promoter, royalties administrator, music publicist, ethnomusicologist and music scholar, entertainment lawyer, and music therapist, among many others.

There are two options in the BA: General Music, and Music Industry Studies.

The BA …

Students audition for the BA, but the audition is NOT required for admission, only for placement in studio and ensembles once in the BA.
Is more heavily weighted toward academic classes, ethnomusicology classes, history, and classes about the music industry.
Requires a Senior Project.
Click for audition suggestions for the BA