B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Music
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Music at Whittier College offers a broad curriculum encompassing music technology, Western and non-Western music, and various performance opportunities. Students can choose a traditional music major or opt for an emphasis in Digital Music Production, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations within the evolving music industry. The program aims to develop students' analytical, performance, and creative skills, preparing them for graduate studies, professional careers, or continued musical involvement.
Curriculum: The music curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in core musical disciplines. Core courses typically include Introduction to Music Theory & Musicianship, Harmony I, II, and III, and Music History I and II. Students also engage in individual private instruction on their chosen instrument or voice, and participate in various ensembles, fostering practical performance skills. Electives offer a wide range of topics, such as History of Jazz, American Popular Music, Music in Film, Women, Music, and Culture, and Music Business. For the Digital Music Production emphasis, courses like Digital Music Notation, Beginning and Advanced Audio Recording, Mixing and Mastering, and Music Production are integral, utilizing the department's state-of-the-art recording studio. All music majors must also pass a piano proficiency examination.
Research Focus: Research and scholarly inquiry are integral to the B.A. in Music program at Whittier College. Students are encouraged to develop research techniques and refine their communication skills, both written and oral. Senior music majors undertake a self-designed and faculty-approved senior project, which serves as a capstone experience and often involves in-depth research. This project allows students to apply theoretical knowledge and explore specific areas of interest in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, or other related fields. Students often present their original works at the annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference, showcasing their scholarly contributions and analytical abilities.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College's Music Department actively prepares students for diverse career opportunities within the music industry and beyond. The curriculum includes practical courses like Music Business, providing insights into the commercial aspects of music. The department's state-of-the-art recording studio, including the Chowdry Music Studio with Apple Logic recording software, offers hands-on experience in music production, giving students an edge in the recording industry. The college's Center for Career and Professional Development provides comprehensive support for career exploration, internships, and networking opportunities. Alumni from the music program are active throughout the world as professional performers, composers, scholars, and teachers, demonstrating the program's success in preparing graduates for the professional world.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is integrated into Whittier College's Music program by encompassing the study of both Western and non-Western music traditions. Courses may explore topics such as Music of Latin America and Music of Africa, broadening students' understanding of diverse musical cultures. The opportunity to study with internationally acclaimed faculty, who bring varied global experiences and expertise, further enhances this perspective. While not explicitly detailed as a specific requirement for the Music major, Whittier College actively promotes study abroad opportunities across disciplines through programs like the Global Poet Scholarship and faculty-led "globetrotting courses," which can enrich a music student's understanding of global musical contexts and expressions.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music from Whittier College provides graduates with a versatile blend of creative, analytical, and technical skills that extend far beyond traditional performance. The program's liberal arts foundation cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, making alumni adaptable to a diverse range of roles within the dynamic and evolving music industry, as well as in related fields.
Music Producer/Audio Engineer: Especially for those with a Digital Music Production emphasis, graduates can work in recording studios, film, television, or gaming, overseeing the recording, mixing, and mastering of audio. Their technical knowledge, artistic ear, and understanding of music theory are crucial.
Music Educator/Teacher: Many music graduates pursue careers as music teachers in K-12 schools, private studios, or community programs. They impart knowledge of music theory, history, and instrumental/vocal techniques, inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Performer/Musician: While highly competitive, graduates with strong performance skills can pursue careers as professional musicians, performing in orchestras, bands, as solo artists, or as session musicians for recordings and live events.
Composer/Songwriter/Arranger: For those with creative talents, a music degree provides the theoretical and practical foundation to compose original scores for films, video games, commercials, or to write and arrange songs for other artists or their own projects.
Arts Administrator/Program Manager: Graduates can work behind the scenes in arts organizations, orchestras, opera companies, or non-profits, managing budgets, coordinating events, fundraising, and overseeing programs that promote artistic endeavors.
Music Business Professional (e.g., A&R, Marketing, Licensing): The music industry requires professionals in various business functions. Graduates can work in Artists and Repertoire (A&R), marketing, publicity, music licensing, or royalty management, leveraging their understanding of both the creative and commercial sides of music.
Music Therapist (with further certification/education): While requiring specialized training, a B.A. in Music provides an excellent foundation for those interested in music therapy, where music is used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals in healthcare settings.
Sound Designer: Beyond traditional music production, graduates can apply their audio expertise to sound design for film, television, video games, theater, or other multimedia projects, creating immersive auditory experiences.
Event Coordinator/Tour Manager: With organizational skills and an understanding of live performance logistics, graduates can work as event coordinators for concerts and festivals, or as tour managers, handling the intricate details of artists' tours.
Music Journalist/Critic: Graduates with strong writing and analytical skills can pursue careers in music journalism, writing reviews, articles, and interviews for music publications, websites, or blogs, contributing to the discourse around music and culture.
