Carrie Danielson
- Assistant Professor of Musicology
- Les and Ruth Akers Endowed Chair in Community Music
Community Music
Make a difference in your community, through music.
Preparing the next generation of community music leaders.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Community Music allows students to combine their love of music with hands-on community engagement. Through coursework and service-learning projects, students develop the skills to design, lead, and support music initiatives that connect people, spark creativity, and make a positive impact. This flexible degree offers multiple pathways, allowing students to explore complementary fields or easily add a minor in areas like business, social work, or other disciplines. Open to students from a variety of musical backgrounds, the program does not require a formal audition, with applicants submitting sample videos and completing an interview as part of the admissions process.
A Major for All Music Makers
Community Music is designed for students with nontraditional music backgrounds. Students will explore the intersection of music, culture, and community well-being and bring people together through shared musical experiences.
Design Your Own Path
With personalized course options, the Community Music BA is flexible and easily supports a minor or second major of the student’s choice. Courses in entrepreneurship, arts administration, grant writing, program development, and social work will prepare students to take on real-world challenges, and become collaborative leaders in a variety of settings.
Real-world Experiences
Being a community music practitioner is about more than performance. Our community partners provide many experiential learning and service opportunities, helping students develop practical skills and demonstrate knowledge while making an impact.
Build a Career that Makes an Impact
The interdisciplinary coursework prepares students for a variety of careers as facilitators, music professionals, and engagement professionals. Our graduates will leave with flexibility to work across nonprofit, public sector, and private arts spaces.
Community Music Faculty
