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Community Music

Make a difference in your community, through music.

A student plays a drum with a child in the park. Everyone is wearing colorful costumes and smiling.

Preparing the next generation of community music leaders.

The BA in Community Music encourages students to think deeply, critically, and ethically about music and its role in society. It explores how music functions in everyday life, not only as a subject of study, but also as a way of engaging with others through shared music-making. Students learn how music can foster collaboration, strengthen community bonds, and create meaningful experiences in a variety of settings. Experiential learning opportunities include working directly with the community through observation, supervised participation, leadership development, and service-learning opportunities.

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

Carrie Danielson

  • Assistant Professor of Musicology
  • Les and Ruth Akers Endowed Chair in Community Music
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Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Community Music

Please check back soon for program of study and additional details!