Bachelor of Music: Contemporary, Urban & Popular Music

Columbia College's Music Department now offers a unique and innovative performance degree in Contemporary, Urban and Popular Music (CUP). This Bachelor of Music program is designed to give you the skills and experience you need to succeed as a professional musician.  The program focus is on developing a high-level mastery of in performing on stage, songwriting, arranging and recording in the studio. 
CUP coursework also includes specialized courses in Music Technology, Music Business, Music History, Music Theory and Keyboard. CUP majors perform in a variety of ensembles, with repertoire encompassing a wide range of popular music styles and genres. CUP seniors form their own bands and develop original music for both collaborative and individual recording and performance projects.

Study Abroad and Resident Artists
The CUP program offers unique opportunities for qualified students to study abroad at our partner schools in Europe.
The program also offers unique opportunities to workshop with visiting faculty and resident artists from Chicago, the U.S. and around the world. Check out CCC Music’s Guest Artists in Residence program at:
http://www.colum.edu/Academics/Music/Artist_Residencies.php

Eligibility
The number of students accepted into the CUP program each year is limited. Acceptance is based on a review of a candidate’s application, academic background and the quality of his/her audition. Students officially begin the BM degree in their junior year, after they finish Music Core coursework. However, entering freshmen, who intend to try out for CUP, may begin CUP coursework and ensembles as early as 2nd semester. Entering freshman who are CUP-intended should contact Program Director Gary Yerkins at CUPBM@colum.edu for advice on when and how to prepare for the BM. Transfer students should also contact Gary to discuss when you might apply.

Applications are being accepted, and you can apply using the following 3 forms:

• CUP Application
• CUP Faculty Recommendation Form (Musicianship)
• CUP Faculty Recommendation Form (Classroom)

Once you apply, you will be given instructions and assigned a time for your audition and interview.

If you are applying for admission to Columbia at this time, you must also visit colum.edu/admissions and apply for general admission.

Contact CUP Program Director Gary Yerkins at 312.369.6110 or cupbm@colum.edu to discuss program details or to set up an advising appointment and audition.