Music (BA)
Refine your skills in Columbia College Chicago’s Music bachelor’s degree program, which focuses on contemporary, jazz, and popular music. In core classes, you’ll learn theory, composition, improvisation, arranging, technology, history, analysis, and aural skills. You’ll enroll in private lessons for your primary instrument/voice and complete
No audition is required for a BA in Music. Music Department faculty members evaluate your music theory knowledge and performance skills before your first semester in order to place you in the appropriate level of
Benefits of a Music BA:
In the Music BA program, you can:
- Study music and still have room in your schedule to take electives.
- Double major or minor in another subject that complements your interests and goals.
- Enjoy a well-rounded liberal arts education and take full advantage of Columbia's course offerings outside of Music.
- Apply with NO audition required.
- Audition for and participate in music ensembles.
- Take private lessons to improve your skills and technique.
Other Degrees Available
If you want to study music with greater focus, the Music department at Columbia College Chicago offers two bachelors of Music degree options:
Benefits of BMus Degrees:
- Prepares students who want a career in performance, composition, or production.
- Offers more specialized music coursework than the Music BA.
- Includes the same core of foundational coursework as the BA degree.
NOTE: If you plan to apply directly to the BMus programs, you’ll need to include some additional materials.
BMus Course Requirements
Curriculum Highlights
Ensembles
All Music majors (instrumentalists and vocalists in the BA and BMus programs) perform in ensembles as part of their
Private Lessons
As one of your degree requirements, you’ll take private lessons with faculty members who are experienced

Performance Opportunities
Chicago is a great place for students studying the performing arts. You’ll have many performance opportunities in a variety of settings, both on campus as part of your
Artists-in-Residence
“To see students take on songs and put their own feelings in them—it’s gratifying.”
-Grammy winner Cory Henry, Artist-in-Residence
We bring professional musicians to Columbia College Chicago for week-long residencies every semester. You’ll study with these artists and perform with them on stage. They lead workshops and master classes with student ensembles. They also lead recording sessions and public performances. Through your interactions with them, you’ll gain valuable experience and insight into possible career paths.
Some recent artists-in-residence include Grammy-winning, multi-instrumentalist Cory Henry, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, keyboardist Cassandra O’Neal, and saxophonist Donny McCaslin.
Program Snapshot
Faculty
Cassandra O’Neal teaches her students lessons from more than 20 years of working as a musician alongside artists like Prince, Mary J. Blige, LeAnn Rimes, and Macy Gray.
Columbia College Chicago’s Music faculty is a diverse group of professional musicians, renowned as composers, performers, and music educators. They have released solo recordings, written original compositions and arrangements, and toured with well-known bands. They are Grammy, Emmy, and Dove Award winners and nominees. In private lessons with them, you’ll hone your individual skills and techniques in your primary performance area and gain mentoring experiences essential to achieving your career goals.
Faculty by Instrument
Music Facilities

With access to rehearsal space, concert halls, and recording gear, you’ll have
Alumni Success
Many Music alumni work and perform together, building lifelong relationships and a strong Columbia presence in the Chicago music scene. Many alumni also mentor and collaborate with enrolled students. Music graduates are performers, composers, educators, and music business professionals. Many Music grads also have successful careers in other industries. Learn more about Music Columbia College Chicago alumni.
Listen to Music at Columbia
Visit our YouTube page to hear music created by Columbia students, faculty, and alumni.
Related Programs
Many BA students explore other interests and broaden their career preparation by pursuing a minor. Our innovative Hip-Hop Studies minor will connect you with the local hip-hop community, and our Music Business minor will give you managerial and entrepreneurial experience. Some students explore other passions like cultural studies, photography, acting, or fashion.