Program Overview

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Music (Popular Music), BA

The Bachelor of Arts program in music offers a popular music concentration, accommodating musicians who are interested in various popular music genres, such as singers, songwriters, laptop performers, producers, composers, instrumentalists, and vocalists. Students can choose between performer and non-performer tracks, following a flexible major map.

Program Description

The program equips all students with foundational skills in musicianship, preparing them for specialized areas such as songwriting, production, composition, performance, and more. Students engage in group and individual applied study, with opportunities that involve visiting artists and include industry exposure and professional development. Internships offer practical experience, while a capstone senior year deepens their craft. Students need a personal laptop with digital audio workstation capability, which may require purchasing music software applications. Classes are held at ASU's Downtown Phoenix campus.

At a Glance

• College/school: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
• Location: Downtown Phoenix
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 117 - College Algebra
• Math intensity: Moderate

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Additional requirements:
  • Artist Statement: All auditioning students must submit an artist statement explaining both their current work and vision of their future work in popular music. A minimum of 250 words is required.
  • Audition: Live auditions or recorded auditions are required for admission to the BA program in popular music and for placement in MUP 111 Studio Instruction in popular music.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

Students who want to change their major to this one should reference the audition requirements listed in the Admission Requirements section above.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Analyze key creative and artistic processes from a range of musical styles and historical periods.
• Apply music industry studies as it pertains to popular and contemporary music industry starting from the late 19th century to modern day.
• Execute professional level techniques in their chosen specializations.

Global Opportunities

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, music students are able to tailor their experience to their interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers in the popular music industry that involve creativity and creating new work, being a flexible musician, collaborating with others in the community, and having knowledge of music business and music marketing. Possible jobs include:

• Contemporary composer for film, TV, and games
• Concert or artist manager and promoter
• Entrepreneur and music marketer
• Live event production and experience designer
• Label or music executive
• Musical director, arranger, and publisher
• Music performer in the popular music sector
• Nonprofit arts-related professional
• Sound designer or studio engineer
• Songwriter, producer, or teacher in a private studio

Example Job Titles and Salaries

• Art Professor: 1.7% growth, $80,190 median salary
• Casting Director: 4.9% growth, $83,480 median salary
• Freelance Writer: 3.6% growth, $72,270 median salary
• Music Producer: -0.3% growth, $63,670 median salary
• Musician/Singer: 1.1% growth, Not available median salary
• Public Relations Manager (PR Manager): 5.0% growth, $138,520 median salary
• Public Relations Specialist: 4.8% growth, $69,780 median salary
• Sound Recording Engineer: -1.7% growth, $66,430 median salary
• Talent Agent: 8.7% growth, $96,310 median salary