Stony Brook University United States

Music (MUS)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Music at Stony Brook University provides you with a comprehensive understanding of Western art music, performance, composition, theory, and history, all within a broad liberal arts framework. This undergraduate program is designed for students eager to explore the multifaceted world of music, encouraging you to tailor your studies through electives that align with your individual interests and future career aspirations. You will gain a robust academic foundation, preparing you for advanced study or diverse professional paths in the arts and beyond.

This full-time, on-campus program spans four years, offering a dynamic learning experience that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. You will engage with core musical concepts, explore various genres from classical traditions to contemporary popular music, and potentially hone your skills through performance ensembles or composition projects. You will graduate with a versatile skill set, ready to pursue graduate degrees in music, teach music, work in arts-related industries, or apply your analytical and creative abilities to new challenges.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This music program offers a comprehensive exploration of musical traditions, theories, and practices. Students can delve into Western classical music history, world music cultures, and popular music genres. The curriculum also emphasizes musicianship, instrumental and vocal performance, composition, and music technology. Advanced studies include music analysis, electronic music, and specialized seminars in ethnomusicology and music history.

1 Introduction to Western Classical Music

Introduction to Western Classical Music

2 Introduction to Music and the Cinema

Introduction to Music and the Cinema

3 Music Cultures of the World

Music Cultures of the World

4 Rock, Popular Music, and Society

Rock, Popular Music, and Society

5 The Elements of Music

The Elements of Music

6 Elementary Musicianship

Elementary Musicianship

7 Musicianship I

Musicianship I

8 Beginning Keyboard

Beginning Keyboard

9 Sound Structures

Sound Structures

10 Keyboard Harmony A

Keyboard Harmony A

11 Keyboard Harmony B

Keyboard Harmony B

12 Piano

Piano

13 Harpsichord

Harpsichord

14 Violin

Violin

15 Viola

Viola

16 Cello

Cello

17 String Bass

String Bass

18 Classical Guitar

Classical Guitar

19 Flute

Flute

20 Oboe

Oboe

21 Clarinet

Clarinet

22 Bassoon

Bassoon

23 Horn

Horn

24 Trumpet

Trumpet

25 Trombone

Trombone

26 Saxophone

Saxophone

27 Percussion

Percussion

28 Voice

Voice

29 Other Instruments

Other Instruments

30 Introduction to Jazz Improvisation

Introduction to Jazz Improvisation

31 Introduction to Music Technology

Introduction to Music Technology

32 Introduction to Music Histories and Cultures

Introduction to Music Histories and Cultures

33 Musicianship II

Musicianship II

34 Musicianship III

Musicianship III

35 Introduction to African Drumming

Introduction to African Drumming

36 Stony Brook Chorale

Stony Brook Chorale

37 University Orchestra

University Orchestra

38 University Wind Ensemble

University Wind Ensemble

39 Big Band Jazz Ensemble

Big Band Jazz Ensemble

40 Workshop in Performance

Workshop in Performance

41 Guitar Workshop

Guitar Workshop

42 Small Jazz Ensemble Level 1

Small Jazz Ensemble Level 1

43 Spirit of Stony Brook Athletic Band

Spirit of Stony Brook Athletic Band

44 Camerata Singers

Camerata Singers

45 Small Jazz Ensemble Level 2

Small Jazz Ensemble Level 2

46 Vocal Repertory

Vocal Repertory

47 Music, Technology, and Digital Culture

Music, Technology, and Digital Culture

48 Music in the Age of Beethoven

Music in the Age of Beethoven

49 American Music

American Music

50 The Music and Culture of Hip-Hop

The Music and Culture of Hip-Hop

51 Imaginative Worlds of Opera

Imaginative Worlds of Opera

52 History of Jazz

History of Jazz

53 Music Since 1900

Music Since 1900

54 Music and Culture in the 1960's

Music and Culture in the 1960's

55 Topics in Ethnomusicology

Topics in Ethnomusicology

56 Hearing Politics

Hearing Politics

57 Music, Gender, and Sexuality

Music, Gender, and Sexuality

58 The Structural Principles of Music I

The Structural Principles of Music I

59 The Structural Principles of Music II

The Structural Principles of Music II

60 Music in China

Music in China

61 U.S. Popular Music

U.S. Popular Music

62 Tonal Harmony I

Tonal Harmony I

63 Tonal Harmony II

Tonal Harmony II

64 Techniques of Music, 1880 to the Present

Techniques of Music, 1880 to the Present

65 Musicianship IV

Musicianship IV

66 Advanced African Drumming

Advanced African Drumming

67 Beginning Composition

Beginning Composition

68 Timbre and Technology

Timbre and Technology

69 Sound Design

Sound Design

70 Audio Engineering

Audio Engineering

71 Western Classical Music Before 1750

Western Classical Music Before 1750

72 Western Classical Music 1750 to 1900

Western Classical Music 1750 to 1900

73 Western Classical Music from 1900 to the Present

Western Classical Music from 1900 to the Present

74 Contemporary Music Practices

Contemporary Music Practices

75 Piano

Piano

76 Piano Pedagogy

Piano Pedagogy

77 Harpsichord

Harpsichord

78 Violin

Violin

79 Viola

Viola

80 Cello

Cello

81 String Bass

String Bass

82 Classical Guitar

Classical Guitar

83 Flute

Flute

84 Oboe

Oboe

85 Clarinet

Clarinet

86 Bassoon

Bassoon

87 Horn

Horn

88 Trumpet

Trumpet

89 Trombone

Trombone

90 Saxophone

Saxophone

91 Percussion

Percussion

92 Voice

Voice

93 Other Instruments

Other Instruments

94 Fundamentals of Accompanying

Fundamentals of Accompanying

95 Advanced Accompanying

Advanced Accompanying

96 Chamber Music

Chamber Music

97 Analysis of Tonal Music

Analysis of Tonal Music

98 Analysis of Post-Tonal Music

Analysis of Post-Tonal Music

99 Electronic Music

Electronic Music

100 Composition

Composition

101 Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

102 Seminar in the History of Music

Seminar in the History of Music

103 Senior Seminar in Ethnography of Music

Senior Seminar in Ethnography of Music

104 Speak Effectively Before an Audience

Speak Effectively Before an Audience

105 Write Effectively in Music

Write Effectively in Music

106 Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I

Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I

107 Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II

Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II

108 Independent Project

Independent Project

109 Internship

Internship

110 Conducting

Conducting

111 Senior Honors Project in Music

Senior Honors Project in Music

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,874.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,874.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,874.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,874.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 115,496.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 4,200.00 - USD 6,000.00
Transport USD 1,200.00 - USD 1,800.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,440.00 - USD 2,400.00
Estimated Total USD 6,840.00 - USD 10,200.00

Living cost estimates are based on Stony Brook Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

95%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Animation & Visual EffectsBroadcasting & TelevisionEvent Promotion & ManagementJournalism & ReportingLive Events & ConcertsMedia Production & EditingPhotojournalism & Visual MediaSocial Media & Content StrategySports & AthleticsTalent & Artist Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Newsday Media Group

Paramount

SAG-AFTRA

Walt Disney Company

Why Study Music (MUS) at Stony Brook University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

Stony Brook University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Stony Brook University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Music (MUS) at Stony Brook University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require separate permits.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you must meet specific English proficiency scores. For example, the required TOEFL overall score is 80, and for IELTS, it is 6.5.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers such as music teacher, composer, music historian, or roles in arts-related industries.

What will I actually study in this course?

The undergraduate major in Music emphasizes performance, composition, theory, and history within a liberal arts framework. Students are encouraged to choose electives that align with their individual interests and career goals.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Music (MUS) program has an intake month in January. Make sure to apply in time to secure your place in this major.
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