Music

Music majors can choose a concentration in jazz studies or music studies.

Jazz Studies

The concentration in jazz studies focuses on the musical and historical elements of jazz. You'll study jazz improvisation, performance, theory, history, composition and arranging.

You also can participate in both large and small jazz ensembles, which provide the opportunity to become skilled in the art of practice and performance of jazz. To take advantage of the diverse academic environment at the University of Dayton, you're encouraged to earn a minor or to complete a second major within another discipline.

Music Studies

Our music studies concentration is a broad interdisciplinary undergraduate degree. Along with an arts and sciences education, a solid music curriculum provides you the ability and flexibility to pursue your interests and prepare for your career.

The Bachelor of Arts degree offers students the flexibility to pursue their individual interests in music as well as in other fields (sometimes through a second major or minor). All music majors develop creativity, discipline, teamwork and critical thinking skills that transfer to a wide variety of careers.

Learn about the available concentrations.

Visit the Catalog to view additional details about music and jazz studies, including degree requirements, course descriptions and a sample plan of study.

A variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles give students the opportunity to perform regularly on and off campus.

Whether you are an undergraduate student or someone who desires a deeper knowledge in the specialized profession of church music, you can gain supplemental training and guidance by completing the institute's 12 credit hour curriculum. Subjects include music fundamentals, worship planning, leadership and music resources, as well as liturgical, scriptural and theological understanding.

The jazz studies concentration focuses on the musical and historical elements of jazz. Students will study jazz improvisation, theory, history and jazz composition and arranging, in addition to core studies in music theory, aural skills and functional keyboard. And our faculty bring years of professional experience and performance techniques to you in the classroom.

Through the Cityfolk Legacy Series, students can earn a residency with the jazz artists who perform in the annual series, providing an opportunity for them to work with internationally renowned musicians.

The University of Dayton is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about music at UD.

Additional Music Programs

• Music Composition (B.M.)
• Music Education: Instrumental (B.M.)
• Music Education: Vocal (B.M.)
• Music Performance (B.M.)
• Music Therapy (B.M.)
• Music (Minor)
• Music Technology (Minor)

Related Programs

• Adolescence to Young Adult Education (B.S.E.)
• Communication: Media Production (B.A.)
• Theatre, Dance and Performance Technology: Music Theatre (B.A.)
• Business Administration (Minor)
• Entrepreneurship (Minor)
• Film Studies (Minor)
• Marketing (Minor)
• Campus Ministry (Graduate Certificate)
• Nonprofit and Community Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
• Discover (Undecided)

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

A Performing Arts Scholarship is available for music students who participate in audition day.