|
Radford University students may choose from a comprehensive offering of liberal arts and professional undergraduate and graduate degree programs in music.

These programs offer preparation for a wide range of employment opportunities in music and music-related professions, and for further advanced graduate studies.

Composers find jobs in all areas of the music industry, particularly in areas of film and video scoring, creating arrangements for performing ensembles and/or for publication. Composers are also needed to produce original music for computer games and other interactive software. Many graduates with an undergraduate concentration in Composition go on to pursue graduate degrees in composition. Those interested in a career in college teaching usually go on to complete degrees in composition at both the master and doctoral levels.

The Bachelor of Music concentration in Music Business provides students with a wide variety of possible career choices in the following areas: Performing Arts (arts administration, artist management, booking agent), Music Business (retail, distribution, manufacturing, and publishing), Arts and Entertainment Industry Communications (publicity, public relations, advertising, reporting, and writing educational materials), Media and Technology Management (radio/television producer, recording engineer, multi-media developer). The appeal of a degree in Music Business continues to grow. With the proliferation of the Internet, multimedia products, and desktop audio and video, the way we enjoy music is going to continue to expand and change dramatically in the near future. This growth will offer tremendous new opportunities for musical artists. In order to properly take advantage of this evolving technology, the industry will need workers trained in the business of music.

The Bachelor of Music concentration in Music Education prepares students for careers as public school music teachers in choral music, instrumental music and/or general music. Graduates from the undergraduate vocal/choral option are eligible for Virginia certification to teach vocal music and lead choral music programs. Graduates from the undergraduate instrumental option are eligible for Virginia certification to teach instrumental music and lead instrumental music programs. Graduates from the combination option are eligible for Virginia certification to teach both choral and instrumental music. All certifications are for levels Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Demand for graduates with skills in music technology has increased significantly over the past five years, particularly in the production of computer-based multi-media. It is expected that most graduates with an undergraduate concentration in Music and Technology would pursue careers as musicians capable of manipulating electronic sound sources in a computer-based environment. With the increase of computer resources in nearly every facet of the music industry, the need for musicians with technological expertise is great. Graduates qualify for jobs as composers, performers, consultants, in multi-media production, hardware and software development, education and in new areas developing so fast that it is difficult to anticipate their future impact

Traditionally, music therapists have been employed by state and private institutions that serve people with disabilities and people with special needs. These can include state and private psychiatric facilities, homes or institutions for people with developmental disabilities and Veteran's Affairs Medical Centers. However, trends over the past decade find graduates with degrees in Music therapy employed by school districts (working with special needs children), nursing homes and extended care facilities, general medical settings, hospice, physical rehabilitation institutes as well as in private practice. As the profession continues to grow and mature, the opportunities for the application of music therapy techniques grows as well.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music and the Bachelor of Science in Music, liberal arts degrees in music, are flexible degree programs which allow the student to combine core music major degree requirements with elective courses that meet the student's individual needs. These degrees can serve as the foundation for further study in music at the graduate level as well as for a variety of musical career paths, including independent studio teaching, teaching in a music preparatory or private school, or working in the areas of sacred music, freelance performance, or studio music. A liberal arts degree in music is attractive to many prospective employers, outside of the field of music, who often prefer graduates with majors in the Performing Arts because of the special experiences inherent in these disciplines such as creativity, flexibility, perseverance, discipline, public performance, and cultural awareness. While an undergraduate music degree itself does not qualify a graduate for positions in professional performance, it can serve as a foundation for further advanced study and development toward a performance career.