Published:
Sidney M. Boquiren, PhD, crafted his song cycle from verses by students from third grade to high school.
Music
Prepare for a rewarding professional career, no matter what music degree path you choose.
Why Earn Your BS in Music?
You can pursue roles in the music industry, including performance, composition, radio, recording, publishing and presentation.
Why Major in Music at Adelphi in New York City?
- Receive individualized attention and be part of small classes where professors take pride in your successes.
- Learn the skills necessary to launch your career in music from a distinguished faculty of actively engaged educators, performers and composers.
- Take part in regular performances in our world-class Adelphi University Performing Arts Center and interact with acclaimed visiting performing artists.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Music?
You can pursue roles in the music industry, including performance, composition, radio, recording, publishing and presentation. With a degree in music education, you can become a K–12 classroom music instructor or private teacher. Or you can be involved in community engagement through music.
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and Adelphi University Professor of Music Paul Moravec working with a student.
Music Teacher LuAnna Lasso '08 Shows Her Fifth-Grade Choir How to Dream Big—and Win Big—All Year
Categories
Published:
Just two days before Thanksgiving last fall, The Kelly Clarkson Show announced to the world that The Fairview School Choir from P.S. 14, a Queens, New York, elementary school, had been named the 2022 NBC Star Choir. That meant that a couple of weeks later, the students, dressed in festive red and green, were singing and…
100%*
* Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2019
of our 2019 music and music education graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation
Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2019
Skill building doesn’t stop at graduation. I was fortunate to have the Adelphi network supporting me through school and after. Summer work experience with Adelphi’s Opera Theatre director taught me about the perseverance that’s required in the business. That perseverance eventually led me to a leading part in the hit musical parody Spamilton.
Ani Djirdjirian ’16
BS in Music (Vocal Performance), is the 2019 winner of the Elliot Norton Outstanding Visiting Musical Performance, Actress, Award for her role in Spamilton.
Minor & Concentrations for Music Majors
Music Minor
The minor in music is designed for students who have chosen another field of study as their major, but wish to be more informed about music and become more experienced in high-level music performance.
Concentration in Composition
The Concentration in Composition provides training for young composers in preparation for graduate studies and professional activities outside academia. Students in this concentration have the opportunity to work with our renowned composition faculty as they develop their portfolios. Guest lectures at our New York City campus and performances of student compositions by student performers and visiting professional artists supplement the academic curriculum, providing opportunities for student composers to network with their peers and professional musicians.
Concentration in Instrumental Performance
The Concentration in Instrumental Performance allows student instrumentalists the opportunity to work closely with faculty members in the department to develop a deeper understanding of repertoire and technique for their respective instruments, while gaining valuable experience performing with the department’s large and small ensembles.
Concentration in Jazz Studies
The Concentration in Jazz Studies offers musicians an opportunity to obtain the skills and knowledge to advance confidently in the genre as a performer, in additional studies in graduate school, or through work as a conductor or arranger for jazz groups.
Concentration in Music Therapy
The Music Therapy Concentration offers music majors a comprehensive introduction to music therapy as well as a clear path toward acceptance into graduate school programs in the field. Build a strong foundation in musical skills, intercultural understanding and the healing arts as preparation for future study in music therapy.
Concentration in Piano Performance
The Concentration in Piano Performance offers pianists an opportunity to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to move forward in the field, whether in graduate school, as a piano instuctor, or in other professional activities, such as working as a repetiteur, staff accompanist, church pianist or music director.
Concentration in Vocal Performance
The Concentration in Vocal Performance provides training for young singers in preparation for graduate studies and professional performance opportunities. Students in this concentration work with our faculty to develop a varied solo repertoire that demonstrates a high level of achievement as a singer.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning With Our Bachelor of Science in Music
Our music majors participate in cocurricular opportunities off campus to broaden their experiences and enrich our communities:
- Wrote and performed new compositions at the Walt Whitman bicentennial celebration.
- Composed and performed original music for space-themed videos at Music and Astronomy Night at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
Music Degree Program Info
Course & Requirements
Date & Time:
February 8
•9:00am – 4:00pm
Location:
Performing Arts Center
Application Requirements
To apply for this music degree program, submit the appropriate application requirements along with an audition:
Transformative Educational Opportunities
All undergraduate students have the opportunity to apply for the following programs to expand their educational landscape:
- The Honors College – fostering intellectual perspectives and critical skills
- Levermore Global Scholars – preparing students to become global thinkers and leaders
- Study Abroad – providing opportunities to experience another culture and see the world from a new perspective
Frequently Asked Questions about a Music Degree
Yes, Adelphi offers a BS degree in Music, as well as a BS in Music Education.
Yes, If you plan to teach in a school setting, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in music education and certification from the state where you hope to teach.
Talented musicians and singers generally don’t need a college degree to find employment in nightclubs, recording studios and the like, although formal education may enhance your abilities. But those who want a career in classical music or opera may need a bachelor’s degree or higher for employment. Also, if you want a career in the music business beyond performing you will likely need at least a bachelor’s degree.
Awards & Recognition
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse
Adelphi is the highest-ranked university on Long Island in the 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best Colleges. It also ranks #7 in New York, with outstanding scores for student outcomes including graduation rate and salary impact.
Ranked one of the best
U.S. News & World Report
Adelphi University has been named a Best College among National Universities for seven consecutive years. Adelphi remains the top-ranked private university on Long Island.
A Best College
Colleges of Distinction: Career Development
Adelphi University has been recognized as a Career Development college for the exceptional way in which our institution is equipping students with the skills to succeed in their lifelong career journey.
Expert Career Guidance
Princeton Review
The Princeton Review has ranked Adelphi University among the Best Northeastern Colleges based on academic offerings and career preparation for students, campus policies, initiatives and activities.
Best Northeastern College
Colleges of Distinction: Equity & Inclusion
Adelphi has been honored for initiatives to become an increasingly welcoming, inclusive community for students and faculty.
Top Ranked in Equity & Inclusion
Sidney Boquiren
(He/Him)
Location
Performing Arts Center 206
Location
Nexus Building First Floor
Hours
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