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Missouri Western State University

Saint Joseph, MO

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

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Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BMA Musical Arts

General

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

Missouri Western describes the Bachelor of Musical Arts as the only NASM-accredited degree of its kind in Missouri, connecting flexible musicianship with production, technology, education, and other contemporary music careers.

Training

The current catalog organizes the degree around 78 major credits: a 24-credit music core, music history, 18 credits of music electives, 12 credits of performance/composition studies, ensembles, and the approved individualized course of study.

Coursework can include technology tools, live sound, recording techniques, entrepreneurship, conducting, methods, music history, and applied lessons, with the degree completed within the university’s published six-year program window.

Performance & Productions

Students complete applied performance or composition study and a senior recital or music capstone project, while choosing advanced work that matches their professional direction.

Degree Flexibility

The BMA is a customizable, interdisciplinary degree for students building a course of study around goals in musical performance, music technology, recording, music education, entrepreneurship, film music, or business.

Students design an approved 18-credit-hour area of study, or substitute a second major, minor, or approved certificate, making the BMA a practical option for combining music with another field.

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.13

Grad rate

39%

Enrollment

2.2K

Earnings

$43K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$10,306

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$20,866

Before aid

Average net price

$13,251

After aid

College Scorecard

Program info updated 4d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Training

Performance & Productions

Students complete applied performance or composition study and a senior recital or music capstone project, while choosing advanced work that matches their professional direction.

Degree Flexibility

Students design an approved 18-credit-hour area of study, or substitute a second major, minor, or approved certificate, making the BMA a practical option for combining music with another field.

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Training

Performance & Productions

Students complete applied performance or composition study and a senior recital or music capstone project, while choosing advanced work that matches their professional direction.

Degree Flexibility

Students design an approved 18-credit-hour area of study, or substitute a second major, minor, or approved certificate, making the BMA a practical option for combining music with another field.

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

International student application deadline for Spring 2027Nov 15, 2026

Regular DecisionRolling

Deadlines · missouriwestern.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Admission Audition · missouriwestern.edu

Audition Requirements

Resume

Complete the brief musical resume field in the Music Audition & Scholarship Application, including music honors, recognition, solos, auditioned ensembles, and other major musical achievements (500 characters max)

Repertoire List

Voice repertoire: prepare two memorized solos; at least one must be in English

Voice repertoire may come from art song, aria, or musical theatre literature; sight-reading and pitch-retention checks are included; piano accompaniment is required and a staff accompanist is provided

Brass, woodwinds, and percussion repertoire: prepare contrasting solo or etude passages that display tone quality and technique

Brass, woodwinds, and percussion repertoire may use District/State solo and ensemble or all-district/all-state audition selections; major scales, sight-reading, and pitch-retention checks are also required

Percussion repertoire: demonstrate snare drum, mallets, timpani, and drum set

Keyboard repertoire: pianists prepare at least two memorized solos of contrasting styles, plus scales, arpeggios, etudes, and sight-reading of two short pieces plus pitch-retention checks

Organ repertoire: organists prepare at least two preferably memorized solos of contrasting styles, plus manual and pedal studies and sight-reading of two short pieces and a hymn

String repertoire: prepare two or more scales in three octaves (bass: two octaves), two contrasting solo works or concerto movements, and one etude of your choice

Admission Audition · missouriwestern.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit the Music Audition & Scholarship Application before scheduling an audition; the scheduling form currently lists no open audition dates for the next cycle

Apply to Missouri Western through the Common App or the school online application (open-admissions university)

The audition is required to declare the music major and is also used for scholarship and participation-grant consideration

Admission Pathway

Before the degree program can be formally declared, students must enroll in applied music on the major instrument and pass Musicianship 1 and Basic Keyboard Skills 1 (if applicable) with a C or better — this is a course requirement, not an admission gate

All music majors complete six semesters of concert/recital attendance

Important Notes

For priority and competitive scholarships, complete the General Scholarship Application and FAFSA and schedule an audition; the application deadline is typically February 1

Transfer Pathway

Published MWSU-State Fair Community College Transfer Articulation Guide maps SFCC's Associate of Fine Arts in Music (general education core plus program-to-program music theory, aural skills, piano class, and ensemble courses) directly onto BMA Musical Arts requirements, effective Fall 2025, with the remaining BMA coursework listed for completion at MWSU.

View · drive.google.com

What's The Process

Audition Process

A solo audition (instrument or voice) is required of all intended music majors

The audition determines current ability and potential for success, looking for pitch accuracy, steady rhythm, expressive musicianship, and disciplined work habits

Auditions run in 15-minute slots; priority audition days are typically in February and March

How to Audition

Submit the Music Audition & Scholarship Application, then schedule an audition through the department

Recorded/virtual auditions are accepted in place of an on-campus visit

Scholarship Info

Awards

A wide variety of music scholarships and participation grants are available, ranging from partial to full tuition plus room and board

Awards are based on the audition

How to Apply

Complete the General Scholarship Application and FAFSA, then schedule an audition

The priority application deadline is typically February 1

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.13

Grad rate

39%

Enrollment

2.2K

Earnings

$43K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$10,306

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$20,866

Before aid

Average net price

$13,251

After aid

College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Training

Performance & Productions

Students complete applied performance or composition study and a senior recital or music capstone project, while choosing advanced work that matches their professional direction.

Degree Flexibility

Students design an approved 18-credit-hour area of study, or substitute a second major, minor, or approved certificate, making the BMA a practical option for combining music with another field.

Updated 4d ago