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Missouri Western State University

Saint Joseph, MO

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BMA Musical Arts

Open Music Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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

3.13

Avg GPA (W)

39%

Grad Rate

2.2K

Enrollment

$43K

Earnings

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 2d 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

Official Source

Program AppApplication

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School Website

Official Source

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

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

Official Source

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

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

3.13

Avg GPA (W)

39%

Grad Rate

2.2K

Enrollment

$43K

Earnings

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 2d ago