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Female singer in Mama Mia musical

Music Major

Be masterful in music

Get an outstanding overall education in all aspects and styles of music. Journey through the history of sound, from medieval Gregorian chants to classical, jazz, rock, hip hop and today’s ever-evolving edge. Explore global musical traditions and instruments. Unlock musical theory and tap into your talents for arranging compositions. Hone your skills in the aspects of music that you love.

This degree is offered as Bachelor of Arts (which includes passing a 202 level course in a foreign language) or Bachelor of Science.

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Student working on sound board

Music Industry Major

Be a driving force in the music industry

If you are totally into music, why not make it your career to promote or produce music? This brand-new degree program is perfect for students interested in entering the huge variety of careers available in many aspects of the entertainment industry.

Choose to focus on

  • Music Management 
  • Entrepreneurship 
  • Marketing & Publicity or 
  • Multimedia Production  

This is offered as a Bachelor of Music degree and is officially referred to as Music with Elective Studies in an Outside Field Major.

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Music teacher with young student

Secondary Education Music Major

Be the change

Did a teacher or mentor have a major impact on you? Would you like to do the same for someone else? All while continuing to enjoy making music every day of your life? Some say teaching is a calling, if you hear it, this major may be a perfect fit for you.

Heighten and expand your instrumental or vocal skills and learn proven educational methods to effectively help elementary, middle or high school students appreciate, understand and become proficient at playing or singing and performing music.

Upon completing this Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree, you will earn a secondary education teaching certificate, allowing you to teach kindergarten through grade 12.

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Will Ragnone portrait

“The music department at Northern Michigan University is relatively small, which gives me the opportunity to get to know people and have more one-on-one time with faculty.”

Will Ragnone

Secondary Music Education major from Brighton, MI

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Students playing in a band

Music Minor

Be tuned in

Continue to immerse yourself in the experience of music whatever your major is. The music minor can be added to any degree requiring a minor. However, students do need approval from the Music Department to declare this as their minor. It provides a lot of flexibility to pursue the areas of music you are most interested in. We would love to welcome you as a full-fledged member of the Music Department!

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Students in choir

Ensembles

Let’s Make Music Together

Music Department majors, minors and students from any major can be a part of our  group performance ensembles, by audition!

Which ensembles are you interested in?

  • Arts Chorale
  • University Choir
  • Opera Theatre Workshop
  • Chamber Ensemble
  • NMU Jazz Band
  • Pep Band
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Symphonic Band
  • University Orchestra
  • Wildcat Marching Band

Start your musical journey at NMU

Tell us about yourself and receive...
  • Information about degrees that you are interested in
  • A welcome letter from your future studio professor
  • Footage of recent performances
  • An overview of our audition process and scholarship opportunities
  • Invitations to performances, events, and more!