Commercial Music, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Coming in Summer/Fall 2026
The Bachelor of Arts in Music at Slippery Rock University is a flexible non-auditioned degree designed for students who want to shape their own path in today’s music industry. Students build a strong musical foundation while choosing one of two programs that align with their interests and career goals.
- BA in Commercial Music – Focus on contemporary music-making through experiences in popular styles, audio/video production, entrepreneurship, and digital media. Students develop practical skills for careers in today’s commercial music industry. In addition to taking the "music core" of theory, ear training, history, and ensembles, students will also study:
- Audio Production I
- Audio Production II
- Video Production
- Social Media
- Music Production & Promotions I, II, III
Program Learning Outcomes
- PO1: Musical Analysis and Interpretation: Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret the structural, theoretical, and historical elements of music both visually and aurally. (UO#2, UO#6)
- PO2: Performance Proficiency: Students will perform on their primary instrument or voice type with technical mastery, artistic expression, and stylistic awareness across various genres and historical periods. (UO#5, UO#6)
- PO3: Collaborative Musicianship: Students will collaborate effectively in musical ensembles and other group settings, demonstrating leadership, cooperation, and ensemble techniques to achieve shared creative goals. (UO#5, UO#7)
- PO4: Creative Musicianship: Students will utilize creativity in composition, arrangement, improvisation, and performance, applying these skills in interdisciplinary and professional contexts such as performance, instruction, music business, or production. (UO#6, UO#5)
- PO5: Cultural and Historical Literacy: Students will explore and appreciate music from different historical periods, cultures, and composers, recognizing the influence of social, cultural, and historical factors on music. (UO#6, UO#9)
- PO6: Technological Proficiency: Students will utilize digital tools and platforms to enhance music performance, composition, analysis, and instruction, demonstrating adaptability in using technology in diverse professional settings. (UO#2, UO#6, UO#10)
- PO7: Communication and Critical Thinking: Students will communicate ideas effectively in oral, written, and digital formats, and apply critical thinking in the analysis and discussion of music and its interdisciplinary connections. (UO#1, UO#2)
Related Links
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock 2 Studies Requirements | 42 | |
| Modern Language Requirement | 0-9 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Major Requirements | 42 | |
| Electives | 36 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
Rock Studies 2 Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 101 | Science of Life | 3 |
| Physical Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 102 | Understanding the Physical World | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
BA Modern Language Requirement
BA degree requires language proficiency at the 103 class level. Exemption by placement or examination is possible.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 0-9 credits | 0-9 | |
| Total Hours | 0-9 | |
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
Major Requirements
- 21 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 21 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Music Courses | ||
| MUSI 151 | Music Theory and Musicking I 1,2 | 2 |
| MUSI 253 | Music Theory and Analysis II 1,2 | 2 |
| MUSI 154 | Musicianship Skills I 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 256 | Musicianship Skills II 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 131 | Class Piano I 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 132 | Class Piano II 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 203 | Musician's Health 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 435 | Music Entrepreneurship 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 473 | History of Popular Musics 1 | 3 |
| MUSI 274 | Music Production & Promotion I 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 475 | Music Production & Promotion II 1,2 | 4 |
| MUSI 476 | Music Production & Promotion III 1,2 | 6 |
| Subtotal | 24 | |
| Ensemble Courses | ||
| Three semesters must be at the 300+ level. The student must earn a “C” or better in each semester to satisfy the requirement. Students must play in one ensemble every semester for 6 semesters. See Ensemble Policy below. | ||
| Ensembles 1,2 | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Saxophone Quartet | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Marching Pride | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber String Ensemble | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Flute Choir | ||
| Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Lab Band | ||
| World Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Saxophone Quartet | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Marching Pride | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber String Ensemble | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Flute Choir | ||
| Opera Performance | ||
| Chamber Music Performance | ||
| Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Lab Band | ||
| World Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Saxophone Quartet | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Marching Pride | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber String Ensemble | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Flute Choir | ||
| Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Lab Band | ||
| World Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Saxophone Quartet | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Marching Pride | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber String Ensemble | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Flute Choir | ||
| Opera Performance | ||
| Chamber Music Performance | ||
| Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Lab Band | ||
| World Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Required Communication Courses | ||
| COMM 205 | Audio Production 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 254 | Video Production 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 307 | Social Media 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 352 | Digital Radio Production 1,2 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- 2
Grade of “C” or better must be earned in this course.
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Recommended Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended Music Courses | ||
| MUSI 234 | Class Piano III | 1 |
| MUSI 235 | Class Piano IV | 1 |
| MUSI 254 | Music Theory and Analysis III | 2 |
| MUSI 257 | Musicianship Skills III | 1 |
| MUSI 355 | Music Theory and Analysis IV | 2 |
| MUSI 378 | Musicianship Skills IV | 1 |
| MUSI 238 | Voice Techniques | 2 |
| MUSI 133 | Class Voice I | 2 |
| MUSI 129 | Guitar, Ukulele, & Bass Methods | 2 |
| MUSI 245 | Brass Methods | 1 |
| MUSI 247 | Percussion Methods | 2 |
| MUSI 304 | Orchestral String Methods | 2 |
| MUSI 374 | Woodwind Methods | 2 |
| MUSI 301 | Women and Music | 3 |
| MUSI 359 | History of Music I | 3 |
| MUSI 373 | History of Music II | 3 |
| MUSI 356 | Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) in the Choral Arts | 3 |
| MUSI 398 | Selected Topics | 1-3 |
| MUSI 457 | Popular Music Pedagogy | 3 |
| MUSI 456 | Social Emotional Learning in Music Education | 3 |
| MUSI 360 | Keyboard Improvisation | 1 |
| MUSI 361 | Instrumental Improvisation | 1 |
| MUSI 499 | Applied Recital | 1 |
| Recommended Communication Courses | ||
| COMM 228 | Principles of Creative Advertising | 3 |
| COMM 231 | Principles of Integrated Marketing Communication & Public Relations | 3 |
| COMM 235 | Introduction to Digital Design | 3 |
| COMM 248 | Interactive Multimedia 1 | 3 |
| COMM 256 | Message Preparation | 3 |
| COMM 317 | Topics in Global and Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| COMM 318 | Professional Presentation | 3 |
| COMM 347 | New-Media Journalism | 3 |
| COMM 350 | Editing for Video | 3 |
| COMM 407 | Social Media Network Analytics | 3 |
| COMM 480 | The Communication Age | 3 |
Ensemble Policy
While students are encouraged to participate in a variety of ensemble experiences, students must participate in at least one ensemble on their primary instrument every semester in which they are enrolled at SRU and taking applied lessons.
Students are required to complete an ensemble placement audition each semester after which ensemble directors, in consultation with applied teachers and advisors, will assign semester ensemble placements. Only once all ensembles have been staffed and no other opportunities exist for a specific primary instrument will participation on a secondary instrument be counted toward this requirement.
Co-curricular and Experiential Learning
Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:
- International study programs (short-term, semester)
- High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
- Student-faculty research
- Student leadership development
- Career education and development
- Internships
- Field Experiences
- Student Teaching
- Volunteering (schools, health care facilities, churches, communities)
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
MUSIC - BA ()/CIM 565
This program is effective as of Summer 2026
Revised 04.16.2026
UCC 2026
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| MUSI 151 | Music Theory and Musicking I | 2 |
| MUSI 154 | Musicianship Skills I | 1 |
| MUSI 131 | Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUSI 1XX | Ensemble - 100 Level | 1 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery | 3 |
| MUSI 130 | Exploring Music (or Elective) | 3 |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar (Optional) | 0-1 |
| Hours | 14-15 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUSI 253 | Music Theory and Analysis II | 2 |
| MUSI 256 | Musicianship Skills II | 1 |
| MUSI 132 | Class Piano II | 1 |
| MUSI 203 | Musician's Health | 1 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| MUSI 130 | Exploring Music (or Elective) | 3 |
| Ensemble - 100 Level | 1 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMM 205 | Audio Production | 3 |
| MUSI 2XX | Ensemble - 200 Level | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Elective |
||
MODL 1XX | Language and Culture I, II, or III |
|
| Declare a Thematic Thread 2 | ||
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUSI 274 | Music Production & Promotion I | 1 |
| COMM 254 | Video Production | 3 |
| MUSI 3XX | Ensemble - 300 Level | 1 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
MODL 1XX | Language and Culture I, II, or III |
|
Elective |
||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMM 352 | Digital Radio Production | 3 |
| MUSI 475 | Music Production & Promotion II | 2 |
| MUSI 3XX | Ensemble - 300 Level | 1 |
| MUSI 435 | Music Entrepreneurship (if offered) | 0-1 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
MODL 1XX | Language and Culture I, II, or III |
|
Elective |
||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 352 | Digital Radio Production | 3 |
| MUSI 475 | Music Production & Promotion II | 2 |
| MUSI 3XX | Ensembel - 300 Level | 1 |
| MUSI 435 | Music Entrepreneurship (if offered) | 0-1 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
MODL 1XX | Language and Culture I, II, or III |
|
Elective |
||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUSI 476 | Music Production & Promotion III | 3 |
| MUSI 473 | History of Popular Musics | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Elective | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUSI 476 | Music Production & Promotion III | 3 |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | 3 | |
| Elective | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours** | 122-125 | |