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Department of Music
Department Information

Welcome to the Department of Music!


The Department of Music offers the Bachelor of Music (performance) and the Bachelor of Arts in music, as well as a minor in music. With the College of Education, the department offers bachelor’s degrees in instrumental and choral music education. The department also teaches course work for the master’s and doctoral degrees in music education.  An audition for admission to all music degrees is required.

The Department of Music at Auburn University is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).  It offers an impressive number of instrumental, chamber, and vocal ensembles, which are open to all students regardless of major.

Auburn is a great place for study in applied music and music education.  Many students choose music as a double major with other degrees on campus.  The Department of Music provides students with group and individualized training in academic and performance topics in music. Proficiencies developed include cognitive thinking, skill development, time management, self-discipline, self-motivation, focused practice, synthesis of music skills and academic knowledge, and performance skills. Students are prepared for careers in teaching music individually or in the classroom, music performance, arts administration, or for graduate school.  Students are able to apply the valuable life skills and discipline learned to a wide variety of other jobs and careers.

The department has an outstanding and caring faculty, a supportive administration, and talented students. 

The specific objectives of the Department of Music are:

  • To provide an opportunity for the musically talented to develop as performers, music educators, composers, and research scholars
  • To disseminate general music culture to any university student through performance groups and fine arts core courses in music 
  • To enrich the cultural life of the university, the community, the state, and the nation

Purpose and Mission Statement

The purpose of the Department of Music at Auburn University is to (1) Provide an exceptional education and musical experience for music majors and non-music majors alike; (2) Assist in the development and attainment of positive opportunities for students; (3) Bring world-class performances to Auburn University campus performance venues, including the Gogue Performing Arts Center; and (4) Offer cultural enrichment on local and global stages.

Vision Statement

The Auburn University Department of Music will provide a globally recognized and innovative education. The Department will address all aspects of traditional and contemporary music within a nurturing and inclusive environment that reflects our liberal arts tradition. The Department is committed to offering state of the art facilities for developing future generations that contribute to, value, appreciate and advocate for the musical arts through artistic excellence, research, service, and outreach.