Degree Programs and Certificates

The Aaron Copland School of Music offers undergraduate and master’s degree programs in Classical music performance, music education, composition, music theory, and musicology, as well as master’s degrees in jazz performance and composition. We also offer a range of certificate programs in music education, music performance, and music and production, and several minors in music, including music and production. 

Undergraduate Degree Programs 

• Bachelor of Music in Performance (BMus)
• Bachelor of Music in Music Education (BMusEd)
• Bachelor of Music in Performance with Initial Certification in Music Education (Five-year Program)
• Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA Music) 

Undergraduate Music Minors 

Queens College students from any undergraduate program are welcome to complete a minor in music. 

• Minor in Music & Production
• Minor in Music Theory
• Minor in Music Literature 

Graduate Degree Programs 

• Master of Music in Classical Performance (MM)
• Master of Music in Conducting (MM)
• Master of Science in Music Education (MSEd)
• Master of Music in Jazz Studies (MM)
• Master of Music in Composition (MM)
• Master of Arts in Musicology (MA)
• Master of Arts in Music Theory (MA) 

Certificate Programs 

• Advanced Certificate in Music Education 
• Advanced Certificate in Music & Production 
• Advanced Certificate in Classical Performance 
• Advanced Diploma in Classical Performance  

Which degree program is right for me? 

At the Aaron Copland School of Music, we pride ourselves on the quality of all aspects of our degrees. Our faculty are among the best in the world: many of our performance faculty also teach at Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music; our academic faculty have won numerous awards and prestigious fellowships; our education faculty are renowned in their field. Our students graduate as well-rounded, intelligent musicians, skilled in music theory and musicianship, able to write, research and think critically about music and their environment, ready to face the challenges of a fast-paced modern world.  

There is no wrong degree program, just a question of where you want to focus your energy and attention. Do you hope to become an elite performer? (If so, we recommend the Bachelor of Music in Performance.) Do you want a steady job teaching in the public or private school system? (If so, we recommend the Bachelor of Music in Music Education. Did you know that graduates of our music education degree have a near 100% placement rate?) Do you want to be a scholar or a music critic or an arts administrator? (If so, have a look at our BA in Music.) Are you hoping for a career in some other field entirely, but still want to keep music as a significant part of your intellectual life? (If so, consider one of the minors in music or audition to perform in a school ensemble.) 

Once enrolled at our school, it is relatively simple to transfer between one degree program and another. Eligible students can elect to complete the BA rather than the BMus or to add the Initial Certification in Music Education. Students in the BA can re-audition for admission to the BMus in Performance.