Bachelor of Arts [BA] {Hons.} (Music) is a three year course. Eligibility for the course is 10+2, intermediate cleared.
The tuition fees by average for Bachelor of Arts [BA] {Hons.} (Music) ranges between INR 1,000 to 50,000 for the span of three years.
Admissions for such course are on the basis of counselling after clearing entrance tests other depending on the colleges.
Major Job profile and designations for these graduates are Artist & Repertoire (A&R) Person, Band Leader, Composer/Arranger, Music Attorney, and Assist. Art Director, Concert Promoter, Disc Jockey, Film Music Director/Editor, Music Critic, Advertising Specialist, Studio Musician, Music Teacher, Recording Technician, Music Publisher, Singer/Performer, Writer/Music Journalist, among others etc.
Graduates with this degree have opportunity for the industries like Commission of Fine Arts, Cultural Affairs, Department of Education, Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Archives, National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, NJ Department of Education, Office of International Education, Peace Corps/AmeriCorps, Smithsonian Institution, Travel and Tourism Department, Indian Idol, Bollywood, AIR, Voice of America, etc.
The average salary for Bachelor of Arts [BA] {Hons.} (Music) graduates is around INR 2 Lakh to INR 7 Lakh but this can be higher on the basis of experience and other factors.
Table of Content
BA (Hons) Music: Course Highlights
Listed below are some of the major highlights of the course.
| Course Level | Graduate |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination Type | Semester System |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with science subjects |
| Admission Process | Based on counselling after clearing Entrance Tests like University of Delhi for different colleges. |
| Course Fee | 1,000 to INR 50,000 INR for three years |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2 to 7 lacs per annum |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Commission of Fine Arts, Cultural Affairs, Department of Education, Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Archives, National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, NJ Department of Education, Office of International Education, Peace Corps/AmeriCorps, Smithsonian Institution, Travel and Tourism Department, Indian Idol, Bollywood, AIR, Voice of America, etc. |
| Job Positions | Artist & Repertoire (A&R) Person, Band Leader, Composer/Arranger, Music Attorney, Assist. Art Director, Concert Promoter, Disc Jockey, Film Music Director/Editor, Music Critic, Advertising Specialist, Studio Musician, Music Teacher, Recording Technician, Music Publisher, Singer/Performer, Writer/Music Journalist, among others. |
BA (Hons) Music: What is it about?
Centered upon practical work, this BA (Hons) in Music degree provides students with the skills required for a career in music, including composition, orchestration and arrangement and the practical implementation of historical knowledge. Practical modules are supported by musicological units which encourage a broadening of knowledge through research, and demonstrate the important relationship between theory and practice. All students will gain an overview of the music history, an understanding of harmony, analysis and form, and experience in compositional techniques.
BA (Hons) Music degree aims to:
- Ensure students gain the technical skills in composition and related practical areas to form a solid foundation for further development.
- Develop students’ creative capacities and their ability in interpretation and application.
- Develop students’ critical understanding of the theoretical and conceptual issues central to musical practice and the social, historical and cultural context in which it takes place.
- Foster high-level ethical and professional standards and an awareness of the possibilities offered by existing and new developments in music to expand their application areas.
- Develop autonomous learners capable of applying intellectual and practical skills in music appropriate to employment, further study or life-long learning.
The importance of the art of music is much high today when compared to earlier times. The number of Colleges and Universities offering bachelor and master’s degree in music has increased much in due time.
BA (Hons) Music: Admission Process
The general process for admission to the program is through a merit based cut off list. However, there are a few universities like Banaras Hindu University, which conduct an entrance test for admission to the program. Admission is based on the marks obtained in qualifying exam.
Admission is confirmed only if online admission fee is paid with in the stipulated time. One candidate can take admission only in one course in one college at any given time.
The selection for admission to the program is merit based. For direct admission, student must have scored the percentage declared in the cut off list. In case of entrance test, list of candidates is prepared on the basis of performance in entrance test and some weightage is also given to the marks scored in 10+2 examination.
B.A. Music is also available in distance mode of education at universities such as Indira Gandhi National University and Nalanda Open University, Patna.
BA (Hons) Music: Eligibility
Candidates seeking admission to the Bachelor degree with Honours in Hindustani Music- Vocal/ Instrumental (Sitar/Sarod/Guitar/Violin/Santoor) or Karnataka Music – Vocal/Instrumental (Veena/ Violin) or Percussion Music (Tabla/Pakhawaj) course must have passed any one of the following examinations with 45% or more marks in the aggregate with Music as one of the subjects:
At least one criteria should be matched
- 12-year Course of the Central Board of Secondary Education
- Indian School Certificate Examination (12-year Course) of the Council for Indian School Certificate Examination
- Intermediate Examination of any of the Indian Universities/Boards.
- Any other examination recognised as equivalent to the Senior School Certificate Examination (12-year Course) of the Central Board of Secondary Education.
- Pre-University Examination (2-year Course) of an Indian University/board
BA (Hons) Music: Top Institutes
BA (Hons) Music: Syllabus and Course Description
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Paper 101- Theory –Musicology Syllabus Paper 102- Practical-Stage Performance & Viva Voce Syllabus Paper 103- Concurrent – Qualifying Language Syllabus | Paper 104- Theory of Indian Music Syllabus Paper 105- Practical –Stage Performance & Viva Voce Syllabus Paper 106- Concurrent – Credit Language Syllabus |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Theory-Historical study of Musical terms Syllabus Practical-Stage Performance & Viva Voce Syllabus Concurrent – Interdisciplinary Syllabus | Theory-Biographies of Musicians and Composers Syllabus Practical-Stage Performance & Viva Voce Syllabus Concurrent – Discipline Centered I Syllabus |
| Semester V | Semester VI |
| Theory-History of Indian Music Syllabus Practical Stage Performance Syllabus Practical- Viva Voce Syllabus Theory-Applied Musicology Syllabus | Theory-Study of Ancient and Medieval Treatises Syllabus Practical-Stage Performance Syllabus Practical Viva Voce Syllabus Concurrent – Discipline Centered II Syllabus |
BA (Hons) Music: Career Prospects
B.A Honours degree in music exposes students not only to practical sessions but also to classroom sessions as well. By this study, students become very well aware on the theoretical and historical aspects of music. Some major job profiles that students can work as are:
- Performers
- Educators
- Songwriters
- Conductors
- Arrangers
- Composers
- Actors
Other career options for these graduates include those arising behind the scenes or in the business area of music. To create a career path in music the aspirant has to demonstrate their skills and accomplishments rather than mere course study. Almost all entry-level jobs require mere graduation as necessary qualification. Higher qualifications such as M.A or M. Phil are required for obtaining high-designated jobs in the sector. Some of the job profiles offered after music education is mentioned below:
- Advertising Specialist
- Art Director
- Artist & Repertoire (A&R) Person
- Film Music Director/Editor
- Instrument Design/Restoration
- Lawyer - Music Industry
- Music Attorney
- Music Critic
- Music Publisher
Because there are varieties of jobs and designation, the salaries are also different as per the job and designation of the musician. An average salary of a professional in the music field is 20000 to 40000 per month.
Some of the popular professional avenues open to such graduates are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.
| Job Position | Job Description | Average Annual Pay Scale in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher | Job responsibilities for high school and middle school Music teachers include developing students' music skills, administering tests and evaluating students’ progress throughout each term. | 295,493 |
| Artist Manager | An Artist Manager works on behalf of groups or artists to promote the artists' careers and run their business affairs. Their job is to secure the best work for their clients, for the best fee. | 4,42,137 |
| Assistant Music Editor | It has the responsibility of reviewing copy, and may read and evaluate manuscripts. Other working titles may be production assistant or copy editor. | 352,341 |
| Audio Engineer | From TV and movies, to CD and radio, an Audio Engineer makes the transmission and translation of sound, atmosphere, and music possible. They're a vital part of any production and tend to work in groups, especially on larger productions such as movies. An audio engineer uses machinery and equipment to record, synchronize, mix or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects. He or she can work in the movie, music recording, and theater or video game industries. | 2,93,372 |
| Musician | As a musician you can be involved in creating and/or performing music in a variety of genres, such as classical, rock, pop, and indie, jazz or folk. As there are many genres of music, some activities will differ depending on your area of expertise. However, you'll typically need to perform at concerts, festivals, theatres and other music venues; participate in recording sessions; practice regularly; prepare for and attend rehearsals; prepare for auditions; look after your instrument and/or voice. | 7,16,093 |
| Composer | Music composers write new scores for individuals, groups and orchestras. They apply knowledge of musical elements such as rhythm, melody and texture to their work. Some composers also write songs and lyrics. | 6 to 9 Lakhs |
| Education staff (music) | Education staff workers in the music sector support the work of teachers and development officer. They work in music related venues to enable visitors to ensure an educational experience. They may work with individual children or visitors, small groups or a whole class. The work often involves helping children and other visitors by explaining specific activities to them. They may also support children to make sense of a performance. | 260,000 |
| Music conductor | Music conductors help groups of instrumentalists and singers to interpret and perform pieces of music. They work to prepare musical scores for performance. | 497,743 |
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