Bachelor of Arts in Music Production

Degree Overview

Today’s music industry is dependent on the latest digital technology and resources, and our unique online program gives you the skills and experience you need to thrive in music production.

Built on a core of piano and keyboard skills, advanced musicianship and music history, you will develop your dexterity with music technology, digital composition and sound recording. This online program facilitates your digital skills as you learn from expert faculty who are published in music. You will have the opportunity to use Ableton Live, the most popular software to produce music, throughout your coursework – a program designed to be an instrument for live performances as well as a tool for composing, recording, arranging, mixing, and mastering. This program consists of project-based evaluation, allowing you to focus on practically executing your skills instead of sitting exams.

Virginia Wesleyan Online gives you the opportunity to advance in the career you choose. Once you graduate, you could work in the entertainment industry, in education or in music therapy.

Program Details

  • 03/25/2024
    Next Start Date
  • 120
    Total Degree Credit Hours
  • Program Length
    Finish in as little as 24 months
  • $399
    Cost Per Credit Hour
  • 39
    Major Credit Hours

Course Information

General Education is the component of the degree that all students share. The requirements include both a scholarly core experience and a broad array of courses from across the university. The core provides students a common sequence of courses that form a foundation for their education and that will serve them throughout their lives. The breadth requirement ensures a well-rounded education.

Our music production courses focus on using music production recording and engineering tools so that you can excel in performance and production. At the same time, you can prepare for further study in music education and music therapy. While completing courses online, you can learn to use Ableton Live for recording, arranging, mixing, and mastering songs. The program explores the following topics:

Piano Skills Core

  • APMU 243 - Keyboard Harmony I
  • APMU 244 - Keyboard Harmony II

Musicianship Core

  • MUS 101 - Basic Musicianship I
  • MUS 102 - Basic Musicianship II
  • MUS 225 - Intermediate Musicianship I
  • MUS 226 - Intermediate Musicianship II
  • MUS 325 - Advanced Musicianship I

Music History Core

  • MUS 318 - Great Works: Classical Music
  • MUS 318 - Great Works: Popular Music

Digital Music Courses

  • MUS 254 - Introduction to Music Technology
  • MUS 355 - Digital Composition Workshop
  • MUS 356 - Sound Recording

Capstone

  • MUS 456 - Digital Music Capstone

Career Outcomes

Our online music production degree instills valuable skills in musicianship, music technology, and digital composition. After graduation, you can pursue roles in entertainment and beyond, applying your musical talents to teach music courses or offer music therapy in health settings.

  • Music Education

    VWU's online music production degree is a starting point for careers in education. You will acquire hands-on skills useful for teaching music courses in high school or college.

  • Entertainment

    A career in the entertainment industry may include work in a recording studio, on stage, at a record label or on the sets of films or television shows. Our online music degree gives you necessary skills in sound recording, mixing and editing. Sound engineers, recording technicians and recording engineers work in all parts of the entertainment industry.

  • Music Therapy

    More industries are discovering the power of music to improve physical and psychological health. Your music production degree could become a foundational part of music therapy jobs in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, private practices and more.

Why VWU Online

Successful Alumni

More than 90 percent of our alumni are working or in graduate school within 1 year of graduation.

Highly Qualified Faculty

90 percent of our professors have attained the highest degree in their fields.

Military-Friendly

Virginia Wesleyan University is a Yellow Ribbon school, and we have a dedicated Veterans Service Team.

Streamlined Admission

Admission decisions are made on the basis of a review of the applicant's undergraduate transcript. No SAT, ACT, or GMAT required!

How to Apply

Admission Requirements

  1. Complete our online application.
  2. Applicants who have not yet completed 12 semester hours of college work must submit an official high school transcript and SAT/ACT score, and an official college transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended. Applicants who have not taken an SAT or ACT may be admitted on the basis of an evaluation of high school coursework. Applicants who are not high school graduates may be admitted on the basis of GED test results.
  3. Applicants who have successfully completed 12 or more semester hours of college work must submit official college transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Generally, individuals transferring to Virginia Wesleyan must present a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Financial Aid

There may be financial aid options available to you when you apply for an online program at Virginia Wesleyan University.

Explore Financial Aid Options

Dive into Digital Learning!