SUNY Fredonia Launches New Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies Without Audition Requirement

The State University of New York at Fredonia (SUNY Fredonia) has announced a fresh addition to its School of Music: a Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies that opens its doors to students who wish to explore music academically rather than perform. Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, the program will be available to all undergraduates who meet the university’s general admission criteria, and it will not require an audition or performance component.

Designed for learners who want a scholarly, interdisciplinary approach, the curriculum offers a range of tracks—including songwriting, music production, arts administration, artist management, music theory, music history, and ethnomusicology. The coursework is intentionally flexible, allowing students to pair music studies with electives in writing, business, communications, history, digital media, and social media. "We want to meet students where they are and give them the opportunity to grow into their goals," said Interim Dean of the College of Music, Theatre, and Dance Sarah Hamilton. "The new degree expands Fredonia’s music community and lets students shape an educational experience around their individual interests."

Fredonia’s roots run deep in music education. Founded in 1826 as a teachers’ college, it has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering more than 80 majors and 50 minors across science, communication, music, education, and the social sciences. Existing music degrees include the Bachelor of Music (BMus), the Bachelor of Music Education (Mus.B.), and a Bachelor of Music with tracks in general, jazz, entrepreneurship, technology, and history & literature.

The Music Studies degree diverges from the BMus by focusing on the academic study of music and its cultural contexts, rather than a performance track. It is positioned as a springboard into careers in music production, arts administration, artist management, music business, publishing, journalism, digital content, communications, and nonprofit arts. Students who later decide to pursue an audition‑based major can still do so; the curriculum allows them to audition for the BMus after completing the Music Studies program.

Although the degree eliminates the audition requirement, students will still benefit from Fredonia’s vibrant performance scene. The campus hosts more than 350 concerts, lectures, master classes, and performances each year, and faculty members—accomplished musicians, scholars, and industry professionals—provide mentorship across the university’s music community.

The launch reflects SUNY Fredonia’s broader strategy to offer distinctive, in‑demand programs that align with student interests and enrollment trends. President Stephen H. Kolison Jr. described the university’s direction as "reinventing in areas of opportunity" and emphasized a focus on programs that are "distinctive, in demand, and aligned with student interests, career aspirations and enrollment trends." Provost Julie Gorlewski added that the new degree "opens that community to students with an even wider range of musical interests and goals."

A key feature of the Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies is its interdisciplinary flexibility. For example, a student could take courses in digital media while completing a music history major, or combine a focus on songwriting with a minor in business. This structure mirrors industry trends that prize cross‑functional skill sets and prepares graduates for the evolving music landscape.

The program will be open to all undergraduate applicants who meet SUNY Fredonia’s general admission requirements; no separate audition or performance assessment is necessary. Prospective students can find more information on the university’s website.

By offering a non‑performance pathway, SUNY Fredonia aims to broaden its music offerings and support students pursuing a wide range of music‑related careers. The new degree represents a deliberate effort to attract individuals who are passionate about music but prefer an academic focus.

For additional details, visit the School of Music’s page on the SUNY Fredonia website: https://www.fredonia.edu/academics/colleges-schools/school-music/college-music-theatre-dance/music-studies-ba