BA Music Course

BA Music is a three-year specialised undergraduate course for students seeking an undergraduate degree in Music. BA Music includes a variety of specialised course components such as vocal music, instrumental music, and various dance forms. BA Music syllabus covers a variety of topics, including music history, music theory, and music interpretation. 

BA in Music course is open to students who have completed their higher secondary education from an accredited board of education. Only students with a minimum of 50% in their upper secondary level are accepted by certain institutions. Music must be chosen as an elective for students taking the 10+2 qualifying exam. BA Music syllabus is designed in a way that gives the students an understanding of the foundations of dance and music. To succeed in the future, the course equips students with strong technical, collaborative, and self-management skills.

BA Music admission is based on both merit and an entrance exam. Admission to this course is based on performance in the Class 12 exam. However, several universities grant their admission to Bachelor of Arts in Music based on entrance exams. Applicants who do not wish to pursue an advanced degree may apply for a variety of jobs related to dance, music, etc. Some common career paths include Disc Jockey, Art Director, Concert Promoter, Film Music Director, Music Critic, Advertising Specialist, Studio Musician, and Music Teacher. The average annual BA Music course fee ranges between INR 2K and INR 5 LPA. 

BA music graduates can work as a Musician, Artists, Audio Technicians, Professors, and so on. The average BA Music salary after finishing the course ranges from INR 4 - 10 LPA, based on the job role. After completing BA Music, students may choose to study further in this field to gain a more in-depth understanding of the subject and pursue a master's degree course, i.e. MA in Music, followed by a PhD Music. 

Read on to know more about BA Music!

The table below lists the highlights of the BA Music courses.

Bachelor of Arts in Music has several advantages. A few of them are listed below:

• Graduates get the technical know-how, communication skills, and in-depth understanding of music fundamentals necessary to succeed as musicians in the future.
• BA in Music offers a foundational education in music composition and other related subjects.
• The BA Music course offers technical skills, communication skills, and basic knowledge of music. In addition to learning how to compose music, the students also learn about the different genres of music and their structures.  
• Placements typically take place in the Department of Cultural Affairs, film and music studios, entertainment companies, music companies, and performing arts centres.
• Holders of a BA in Music are eligible for attractive compensation packages, with an average salary ranging from INR 4 to 10 LPA.
• Students can choose from a wide range of career options in this field.
• It will also create new avenues for prosperous career opportunities.

Online BA programme is also available to working professionals who are unable to attend in-person classes. Candidates may also complete the online BA in that subject if they wish to graduate in that field.

When it comes to online music degrees, there are numerous options to consider. Each option has its own set of advantages and specialisations, so there may be a degree that fits your ideal educational experience and career path.

Some of the Online BA Music Degrees are:

• Bachelor’s in Music Business Online
• Bachelor’s in Music Composition Online
• Bachelor’s in Music Production Online
• Bachelor’s in Music Studies Online
• Bachelor’s in Songwriting Online

The differences between BA Music and BA Music (Vocal) are detailed below.

The following are the criteria for being eligible for pursuing a BA in Music: 

• Candidates must have completed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board. 
• Music is required as an elective subject in Class 12. 
• This course has no age restrictions. 
• For the admissions process, entrance exams will be held.

Skill Sets Required for BA Music 

BA Music graduates need to develop their technical and communication abilities. They should be imaginative in coming up with new ideas. BA Music graduates should have the following skills:

• Complex Problem-Solving Skills
• Excellent Technical Skills
• Team Leadership
• Thinking Critically
• Excellent Risk Assessment Skills

To be granted BA Music admission, nearly all of the top colleges in India for BA Music require passing entrance exams. For the students, entrance exams are administered at both the national and state levels. Several of the most well-known entrance exams for BA music are:

• BHU Performing Arts Entrance Exam - This is an entrance exam administered by BHU that students must pass in order to be admitted to BHU.
• Bangalore University Entrance Exam - This is an entrance exam administered by Bangalore University to students seeking admission to an arts degree programme.
• Annamalai University Entrance Exam - This is an entrance exam administered by Annamalai University that students must pass in order to be admitted.
• Indian Institute of Fine Arts Entrance Exam - The Indian Institute of Art and Design administers this national level exam.

BA Music admission procedures in India may differ slightly from other courses because these courses require a unique set of skills and knowledge. Most colleges still use an entrance exam to select students for admission, which is followed by an interview and/or group discussion. The following are the admissions procedures for BA Music programmes in India.

• Entrance-Based BA Music Admissions
• Merit-Based BA Music Admissions

Though the BA Music admission process varies by college, the following are the general steps to admission:

Step 1: Submit your online BA Music application.

Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional fees that may be charged if admission is granted based on merit. Candidates for BA Music entrance-based admissions must take and pass an exam.

Step 3: Candidates who have been shortlisted will be invited to the next stages of the selection process, which may include personal interviews, group discussions, or counselling.

Step 4: Once all of the preceding steps have been completed, candidates must submit all required documents and fees in order to be admitted to the BA Music programme.

BA music admissions are typically determined by merit at most colleges and universities. Candidates will be accepted to the BA Music programme based on their performance in a written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or a relevant qualifying exam. Mainly, candidates are shortlisted in such cases based on their academic record as well as their performance in a previous relevant exam.

BA Music Course fees vary from INR 2K to 5LPA. Depending on the BA Music colleges, course fees may change. Because of its infrastructure and facilities, a government-based institute charges less than a private institute. 

The course is divided into six semesters, and the subjects taught are divided into these six semesters. The BA Music course syllabus is provided in the table below, year by year:

The BA Music course lasts three years, divided into six semesters. The BA Music syllabus and subjects are intended to prepare students to excel in the art of music. The programme includes both required and elective papers.

The following are a few of the core papers covered in this BA Music Subjects:

• The Evolution of Music
• Introduction to Electronic and Computer Music
• Analysis of Tonal Music
• Introduction to Indian Music
• Musicology

The following specialisations are available through BA Music:

• Musicology: It is the academic study of musical history and its cultural and sociological effects.
• Music Theory: The fundamentals of music theory are studied, as well as all of its variations.
• Composition: In this BA Music specialisation, students focus on the craft of music composition.

Students can choose from among India's top universities offering a BA in music according to their interests and skill set. These are India's best universities offering a BA in Music.

According to the NIRF's overall college Ranking list, the following colleges offer BA Music:

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.  

In recent years, there have been many job opportunities for BA in Music colleges. BA in Music jobs are available in both public and private organisations. Bachelor of Arts Music jobs can be found not only in the music industry but also in other art forms. A BA Music graduate can work as a Recording Technician, Music Publisher, Advertising Specialist, Studio Musician, Composer/Arranger, or Music Attorney.

The table below lists some of the most common job profiles that a BA Music student can pursue, along with job descriptions and salary packages.

There are numerous career options available to students who complete a BA in music across various fields. 

• Students majoring in music have access to a variety of career profiles, including those for recording technicians, studio musicians, advertising specialists, film music directors/editors, music critics, and musicians.
• There are positions available in the music sector. The NJ Department of Education, Office of International Education, Travel and Tourism Department, Indian Idol, and Bollywood are a few of the leading recruiting organisations.

BA Music Employment Area 

The scope of BA Music is found in many different fields. Composing music and learning its different forms and classifications are the responsibilities of musicians. Among the BA Music employment area are:

• Music Industry
• Film Industry
• Production Houses
• TV Channels
• Advertisement Companies

Top Recruiters for BA Music

The top companies that hire graduates with a BA Music are listed below:

• Universal Music Group
• Sony Music Entertainment
• EMI
• Warner Music Group
• BMG
• Independent labels Combined
• NJ Department of Education
• Office of International Education 
• Travel and Tourism Department
• Indian Idol 
• Bollywood 

BA Music Salary

BA Music graduate's average salary is around INR 4 - 10 LPA [Source: PayScale]. The salary will vary depending on the candidate's position and experience. Graduates can increase their earnings by furthering their education or taking certificate courses.

Following the completion of their BA Music, students have the option to pursue further education. There are more opportunities for vertical mobility for the students. After graduation, they can enrol in programmes with specialisations. For Indian graduates of the BA in Music, popular postsecondary education choices include:

• PG Diploma In Music
• MA in Music
• PhD in Music

Competitive exams are an additional option as well for BA Music graduates. For graduates, preparing for competitive exams such as the SSC, IBPS, and others is an additional option.  The exams most people take are those meant for jobs in the public sector. There's guaranteed high pay, job security, and annual salary increases.