Undergraduate Music Study
at Stony Brook University 

Welcome and thank you for your interest in Stony Brook's Department of Music!

We offer a Bachelor of Arts in Music that provides a creative, wide-ranging education in music history, theory, musicianship, keyboard, and performance; the degree currently requires a minimum of 63 credits of music courses.

NOTE for Fall 2025: The Undergraduate Musicianship Placement Exam will be given tomorrow, August 26th, at 5:00 pm in Staller Center, Room 2318. Please call the Music office at 631-632-7330  to sign up. 

We also offer several music minor tracks in general studies, theory, jazz, and music and technology. These minors require 20-24 credits of music courses.

• How do I apply to the music program?

  You must apply BOTH to the university and the music department separately. You are accepted to Stony Brook University first, then you are considered for admittance to the music program. Prior to completing the music department application, you should submit your application to Stony Brook University and obtain your Stony Brook ID number, which you will need to complete this application. To apply you should:

  • Pass an audition if applying to the Performance Program
  • Submit a Composition portfolio for review if applying in Composition
  • Submit an academic paper(s) if applying in Critical Music Studies
  • Pass their theory placement and musicianship exams will be admitted to the music major.

  In addition, students participating in the application process may be considered for scholarship offers and the opportunity to study with Performance Faculty.

  Applications are now closed for Academic Year 2024-2025. Please check in next Fall for the following academic year.

• If I am accepted as a music major, will I study with performance faculty?
  Stony Brook has a large and distinguished graduate program, about two-and-a-half times the size of our undergraduate program. Our performance faculty are performing musicians who are in great demand as performers and as teachers, and attract hundreds of graduate applicants per year. Many are part time, and devote most of their energies to graduate teaching. While some promising students are admitted for study with performance faculty, the majority of undergraduate students study with our very fine graduate students, many of whom are returning to school while in the midst of impressive performing careers. Students who do not study with performance faculty will still have access to them through coachings and master classes. Your acceptance letter will explicitly state whether you will be studying with performance faculty or one of our many fine graduate students.
• Will auditioning at Stony Brook automatically qualify me for a Music Department Scholarship?

  Yes, by filling out the Department of Music online application, you will automatically be considered for a scholarship. If you plan to major, The Department of Music has funds to offer four-year scholarships for students talented in performance, composition, or music history, in some cases, full tuition for four years.  Many of our talented students receive scholarship support.  To be eligible, students must be academically high achieving (as evidenced by high school grade point average and SAT scores), and demonstrate exceptional talent as performers. (Sometimes, exceptionally gifted performers receive these scholarships, even if their academic qualifications are less exceptional.) There are also very limited scholarship funds for transfer students. We typically award ten Bright Lights Scholarships based on musical talents. These scholarships are only for Music Majors.

• Are there performance opportunities at Stony Brook?
  Yes, there are many performance opportunities at Stony Brook. Any student, whatever his or her major, is eligible to audition for placement in any performance ensemble(s) of their choice: Stony Brook Chorale, Camerata Singers, Opera Workshop, University Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, University Wind Ensemble, Big Band Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combos, Contemporary Chamber Players, Baroque Ensemble, Marching Band, Volta (African Drum Ensemble, and Chamber Music.
• If I am interested in music education as a career, should I consider Stony Brook?
  If you feel certain that you want to teach music on the pre-college level, you may want to consider an institution that offers a Bachelor of Music Education degree. However, Stony Brook prides itself on offering a rigorous music program that will prepare students for any graduate degree in music. Many of our students obtain the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree at Stony Brook and enter a master’s degree program to receive the Master of Music Education degree. Many are now teaching successfully in New York state.
• If I don’t want to major in music, can I minor, or continue music studies without being a major or minor?
  The Department of Music offers four music minors programs.

  Music minor programs

   

• Can I double major?
  Many students come to Stony Brook to receive a fine education in Music and other fields, double majoring in Music and Psychology, Music and Biology, Music and Computer Science, and Music and Business, to name a few.  There is also a five-year Music BA and MBA degree opportunity.  Students who double major work hard, but leave Stony Brook with two degrees and many skills. 

We are happy to arrange an individual visit for any prospective music student. This could include a tour, sample private lesson, shadowing a current music major to classes and ensembles, and other things to fit your interests for your future music studies.

To arrange a visit or forany questions about undergraduate music study, please contact Professor Deborah Heckert, Director of Undergraduate Studies, at deborah.heckert@stonybrook.edu.