The Bachelor of Music in Performance and Songwriting is a distinguished professional degree that foregrounds instrumental or vocal instruction, ensemble performance, and songwriting study and practice. Building upon a foundation of contemporary musicianship and production proficiency, the BMus includes private instrumental or vocal instruction and participation in our distinguished ensembles, that cover a wide range of popular styles, including Rock, Pop, Latin, Jazz, Gospel, and R&B.  Our BA and BMus programs are enhanced by Columbia’s downtown Chicago campus, where students are plugged into the vibrant city music scene and are mentored by a faculty of professional musicians and renowned resident artists with established connections in the national and international music business.

Students successfully completing the Bachelor of Music should be able to demonstrate:

• applied skills in music production, songwriting, arranging, performance, and improvisation to create and produce original music in both individual and collaborative contexts;
• the preparation and development of a portfolio of original music suitable for the professional market, including professionally recorded and documented media projects;
• preparation of a viable business plan for a career in music performance, songwriting, and production.
• professional-level performance and improvisation on a primary instrument;
• proficiency in reading, notating, analyzing, and performing music or songwriting at an advanced level of musicianship;
• the ability to produce and present a professional-level live performance or production.