Blending Jazz, Pop, Rock, R&B, Gospel, Latin and original music, the Performance and Songwriting Bachelor of Music 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.  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.