Major in Applied Music

Discover your potential.

In the applied music major, we prepare developing artists like you for a dynamic career in music, centered on creating beauty and restoration in the name of Christ. With specializations in voice, piano and organ, our program embraces a wide spectrum of musical styles and applications, from classical to musical theatre to contemporary commercial music. Learn to perform, teach and serve through music at your highest potential.

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Perform & collaborate

JBU offers an abundance of performance opportunities, including recitals, musical theatre productions, Cathedral Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, University Chorus and chapel bands.

Study with professionals

In addition to the veteran professors who are incredibly talented musicians, every semester JBU invites various professional musicians to perform and conduct master classes with students.

Launch your career

Our students are prepared to enter the music industry with confidence through extensive training, performance and collaborative experience.

What to expect as an applied music student at JBU

Gain performance experience

JBU music students have ample opportunities to make music in solo and collaborative settings in our beautiful, state-of-the-art performance venues. Opportunities include solo and chamber recitals, choral and instrumental concerts, musical theatre productions, worship services, master classes and competitions.

Compete in national competitions

Voice students compete each semester in competitions sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

Serve your community

Students participate in worship services, teach in our Community Arts Academy and share music with our local community through performances on and off-campus.

What can you do with an applied music degree?

Students in applied music learn to be disciplined, creative, innovative, collaborative and entrepreneurial—skills that help them succeed in a wide variety of careers in music and beyond.

Performing artist

Pursue a career in the performing arts as a solo or collaborative artist in classical music, opera, musical theatre or contemporary commercial music.

Choral Conductor

Lead choirs in a variety of settings: higher education, churches, professional and community groups.

Music teacher

Inspire and train the next generation of musicians in a private studio or private school setting.

Music therapist

Couple your performance degree with a graduate degree in music therapy to use music for healing.

Collaborative pianist

Collaborate with solo instrumentalists and vocalists, work with choirs and orchestras, become a vocal coach, become a music director in musical theatre, opera, film, or theatre… the possibilities are endless!

Composer/arranger

Write operas, symphonies or chamber works, score for film and television or work as an arranger in a variety of genres from classical to musical theatre to choral to contemporary commercial music.

Arts administrator

Facilitate the development and programming of artistic experiences and opportunities for an organization or community.

Meet our applied music professors

JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked regional university (U.S. News Best Colleges 2019), JBU enrolls more than 2,100 students from 38 states and 53 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers 41 majors, with top programs including engineering, nursing, family and human services, biology, graphic design and construction management.

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Applied Music at John Brown University