Music Major and Minor

The Seaver College music department prepares students for musical careers. Our students develop knowledge of the music industry, demonstrate understanding in music technology, apply theoretical and historical theories to music, and develop their own musical skills, techniques, and abilities.

Students who have not auditioned and received prior acceptance into the University's music programs as music majors must audition during the first week of the semester in which they enter the school. Those accepted as music majors will be notified in writing by the music department.

Audition Requirements

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Music Degree

Many factors contribute to our reputation as a top music program. In the past decade, Pepperdine University has emerged as one of the nation's leading private universities. Our music department is personal and unique, offering high-quality instruction and an exceptional learning experience for each individual. This nurturing environment allows our students to refine their talents and skills for a successful career in music.
Designed to enhance and strengthen students' innate musical abilities, our program offers music majors one or more areas of emphasis study in order to prepare them for meaningful lives as performers, composers, educators, and innovators in one of many music-related professions.

• Program Learning Outcomes

Your experience at Pepperdine University will include:

• A liberal arts education, with a conservatory atmosphere
• Emphases in performance (applied), composition, and music education (pre-teaching credential)
• Renowned faculty
• Access to Los Angeles and all of its cultural resources
• A unique international program tailored for musicians - the Heidelberg Music Program

Music Minor

Our music minor introduces students to music theory through core music classes, private lessons, and ensemble courses. The minor allows students to have a meaningful and structured life in music while at Pepperdine.

Student Opportunities

Our students study with distinguished faculty, leading soloists, and top studio professionals, including members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, and the region's other top professional musical ensembles. Our University Choirs, University Orchestra, Flora Thornton Opera Program, Collegium Musicum, Jazz Ensemble, Collaborative Arts, and Chamber Music groups are open to all students by audition, and provide stimulating ensemble experiences. Annual opera and musical theater productions, recitals, concerts, and master classes provide additional performance opportunities. We believe that students are the heart of our program. They are active participants in their own aesthetic growth and creative enrichment.