Overview

The Music programme at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is designed for students seeking a comprehensive liberal arts education alongside rigorous musical training. This degree allows individuals to tailor their studies toward specific interests such as musicology, ethnomusicology, or instrumental performance.

Students benefit from a flexible curriculum that encourages collaboration between learners and academic advisers to create a bespoke educational journey. Whether focusing on a general track or a specific emphasis, the programme ensures a deep understanding of both theoretical and practical musical elements.

Why Music at the University of Hawaii at Manoa?

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, ensuring high educational standards. The Department of Music provides a unique cultural environment, offering distinctive specialisations in Hawaiian Music and Musical Theatre that are not commonly found elsewhere.

Facilities and teaching features include a wide range of ensembles, from the UH Symphony Orchestra to the UH Choirs, providing ample performance opportunities. The institution's location and expertise in ethnomusicology allow students to engage deeply with diverse musical traditions and world cultures.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 33552 per year
National fee: USD 33552 per year
Local fee: USD 11520 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a firm foundation in theory and history while allowing for advanced elective study. Modules may include:

Theory and Aural Training
Music History
Applied Music
Ensembles
Music in World Cultures
Music Cultures: Hawai`i
Hawaiian Chant
Ethnomusicology
Recital Attendance

All students must complete a Capstone Experience to graduate, which serves as a bridge to professional practice. This requirement is fulfilled through one of the following:

Senior Project
Junior Recital

Careers with Music

Graduates are prepared for a variety of independent work within the music professions through the hands-on experience gained during their capstone projects. The broad nature of the degree supports career paths in performance, musicology, and arts administration.

The Senior Project track specifically allows students to explore outreach activities, internships, or research, providing a head start in their chosen industry. Those following the Hawaiian Music or Musical Theatre pathways are uniquely positioned for roles in cultural preservation and professional stage performance.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theory and Aural Training

Music History

Applied Music/Ensembles

Ethnomusicology

Recital attendance

Capstone Experience

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-30 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Honolulu, United States

Disciplines

Music View 2679 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the Freshman Application!

Application Fee: $70 U.S.

Official High School Transcripts

Letter of Recommendation

Personal Statement & List of Achievements Form

Official Standardized Test Scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Out-of-State

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11520 USD / year

≈ 11520 USD / year

Living costs

Honolulu

United States

1640 - 2500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Honolulu

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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