Overview

The Music programme at Stanford University offers a rigorous academic environment that blends artistic creativity with scientific enquiry. Students engage in a multifaceted curriculum that spans composition, ethnomusicology, and computer-based music technologies to foster a deep understanding of the sonic arts.

This degree is structured around a 42-unit core foundation designed to cultivate essential skills in musicianship and literacy. Beyond this shared base, students dedicate at least 20 units to a specialised concentration, allowing for tailored expertise in areas such as conducting, music theory, or performance.

Why Music at Stanford University?

The department is renowned for its integration of cognitive science and intermedia within the study of sound. Students benefit from world-class facilities, including the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics and the Bing Concert Hall, which support both traditional and experimental performances.

Distinctive teaching features include the opportunity for self-designed concentrations and mentorship from distinguished faculty. The institution also offers unique interdisciplinary pathways, such as the Stanford Laptop Orchestra, where students combine coding with live musical performance.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22577 per semester
National fee: USD 22577 per semester
Local fee: USD 22577 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum begins with foundational studies in theory and history. Modules may include:

Year 1

Tonal Theory
Intermediate Tonal Theory
Advanced Tonal Theory
Ear Training

Year 2

Music History to 1600
Music History 1600-1830
Music History since 1830

Upper-division requirements and electives include:

Counterpoint
Analysis of Tonal Music
20th-Century Composition
Music of the Middle Ages
Music of the Renaissance
Music of the Baroque
Music of the Classical Period
Music of the Romantic Period
Western Art Music Since 1900
Ethnomusicology
Music, Media, and Popular Culture
Elementary Instrumental Conducting
Elementary Choral Conducting
Stanford Laptop Orchestra: Composition, Coding, and Performance
Thoroughbass, historically informed stylistic improvisation
Creating Electronic Sounds
Intermedia Workshop
Sound Recording
Computer Generated Sounds
Composition for Electronic Musicians
Sonic Experiments in Composition
Design of Digital Sounds for Interactive Performance
Music Computing, Design
Jazz Arranging and Composition
Film Scoring
Instrumental Composition
Songwriters Workshop
Instrumentation and Orchestration

Careers with Music

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths within the global arts and technology sectors. Potential roles include professional performers, composers, and conductors, as well as specialists in sound engineering and music production.

The programme also provides a strong basis for careers in academia, musicology, and ethnomusicology. Many alumni leverage their technical skills to work in music software development, media scoring, and cultural arts administration across various creative industries.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Musical Genius: Exemplars in the History of Organized Sound

Music, Mind, and Human Behavior

Indian Classical Music

The Symphony

Opera

Interactive Introduction to North American Taiko

Art is My Occupation: Professional Development in Music

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Stanford, United States

Disciplines

Music View 2679 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.7

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Coalition Application or Common Application
$90 nonrefundable application fee or fee waiver request
ACT or SAT (Writing/Essay not required) (refer to testing for score reporting policies)
School Report and counselor letter of recommendation
Official transcript(s)
Letters of recommendation from two teachers
Midyear transcript (by February 15)

Standardized testing is one of the application requirements that can highlight academic preparedness. There are no minimum test scores required to be admitted to Stanford, and there is no score that guarantees admission. At Stanford, we review applications holistically, meaning every component of the application is valuable to us as we get to know each student.
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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

45154 USD / year

≈ 45154 USD / year
Out-of-State

45154 USD / year

≈ 45154 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

45154 USD / year

≈ 45154 USD / year

Additional Details

Tuition per quarter. Students are typically enrolled in classes for three quarters: autumn, winter, spring.

Living costs

Stanford

United States

1100 - 1600 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.

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