Degree Overview

The MI Online Bachelor of Music offers degrees in Performance (Contemporary Style: Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard, Bass & Drums), and Songwriting and Production. While the primary area of specialization may vary, comprehensive coursework in the study of music theory, ear-training, keyboard proficiency, music history, arranging, conducting, audio production and business relations serves as an integral part of both programs.

We welcome student musicians interested in a wide variety of styles, our goal being to prepare all graduates for successfully navigating the ever-changing environment that is today’s music industry.

Bachelor of Music Degrees Offered

What Makes MI Online’s Bachelor Performance degrees so unique and effective?

Unlike other established online Bachelor in Performance degrees, MI Online prepares you to be a successful modern musician in the modern musical landscape through an immersive and collaborative curriculum. While our degree program offers in-depth studies of traditional/classical traditions, we also focus on contemporary techniques related to performance and production.

We acknowledge that today’s musicians must also be able to thrive, practice, and work in an industry that increasingly relies on new remote & digital technologies. Because of this, these skills are woven throughout our core MIO Bachelor curriculum degree, which was designed to keep online students as connected and engaged as possible. This begins with weekly live online critiques with their MI instructors and classes that are live and also recorded, so they can always be reviewed.

When it comes time to put their learned skills to action, MIO has developed an in-depth, 3-tiered approach to music performance for online students:

On-Campus Intensive (OCI)

At the conclusion of their sixth and twelfth quarter, students travel to Los Angeles, CA to participate in the On-Campus Intensive (OCI), where they will meet faculty and fellow online students as they complete Bachelor Ensemble and Jury requirements face-to-face on the Musicians Institute campus.

What to Expect During Your OCI Visit

On-Campus Juries

When the Bachelor students are present for their jury performances, MI will provide them with a backing band composed of Musicians Institute teaching assistants and industry veterans drawn from the local LA scene. The juries are paced and designed to evaluate the culmination of skills in chart writing, arranging, musical ability, performance, and leadership.

The entire performance is filmed and recorded via a multi-track Pro Tools session, so the students will have a reel of their skills to present in resumes and auditions. While challenging, both juries provide students with a productive assessment of their current skills and the path forward to success.

Immerse in Campus and Student Life

While in Los Angeles for their juries, students will have full access to MI’s studios and facilities. Additionally, special workshops and seminars will be available with instructors and guest artists, as well as other student services, such as meeting with our Artist & Career Services for career guidance.

These visits are the opportune time to immerse themselves in the MI campus life and really feel the energy of being in the center of the entertainment industry.

We believe that these distinctive experiences, combined with top notch faculty and curriculum, give MI Online’ Bachelor students the necessary expertise to be front-runners in an ever-changing musical world.

With an MI Online degree, YOU GRADUATE INDUSTRY-READY

When you graduate with your Bachelor in Music Degree from MI Online, you will leave with:

• Full scores demonstrating notation, arranging, and transcription skills
• Experience with remote technology
• Hands-on practice with programs such as Pro Tools, Logic, Sibelius, and Ableton. Proficiency with these programs is essential for the working musician so that they may write, record, and notate in any given situation.
• Experience writing and arranging pieces for rhythm section, horns, strings, and big band. Classes such as these give the students a real world view of what skills they need in the studio as session musicians, arrangers, and producers.
• EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
• 2 High Definition Videos and recordings of Sophomore and Senior Jury Performances at our Hollywood campus

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Music Degree requirements include completion of 30 semester-units or 45 quarter-units of coursework in General Studies. For general reference, the required distribution of units is shown in our Course Catalog along with representative areas of coursework.

Course Catalog

For a detailed look at all of MI’s program offerings, you can find the course catalog here.

Scholarship Opportunities

MI Online offers many opportunities for scholarships in all of our programs. Please visit our Scholarship page for more information.

Financial Aid

Please visit MI’s Financial Aid page for all the details on how you can qualify.

International Students

International students make up nearly one-third of MI’s total student population, representing more than 50 countries throughout the world while creating a unique and diverse learning environment, full of endless opportunities in Hollywood and beyond. For more info, please visit the International Students page.

Facilities

• Full production sound stages and recording studios
• Fully equipped 24/7 practice facilities and computer labs with the latest industry standard equipment
• Concert Hall access, with full audio/video recording capabilities
• Multiple performance and recording studios available for student practice
• Security on campus 24/7
• MIO students are able to participate in on-campus student events including concerts, clinics, seminars and more.

Ready to start your MI Online Bachelor degree journey?