B.A. Music

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Arts > Department of Music > B.A. Music

If you are passionate about sound, creativity, and cultural expression, the Bachelor of Arts in Music programme provides the platform to turn your musical talent into academic and professional excellence. This programme allows you to explore music as both an art and a science — blending theory, performance, composition, and technology to help you master the universal language of music.

You will study the elements of sound, rhythm, melody, harmony, and form while developing your technical skill in voice or instrument performance. You will also explore the rich traditions of African and Western music, gaining a broad understanding of music as a tool for communication, education, and cultural identity.

Your training prepares you for a variety of roles in teaching, performance, composition, production, and music management, equipping you to thrive in both local and international creative industries. 

Course Overview

The B.A. Music programme offers a balanced and comprehensive education in the theory, practice, and appreciation of music. You will learn to read, write, and interpret music, develop your performance and compositional abilities, and engage with the cultural and historical contexts of musical creation.

The programme combines academic coursework with studio practice and live performance experience. You will study areas such as music theory and analysis, ethnomusicology, music technology, African and Western music history, composition and arrangement, and conducting.

Practical training is at the heart of the programme — you will have opportunities to perform solo and ensemble pieces, participate in university concerts, and gain experience in recording and music production.

By the time you graduate, you will be a versatile musician capable of critical listening, creative expression, and professional musicianship, ready to contribute to the advancement of the arts and entertainment industry.

Course Curriculum

The B.A. Music curriculum follows the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), providing a broad-based education that integrates creative performance, musical scholarship, and technological innovation.

At this stage, you will be introduced to the foundations of musical art and theory through courses such as:

  1. Introduction to Music Theory and Rudiments
  2. Aural Training and Sight-Singing I
  3. Elementary Keyboard Skills
  4. African Music and Culture
  5. Introduction to Performance Practice
  6. Communication in English

You will also take General Studies courses to strengthen your academic writing and cultural awareness.

Your second year builds your theoretical and practical foundation through courses such as:

  1. Harmony and Counterpoint I
  2. Music History and Literature I
  3. Performance Practice II (Voice or Instrument)
  4. African Music Systems
  5. Introduction to Composition and Arrangement
  6. Entrepreneurship and Digital Humanities

These courses enhance your understanding of music as a cultural, creative, and intellectual discipline.

You will deepen your study of both traditional and contemporary music through courses such as:

  1. Harmony and Counterpoint II
  2. Music History and Literature II
  3. Ethnomusicology and Field Recording
  4. Composition and Orchestration
  5. Research Methodology in the Arts
  6. Music in the Mass Media

You will also participate in ensemble performance, where you learn teamwork, discipline, and stage presentation.

Your final year consolidates your technical and creative skills through advanced courses, including:

  1. Advanced Composition and Analysis
  2. Conducting and Music Directing
  3. African Musicology and Performance
  4. Music Technology and Production
  5. Research Project

The research project allows you to investigate a musical theme, performance tradition, or creative process under academic supervision, integrating scholarship with artistry.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted into the B.A. Music programme at Olabisi Onabanjo University, you must satisfy one of the following admission routes:

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Degree Programme)

You must have:

  1. At least five credit passes in relevant subjects at the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, including English Language and Music, and any other Arts or Social Science subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. A satisfactory score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), with Music, English Language, and two other Arts subjects as part of the examination.
  3. Candidates without formal Music qualifications but with proven musical ability (such as instrumental or vocal proficiency) may also be considered after undergoing an audition or aptitude assessment.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Degree Programme)

You must have:

  1. Five credit passes at SSCE or its equivalent, two of which must be at the Advanced Level.
  2. A National Diploma (ND), Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), or University Diploma in Music or related disciplines with at least a merit or credit grade.
  3. Candidates with recognised Royal School of Music Certificates or equivalent qualifications may also be considered.

All applicants must also satisfy the University’s general admission requirements for undergraduate programmes.

Why study at OOU?

Choosing to study Music at Olabisi Onabanjo University allows you to develop your musical talent within a world-class academic environment that blends creativity, theory, and technology. The programme is designed for individuals who wish to turn their passion for music into a rewarding professional career.

You will benefit from:

  1. Comprehensive musical training covering theory, performance, composition, and music technology.
  2. State-of-the-art music facilities, including rehearsal studios, sound laboratories, and performance halls.
  3. Experienced lecturers and practising musicians who combine academic knowledge with industry expertise.
  4. Opportunities for live performance, ensemble work, and studio recording throughout your programme.
  5. Exposure to both African and Western musical traditions fosters versatility and global relevance.
  6. Career-oriented teaching that connects academic learning with real-world applications in education, production, and entertainment.

At OOU, you will be nurtured to become a creative, disciplined, and versatile musician who can excel in the classroom, on stage, and in the professional world.

Research Project

In your final year, you will complete a research project that allows you to apply the theoretical and practical skills you have acquired throughout your studies. This project can take the form of a written dissertation, a composition portfolio, or a performance-based research work.

You will work closely with a supervising lecturer to:

  1. Select a relevant research or creative topic within the field of music.
  2. Conduct fieldwork, interviews, or studio experiments as necessary.
  3. Analyse musical works or performance practices using appropriate research methodologies.
  4. Present your findings through both written and/or performance-based evaluation.

Your research project will demonstrate your ability to integrate scholarship with creativity, a hallmark of professional musicianship and academic excellence.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Arts in Music, you must satisfy the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory and elective courses in the programme.
  2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME, or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry.
  3. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.A. (Hons) Music, a qualification respected by educational institutions, cultural agencies, creative industries, and entertainment sectors across Nigeria and beyond.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Music opens the door to a wide range of careers across performance, education, media, technology, and culture. Your training in theory, performance, and production prepares you for creative and analytical roles in traditional and modern music environments.

You may pursue careers such as:

  1. Professional musician or vocalist
  2. Music teacher or lecturer
  3. Composer or arranger
  4. Sound engineer or music producer
  5. Choir director or conductor
  6. Music technologist or studio specialist
  7. Cultural arts officer
  8. Music journalist or critic

You may find employment in:

  1. Media and entertainment industries: radio, television, film, recording studios, and production houses
  2. Educational institutions: primary, secondary, and tertiary schools, as teachers or lecturers
  3. Cultural and arts organisations: orchestras, arts councils, community theatres, and cultural troupes
  4. Religious institutions: as choir directors, music coordinators, or worship leaders
  5. Corporate and creative agencies: in sound branding, jingles, advertising, and audio content creation
  6. Non-governmental and international organisations: promoting cultural exchange and music education initiatives

You may also work as a freelancer, performing artist, or independent producer within the growing creative economy. 

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

If you are applying through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), you must:

  1. Choose Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice and Music as your preferred course.
  2. Sit for the UTME with Music, English Language, and two other relevant Arts subjects.
  3. Obtain five credit passes at SSCE or its equivalent, including English Language and Music, in not more than two sittings.
  4. Participate in and meet the requirements of the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise.
  5. Take an audition or musical ability test if required by the Department.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

If you are applying through Direct Entry, you must:

  1. Hold an NCE, ND, or University Diploma in Music or related fields with a merit or credit grade.
  2. Possess five SSCE credit passes, including English Language and Music.
  3. Submit all academic transcripts and certificates through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.
  4. To begin your application or check admission status, visit the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.A. Music programme is managed by a dedicated team of musicologists, performers, composers, and sound specialists within the Department of Music, Faculty of Arts. The Department provides a vibrant atmosphere for learning, creativity, and artistic development.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  6. Faculty = Arts
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus.
  9. Location = Faculty of Arts, Main Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities