Our Bachelor of Music program has a two fold focus on performance – in both classical and jazz music - and instruction in theory and composition. As a student in the Bachelor of Music program you will be given comprehensive training to achieve a level of performance expected of professional musicians.
Strategic Partnership with the Philippos Nakas Conservatory
Hellenic American University’s strategic partnership with the Philippos Nakas Conservatory gives you the opportunity to earn a conservatory diploma in addition to your undergraduate degree in Music. And as a graduate of an accredited American university, you’ll be able to continue your studies in music at the graduate level at a university abroad.
Strengths of the BM Program
Developed in accordance with guidelines of the National Association of Schools of Music in the United States, the Bachelor of Music program has a balanced mix of professional music training and instruction in theory and composition. Program strengths include the following:
- Concentrations available in composition, conducting, voice, piano or one of the string, wind and percussion instruments—in either classical or modern music.
- Ability to earn a minor in areas such as Performance, Music Theory, Music History, Theater, and Sustainability.
- A very flexible class schedule, with afternoon, evening and e-learning courses to accommodate students’ work schedules.
- Special emphasis on Composition and Music Analysis.
- Taught by a faculty of eminent musicians with international careers
- Opportunity to play in one of our many music ensembles and begin your professional career in music by taking part in concerts organized by Hellenic American College and Phillippos Nakas Conservatory
- Courses in harmony, ear training/solfège, orchestration, and analysis, together with your participation in music ensembles and one-on-one sessions with your instructors will help you quickly develop your technical and interpretative skills.
As a graduate of Hellenic American University, you can apply to have your degree recognized by ATEEN (Independent Department for the Implementation of EU Legislation at the Ministry of Education).
Broad Range of Specializations
Studying in the Bachelor of Music program, you’ll acquire the performance skills of a professional musician, and a broad foundation of knowledge in music history, music theory, harmony and musical analysis. In addition to courses in general Education, you’ll complete a set of core music courses, and core and elective courses in your major.
Majors are available in
- Music Performance (classical or modern)
- Film Scoring and Music Production
- Music Theory and Composition
- Music Theory
- Music History and Literature
Accelerated Program for Conservatory Students
If you already hold earned a conservatory diploma in classical or contemporary music from the Philippos Nakas Conservatory, you can apply to have up to half of the credits for your undergraduate degree, usually those for the performance courses, waived*. You’ll thus be able to complete the Bachelor of Music program in two years of full-time study.
If you earned a diploma from another conservatory at any time from Fall 2018 to Spring 2023, you can request an assessment from Philippos Nakas Conservatory to waive 25% of the credits of your Bachelor degree**.
* Valid for individuals who graduated in the academic years 2018-19 to 2022-23.
** Note that to have the professional equivalence of your degree and your professional qualifications recognized by the Ministry of Education, you need to complete all the credits for your degree at Hellenic American College.
Career Paths and Degree Recognition
The program provides a well-rounded education in which you not only acquire professional and artistic skills, but also develop character, intellectual breadth, social skills and self-confidence. You’ll acquire the credentials needed to build a career in fields of music composition, performance, and music education. You can start your career from the College Auditorium and the concert halls of the Philippos Nakas Conservatory, as you will actively participate in music concerts and events. We will help you to promote your art here at the College and the Philippos Nakas Conservatory, and create your future audience. You’ll also be prepared to continue your studies at the graduate level.
The program can also be complemented by coursework in the teaching of music, which will prepare you for a career as a music educator.
Graduates of Hellenic American University who earned the entirety of their degree at Hellenic American College have applied for and received recognition of professional equivalence of their degree by the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs.
More about the BM program
Program Structure
You will need to complete a total of 121 credits: 40 credits in general education, 42 credits in the major core courses, 27-30 credit hours in the major, and 9-12 credits in music electives. Full-time students may complete the program in 8 semesters, while part-time students will need between 5 to 8 years to complete their degree, depending on the number of courses taken each semester. An academic year includes two semesters, each semester running for 15 weeks. Consult the Hellenic American University website for a detailed list and description of courses in the degree program.
Minors & Performances
Students in the Bachelor of Music program can also select courses to earn a minor in one of several fields.
BM Recommended Minors
- Minor in Music Performance
- Minor in Music Theory
- Minor in Music History
Other minors are available in Theater, Sustainability, Psychology, General Business and other areas. Please consult the catalog for information on minors in other degree programs.
BM Performances
The BM offers you opportunities to participate in ongoing faculty-student performances or compositional projects.
Things You’ll Learn
On completing your studies for the Music degree, you will:
- Achieve growth in artistry, technical skills, collaborative competence and knowledge of repertory.
- Develop skills and competencies in the specialization of your choice.
- Achieve the highest possible level of skill in the use of basic concepts, tools, techniques, and procedures to develop a composition from concept to a complete work.
- Develop advanced performance skills in the major performing medium as a soloist or as a member of an ensemble.
- Develop a portfolio of work you’ve done for projects during your studies (recitals or compositions) that demonstrates your skills, musicality and knowledge to future employers.
- Develop excellent written and spoken communication skills in English, especially in the area of music.
- Have the knowledge and skills to continue for graduate studies in the field.
You may complete your senior-year giving a recital of your own either as a performer or as a composer (or both!), and start your career from the Hellenic American College Theater and the concert halls of the Philippos Nakas Conservatory!
Admissions Requirements
Please see our page on Undergraduate Admissions for information on requirements for admission and information on how to apply.
What students and graduates say about the program
As a student of Music Composition (BM) at Hellenic American College, I had the honor to work in a vivid and meritocratic academic community, where my artistic output was welcomed and truly appreciated. I was able to acquire knowledge of excellent quality and redefine my responsibility as an artist. Hellenic American College is an institution of professionalism and respect for its students; I am very pleased to have been a part of its family.
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