BA Music
Start date
Course length
Program Overview
The BA Music develops creative, technically accomplished, and intellectually grounded musicians. Students build core musical knowledge across Saudi, Arabic, and international traditions while specializing in performance, composition, or production. Through ensemble work, cross-arts collaboration, and engagement with artists and music industry professionals, students gain practical experience, culminating in a professional industry placement that supports their transition into creative careers.
Students applying in academic year 2026/2027 will be enrolled in the Music Preparatory Program prior to the BA Music program.
The Music Preparatory Program is a one-year foundationprogramwhichprepares students for higher education and allows them to enroll in one of the BA programs offered in the College of Music. Its mission is to develop creative, technically developing, and intellectually grounded musicians by building core musical competencies. Depending on their interests, students will undertake intensive study in voice, their preferred instrument and/or composition. In addition, all students will take classes in music theory and collaborate in performance ensembles and on creative projects. Across their studies, students will engage with Saudi, Arabic and international music traditions. Students will gain familiarity with the careers available to them in the music industry and learn from a range of artists and industry professionals as they prepare to begin undergraduate study in music.
In Partnership With:
Learning Objectives
Music Preparatory Year Objectives:
- Develop foundational technical and artistic skills in music.
- Build collaboration and communication skills through ensemble work
- Gain broad musical knowledge, critical thinking, and self-directed learning skills for contemporary creative industries.
- Develop language and communication skills relevant to an international context.
BA Music learning objectives:
- Develop strong technical and artistic skills in performance, composition, and music production.
- Build collaboration and communication skills through ensemble work and cross-arts creative projects.
- Gain broad musical knowledge, critical thinking, and self-directed learning skills for contemporary creative industries.
Pathways
- Performance Pathway: Specialize in voice or a musical instrument across a wide range of Arabic and Western traditions, including classical, jazz, pop, and contemporary styles.
- Composition Pathway: Develop an original creative portfolio in a chosen musical style and gain skills in composing for both concert and commercial contexts, including screen media.
- Production Pathway: Create a professional portfolio of electronic and produced music, including finished tracks, mixes, and live or DJ sets, assessed for technical skill and creative originality.
Assessment Methods
- Practical assessments demonstrate students' artistic work, with performance pathways assessed through recitals and composition and production pathways assessed through creative portfolios.
- Written work and presentations demonstrate students' ability to connect practical music-making and creative practice with critical thinking and professional skills.
Admission Requirements
For 2026/2027, applicants will apply to the BA Music programs starting with a Music Preparatory Year.
You can study voice/instrument as part of your studies, including (but not limited to):
- Voice
- Piano
- Oud
- Qanun
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Bass
- Guitar
- Ney
- Flute
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Saxophone
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Tuba
- Gulf & Arabic percussion
- Drums
- Western classical percussion
- Electronic music/DJ
Creative portfolio:
All applicants should submit a creative portfolio, which showcases their best previous work in music.
Applicants can submit minimum 1 and maximum 3 examples of previous music they have performed, composed and/or produced. They may submit all work in a single category (e.g. 2 performances) or a mix of formats (1 performance, 1 composition, 1 produced work). There is no advantage or disadvantage to submitting in more than one format. Submit the work which you view as strongest.
Please note that only 3 examples will be reviewed, and so do not submit more than 3 examples of your previous work.
Submissions may include:
- 1 or 2 videos of 3-5 minutes in duration of the applicant performing on voice/instrument. The video performance should be unedited. Applicants may perform in any musical style or language. They can either upload their video or submit a link to an unlisted YouTube video. Each video should be accompanied by a 1-paragraph contextual statement in which the applicant lists the title and composer of the work and explains why they chose to perform this work in their portfolio.
- 1 or 2 examples of music you have created as a composer and/or producer. Each composition/produced work should be no longer than 5 minutes in duration. Submissions can be in any musical style and may be for any instruments/voices and/or electronic/digital music. Please submit a video or audio file of the work. A MIDI rendition is acceptable, if the work has never been performed. You may upload files or include a link to unlisted YouTube video. If you normally notate your music, please include a PDF of the score, but there is no requirement to submit a notated score, if you do not normally notate your music. Each submission should be accompanied by a 1-paragraph contextual statement in which you list the title of the work, describe your role as composer/producer in creating the work, and explain why you chose to include this work in your portfolio.
Applicants who pass portfolio review will attend a live interview.
Admission requirements, program structures, and program-specific requirements are subject to review and may be updated or changed at any time without prior notice. Applicants are advised to visit the program page at the time of admission for the most current information.
What to Expect
- One-to-one lessons and group coaching with outstanding artists and internationally recognized performers that help you grow a strong artistic voice as a performer, composer or producer.
- Live performance and recording sessions in our brand-new state-of-the-art facilities and venues, from studio classes to public concerts and cross-arts events on campus.
- Hands-on creative projects and collaborations with fellow musicians and artists, building your confidence, versatility, and teamwork.
- Guidance from active industry professionals to help you understand real pathways and prepare for life as a working musician or composer.
Program Modules
Course units of BA Music are to be confirmed.
Music Preparatory Program, leading to the BA Music, will include courses such as:
- Performance Studies
- Composition Studies Ensemble Musicianship Musical Cultures and Critical Listening Introduction to Music Careers
Career Path After the Program
Career opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Performing musician solo or in a band/orchestra
- Composer (for performing artists, film/TV/gaming, commercial/corporate)
- Songwriter
- Producer
- DJ
- Conductor
- Studio Manager
Study Plan
| Note: study plan is subject to change in the future. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course Name | Description | Credit Hours |
| Performance I | Performance I develops foundational technical and communicative musicianship in a student's principal instrument or voice. | 4 |
| OR: Composition & Production I | Composition & Production I introduces students to the foundational principles of musical creation across both acoustic and digital contexts. | 4 |
| OR: Performance, Composition & Production I | This course introduces the foundations of performance and music creation, developing technical and creative skills in instrumental or vocal practice alongside composition or production. | 6 |
| Ensemble I | This course establishes the foundations of collaborative musical performance, engaging students in structured and guided group music-making contexts that foster cooperation and ensemble discipline. | 4 |
| Musicianship I | Musicianship I develops core musical skills through integrated training in aural skills, music theory, and keyboard, with an emphasis on learning through active listening and practice. | 4 |
| Musical Cultures & Critical Listening | This course explores musical heritage and contemporary creative practices in Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and global musical traditions. | 2 |
| Foundation English for Academic Success I | This course is offered based on the placement test as a non-credit course. It helps RUA students strengthen their English skills, with a focus on academic language for arts and creative industries. | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours | 14 > 16 |
| Note: study plan is subject to change in the future. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course Name | Description | Credit Hours |
| Performance II | Performance II deepens the technical and artistic foundations of performance, with greater emphasis on interpretation and clear musical expression. | 4 |
| OR: Composition & Production II | Composition & Production II develops students’ creative and technical foundations, with greater emphasis on artistic decision-making and shaping a personal compositional voice. | 4 |
| OR: Performance, Composition & Production II | Performance, Composition & Production II develops the integrated creative practices introduced in the first semester, with greater emphasis on artistic decision-making and a personal creative voice. | 6 |
| Ensemble II | Ensemble II further develops group music-making skills, with greater creative responsibility, artistic challenge, and collaborative decision-making. | 6 |
| Musicianship II | Musicianship II deepens the work of the first semester, moving into more complex theoretical and aural territory across traditions. | 4 |
| Musical Cultures & Critical Listening | Introduction to Music Careers prepares students to navigate the emerging creative and musical economy of Saudi Arabia, the wider MENA region, and the international creative industries. | 2 |
| Foundation English for Academic Success II | This course is offered based on the placement test as a non-credit course. It helps RUA students strengthen their English skills, with a focus on academic language for arts and creative industries. | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 > 18 |