Undergraduate Minors

Applied Music Minor

The Applied Music minor is ideal for students who want to sharpen their individual performance skills while pursuing another field of study. Through private lessons, ensembles, and music electives, you’ll grow as a musician and performer in a way that fits your interests and schedule.

Why minor in Applied Music?

• Gain valuable ensemble experience
• Enhance your creativity and musicianship

At a glance:

• 15 credit hours (courses at the 200 level or above)
• Includes private lessons, ensemble participation, and music electives
• Strings students participate in Symphony Orchestra and Studio Class

Admission:

• An audition is required to be admitted as an applied music minor

Learn how to apply

Data Science and Music Technology Minor

The Data Science and Music Technology minor prepares you to work at the intersection of technology, music, and data. You’ll learn how to manage and analyze data, develop digital tools, and explore cutting-edge approaches to music production, scoring, and sound design. No audition required – just curiosity and creativity.

Why minor in Data Science and Music Technology?

• Gain in-demand skills in data science, visualization, and management
• Explore how data and technology are transforming music
• Learn tools used in film scoring, game audio, virtual sound modeling, and more
• Enhance your creative portfolio with technical expertise valued across industries

At a glance:

• 15 credit hours
• Core coursework in data science and data ethics/analysis
• Choose from electives in music scoring, sound design, music technology, and more

Admission:

• No audition required; some upper-level courses may have prerequisites

• Open to all UT undergraduate students

Interdisciplinary Studies in Music & Appalachia Minor

This unique minor combines the study of Appalachian music with broader cultural, historical, and social perspectives. You’ll engage with traditional music through both performance and research, while exploring how it connects to themes of identity, storytelling, and cultural change. The program draws on strengths in the Musicology area and fosters critical thinking, writing, and interdisciplinary inquiry – skills that pair well with pre-law, graduate school preparation, and careers in the humanities and social sciences.

Why minor in Interdisciplinary Studies in Music & Appalachia?

• Develop research, writing, and analytical skills valuable across disciplines
• Connect music to culture, literature, history, folklore, and place
• Prepare for graduate study, pre-law pathways, or work in cultural sectors
• Ideal complement to majors in music, history, anthropology, English, geography, and more

At a glance:

• 17 credit hours
• Core courses in Appalachian music and performance
• Electives in history, literature, anthropology, religious studies, and more

Admission:

• No audition required; some upper-level courses may have prerequisites
• Open to all UT undergraduate students

Learn more about our Musicology area

Interdisciplinary Studies in Music & Asia

This interdisciplinary minor invites you to explore the diverse musical traditions of Asia through both performance and research. You’ll experience hands-on learning with Balinese gamelan and study the cultural, historical, and religious contexts of music across Asia. Along the way, you’ll develop skills in cross-cultural analysis, writing, and research – an excellent foundation for graduate study, international careers, or work in global arts and media.

Why minor in Interdisciplinary Studies in Music & Asia?

• Perform and study traditional Asian music (including Balinese gamelan)
• Develop critical thinking and research skills for graduate school or pre-law pathways
• Build global awareness and intercultural competency
• Connect music to film, religion, history, art, politics, and more
• Prepare for careers in international relations, cultural organizations, education, arts management, or media

At a glance:

• 16–17 credit hours
• Core courses in Asian music and performance
• Electives across anthropology, film studies, geography, history, religion, art, and languages

Admission:

• No audition required; some upper-level courses may have prerequisites

• Open to all UT undergraduate students

Learn more about our Musicology area

Music & the African Diaspora Minor

This interdisciplinary minor explores the rich and diverse musical traditions of the African diaspora across Africa, the Americas, and beyond. Through both performance and scholarship, you’ll examine how these musical forms have shaped and reflected cultural exchange, history, and society. The minor offers a valuable foundation for students interested in global music studies, humanities research, and arts-related careers.

Why minor in Music & the African Diaspora?

• Perform and study music from across the African diaspora (Afro-Diasporic Percussion Ensemble + applied percussion options)
• Explore how music connects to cultural traditions, history, and global exchange
• Develop strong research, writing, and analytical skills for graduate study or professional pathways
• Complement studies in musicology, Africana studies, anthropology, history, and the arts
• Enhance your understanding of one of the world’s most influential musical legacies

At a glance:

• 17 credit hours
• Core courses in African diasporic music and performance
• Electives across Africana Studies, anthropology, geography, film, religious studies, and more

Admission:

• No audition required; some upper-level courses may have prerequisites

• Open to all UT undergraduate students

Learn more about our Musicology area

Music & Culture Minor

The Music & Culture minor offers a broad, flexible path for students interested in the cultural, historical, and social dimensions of music. You’ll explore musical traditions from around the globe, dive into topics like media, gender, and popular music, and gain valuable skills in critical thinking, writing, and research. Students can tailor this minor to match their interests, whether focused on popular music, world cultures, music and media, or performance.

Why minor in Music & Culture?

• Study music across global and historical contexts
• Explore music as a meaningful aspect of human life and community engagement.
• Consider music’s importance within aspects of identity, culture, and society.
• Study the impact of music in the contexts of technology, media, and global interconnectedness.
• Gain critical thinking, writing, and research skills for graduate school or professional pathways
• Complement majors in music, humanities, education, media, and more
• Participate in a variety of performance opportunities to enhance your experience

At a glance:

• 15+ credit hours (courses numbered 200 and above)
• Core coursework in musicology and cultural studies
• Wide selection of electives, including performance ensemble options
• No audition required

Admission:

• No audition required; some upper-level courses may have prerequisites
• Open to all UT undergraduate students

Learn more about our Musicology area

Music Business Minor

The Music Business minor prepares students for careers across the commercial music landscape. You’ll gain foundational knowledge in music business and publishing, with the option to explore specialized areas such as live music, music supervision, nonprofit management, and entrepreneurship. The minor also builds essential business skills through electives in accounting, law, management, and media.

Designed to complement any major, the Music Business minor is a great fit for students in business, communications, media production, arts administration, or anyone interested in the creative industries.

Why minor in Music Business?

• Gain practical skills for navigating today’s music economy
• Learn the essentials of music publishing, licensing, and intellectual property
• Explore key areas such as live performance, artist management, music for media, and nonprofit leadership
• Build a foundation in core business concepts like accounting, law, and entrepreneurship
• Prepare for careers in music business, media, event production, and related fields

At a glance:

• 15 credit hours (courses numbered 200 and above)
• Core coursework in music business and publishing
• Flexible electives in music technology, business, law, and media

Admission:

• No audition required
• Open to all UT undergraduate students

Learn more about our Music Business area

Music Composition Minor

The Music Composition minor is designed for students who want to deepen their skills in writing and creating music. Through advanced coursework in music theory, ear training, and composition, you’ll learn to craft original works for a variety of settings – from concert performance to media and digital platforms. This minor is an excellent option for students pursuing performance, music technology, media production, or future graduate study in composition.

Why minor in Music Composition?

• Build advanced skills in music theory, ear training, and composition
• Learn to write original works for instrumental, vocal, and digital mediums
• Explore composition for media, including film, video games, and digital content
• Strengthen your creative portfolio for graduate study or professional opportunities
• Complement studies in performance, music technology, music business, or media production
• Work closely with faculty and peers in an environment focused on musical creativity

At a glance:

• 14 credit hours (courses numbered 200 and above)
• Take at least 2 semesters of composition lessons
• Advanced coursework in theory, ear training, and composition
• One-on-one composition study included through applied composition lessons

Admission:

• Open to UT undergraduate students who have completed prerequisite theory and ear training courses

Learn more about our Music Composition area

Music Technology Minor

The Music Technology minor offers hands-on experience with the technologies driving modern music production, recording, and media scoring. You’ll explore areas such as sound recording, synthesis, film and game scoring, interactive audio, and virtual modeling. Designed to complement any major, this minor equips students with creative and technical skills that translate across the music, media, and entertainment industries.

Why minor in Music Technology?

• Gain practical skills in sound recording, synthesis, and digital production
• Explore music for film, video games, and interactive media
• Learn industry-standard tools and workflows used by audio professionals
• Complement majors in music, media production, communications, or business
• Build a creative portfolio that enhances your career opportunities in music and media

At a glance:

• 15 credit hours (courses numbered 200 and above)
• Flexible coursework in sound recording, synthesis, scoring, and interactive audio
• At least 9 hours must be non-overlapping with other degree programs

Admission:

• No audition required
• Open to all UT undergraduate students

Learn more about our Music Technology area

Music Theory Minor

The Music Theory minor offers advanced study in the structures, techniques, and concepts that shape music. You’ll build skills in analysis, ear training, and theoretical thinking while exploring upper-level coursework in specialized areas of theory and music technology. This minor is an excellent fit for students preparing for graduate study in music, as well as for composers, performers, and educators who want to strengthen their musical fluency and understanding.

Why minor in Music Theory?

• Develop advanced skills in music analysis, ear training, and theoretical thinking
• Explore specialized topics in upper-level music theory and music technology
• Prepare for graduate study in music theory, musicology, or composition
• Deepen your musicianship and enhance your creative and analytical abilities

At a glance:

• 25 credit hours (courses numbered 200 and above)
• Core coursework in advanced theory and ear training
• Upper-level electives in music theory and music technology
• Some courses may not overlap with the student’s major concentration area

Admission:

• Open to UT undergraduate students who have completed prerequisite theory and ear training courses

Learn more about our Music Theory area