All undergraduate music majors take courses in music theory, music literature, music history, and conducting; receive private lessons on a selected instrument and/or voice; and participate in a major ensemble. Other courses are selected within a chosen area of concentration. In all programs, applied instrumental or vocal studies develop musicianship and performance ability. Students are accepted for private lessons depending upon demonstrated musical ability and available staff resources.

There is a wide range of career opportunities for music graduates of NDSU. Graduates of the music education program are teaching throughout the United States and Canada. Several graduates, after completing graduate studies in music from Juilliard, the University of Illinois, the University of Minnesota, the University of Iowa, and other universities, are now teaching music at the college level. Other graduates are in demand as professional performers, arrangers, and composers.