The degree Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Music Performance is recommended for the student interested in a career as a professional musician or as an independent teacher of music. It is especially appropriate for the student who plans to continue on to graduate study in music. The degree may be elected upon the recommendation of the music faculty after the student has demonstrated ability in his or her area of performance by means of a formal performance audition. This audition performance is generally taken at the end of the second semester of applied study.

The program centers on a core of courses in music theory, music history, and music literature. It is designed to provide a thorough musical education along with a broad expectation in the liberal arts and sciences. Performance requirements include a strong emphasis on solo, chamber, and large ensemble performance opportunities. Students may major in voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, double-bass, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, horn, baritone horn, tuba, percussion, and composition. See complete degree requirements for more information.

What can you do with this degree?

A music degree communicates an eye for detail, that you are someone who can focus on a task and put in the hours of work to become good. With that in mind, a music degree makes you marketable for a variety of careers; performance, studio instruction, music service, teaching, community arts, radio, higher education. Music majors have even gone on to pursue careers of medicine, law, writing—careers that depend upon the skills you learn as a music major.