Program Overview

Music Performance Program

The Bachelor of Music in Performance degree involves in-depth study in a particular performance medium, such as voice, strings, woodwinds, percussion, or brass. Students hone their craft in one-on-one lessons, large ensembles, and chamber music settings. The curriculum includes courses in business acumen, preparing students to work in a gig economy.

Program Overview

The Music Performance program at Miami University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in music performance. The program includes separate tracks for voice and instrumental students, with coursework in one-on-one applied music lessons, ensemble performance, and courses in music theory and music history.

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Music in Performance degree comprises the following courses:

• MUS 101: Theory of Music 1
• MUS 100: Ensemble
• MUS 211: History of Western Music
• MUS 406: Advanced Analysis
• MUS 494: Senior Recital

Performance Requirements

Performance majors give two solo recitals, one during junior year and one during senior year. Students must also complete a half recital in year 3, semester 6, and a senior recital in year 4, semester 8.

Instrumental Performance Sample Degree Map

The instrumental performance sample degree map outlines the required courses for each semester, including:

• First Year: Fall Semester/Semester 1
  • MUS 140: Recital Attendance Requirement
  • MUS 101: Theory of Music I
  • MUS 151: Aural Skills I
  • MUS 144: Applied Music
  • MUS 100: Large Music Ensemble
• First Year: Spring Semester/Semester 2
  • MUS 140: Recital Attendance Requirement
  • MUS 102: Theory of Music II
  • MUS 152: Aural Skills II
  • MUS 144: Applied Music
  • MUS 100: Large Music Ensemble

Vocal Performance Sample Degree Map

The vocal performance sample degree map outlines the required courses for each semester, including:

• First Year: Fall Semester/Semester 1
  • MUS 140: Recital Attendance Requirement
  • MUS 101: Theory of Music I
  • MUS 151: Aural Skills I
  • MUS 144: Applied Music
  • MUS 100: Large Music Ensemble
• First Year: Spring Semester/Semester 2
  • MUS 140: Recital Attendance Requirement
  • MUS 102: Theory of Music II
  • MUS 152: Aural Skills II
  • MUS 144: Applied Music
  • MUS 100: Large Music Ensemble

Additional Degree Requirements

Depending on the major instrument, students may be required to complete additional courses, such as:

• Piano: MUS 110, 120 Accompanying or 100I/J Chamber Music
• Strings: MUS 433 String Pedagogy
• Percussion: MUS 100M Percussion Ensemble
• Guitar: MUS 454 Guitar Repertory and Pedagogy

Career Options

Performance majors are prepared to perform as members of professional ensembles or as freelance artists. Others pursue graduate study at leading conservatories and music schools. Graduates of the program have also established careers as independent studio teachers.

Additional Opportunities

The Department of Music at Miami University offers a number of enrichment opportunities, including:

• Ensembles: Jazz Ensemble, Steel Band, and Laptop Ensemble
• Competitions: Concerto Competition and Undergraduate Artist Competition

Facts and Stats

• 90% first-to-second year retention
• 12 among public universities in the United States for four-year graduation rate
• 95% of 2021 CCA graduates employed or pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduation

Pair Your Music Performance Major

Students can pair their Music Performance major with a variety of minors, co-majors, or majors, such as Mechanical Engineering, Political Science, Arts Management, or Art Therapy.