Program Overview

Introduction to the Music Performance Program at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) College of Musical Arts ## Music Performance Program Overview The music performance degree program at BGSU offers a comprehensive education in music, balancing conservatory experience with a strong culture of creativity, personal engagement, and encouragement. Students learn from esteemed educators and gain ample performance experience, developing high-level proficiency in their chosen instrument or voice. The program prepares students for diverse musical professions and lifelong career growth, with graduates acquiring in-depth insights into music theory and making professional connections before entering illustrious careers in various fields. ### Program Requirements All music performance degree majors must audition and participate in at least one major ensemble each semester. They must also complete one full recital, usually in their senior year, following jury approval. Applied piano instruction is required for all music performance majors, who must perform at least one composition from memory to graduate. They must also maintain a 3.0 GPA. Additional requirements depend on the student's core study focus, including: - Jazz guitar - Instrumental - Piano - Vocal pedagogy - Voice - Woodwind specialist ## Why Study Music Performance at BGSU? - Learn from the best: Get the finest instrumental/vocal training in a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum. Each music faculty member is renowned in their own right and shares a passion for elevating young performers to their greatest potential. - Modern facilities: The Moore Musical Arts Center facilities have more than 70 practice rooms, an 822-seat concert hall, a 221-seat recital hall, and state-of-the-art computer labs and recording studios. - Small class sizes: The faculty-to-student ratio in the BGSU music performance undergraduate program is 6:1. - Customize your career path: Specialize in jazz, piano, vocal pedagogy, voice, or woodwind. - Seize the spotlight: Student musicians have over 350 performance opportunities every year, including 30+ large and small ensembles, ongoing special events, and festivals. Awards for travel grants and cash prizes are available for competitions in concerto, chamber music, art song, and more. - NASM accreditation: The BGSU Music Performance degree program adheres to the stringent standards of the National Association of Schools of Music. - Make an impact: Join student service organizations such as Pro Musica or become a music ambassador to help with a college festival or competition. Attend conferences to network with music colleagues from around the country. ## Music Performance Admissions Students must audition to major or minor in music performance at BGSU. First, apply to the University, and then schedule an audition. Acceptance and continuance in the music performance degree program are dependent on jury approval each semester. ## Career Paths for Music Performance Graduates Many people dream of a career in music. A BGSU music performance degree makes it a reality. Music performance graduates are sought-after singers, musicians, producers, directors, executives, and educators. They land highly competitive spots with prominent orchestra, opera, and performing arts companies. Others find their professional footing in film, theater, television, radio, streaming services, religious organizations, or schools. Music performance degree alumni have landed prestigious spots in ensembles such as: - Cleveland Orchestra - Metropolitan Opera - Chicago Lyric Opera - National Symphony Orchestra - Count Basie Orchestra - Detroit Symphony Orchestra - The "President's Own" Marine Band Some have been accepted into highly competitive graduate programs, such as the Eastman School of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music, and the University of Michigan. ### Career Paths Include: - Opera singer - Orchestral musician - Instrumentalist - Recording artist - Freelance studio performer - Applied professor - Conductor or director ## Curriculum All music performance degree majors must complete required courses, including: - Small and Large Ensembles - Pedagogy and Repertoire - Conducting - Jazz and World Music - Private lessons with distinguished faculty Graduates with a BGSU music performance bachelor's degree must demonstrate: - Excellence in musical expression in performance in solo and ensemble recitals - The ability to critically analyze musical works, make informed judgments about music compositions and performances, and understand the styles and structures of music as related to performance - Knowledge about the traditions, history, and styles of music, art, and other disciplines - Introspective listening skills and acceptance of constructive critique - Application of technical vocabulary to communicate with other music professionals and teach novices ## MidAmerican Center for Contemporary Music The MidAmerican Center for Contemporary Music serves as the hub for BGSU's distinctive specialty in contemporary music. It regularly showcases outstanding student works and performances. The music world looks forward each year to the Bowling Green New Music Festival (since 1980) and the Music at the Forefront Concert series. The center: - Administers generous grants supporting new contemporary student music projects and research - Organizes the New Music From Bowling Green concert series, featuring both faculty and student performances at prestigious venues across the country - Produces a radio broadcast with WGTE-FM in Toledo - Keeps an archive of over 10,000 scores, invaluable musical scholarship resources in contemporary music ## Accreditation The Bowling Green College of Musical Arts is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and is in good standing. Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.