Music – Performance (piano)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Music in Music Performance (Piano) at The Ohio State University equips students with exceptional piano performance skills, a deep understanding of repertoire, and a comprehensive education in music theory, history, and pedagogy. Graduates are prepared for careers as professional performers, music educators, or in other music-related fields. The program emphasizes technical proficiency, musical finesse, and the development of artistic and intellectual goals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The program in Music – Performance (piano) at The Ohio State University is a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree that focuses on the mastery of performance skills.
Students who pursue this degree are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of piano repertoire and are trained to perform a wide range of pieces with technical proficiency and musical finesse.
• Objectives: Students majoring in music performance at Ohio State will achieve the following learning outcomes:
• Demonstrate professional, entry-level competence in their specialization, including significant technical mastery, the ability to produce work and solve professional problems independently, and a clear set of artistic/intellectual goals evident in their work.
• Engage in applied studies each semester to develop the appropriate skills, knowledge, and experience to prepare for graduate programs and professional careers in the field.
They will demonstrate an understanding of a wide range of historical styles and periods.
• Complete courses in music theory, music history, area-specific literature, and pedagogy to gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience for professional careers in the field.
These courses will cover a wide range of historical styles and periods.
• Effectively communicate musical ideas, concepts, and requirements to professionals and non-professionals in the field.
Such communication may involve musical, oral, written, and visual media.
• Complete curricular requirements that include courses designed to develop oral and written communication skills.
• Gain knowledge and experience in pedagogical methodologies in their area of specialization.
• Understand the nature of the music field in the professional world, particularly related to organizational structures, work ethics, technological resources, and entrepreneurial skills required for career advancement.
• Complete assignments in music theory and music history courses using a variety of software and web-based sources.
• Build workplace skills through independent studies with applied faculty and ensemble directions.
• Gain experiences in general studies sufficient to prepare for a range of career options.
• Acquire skills for clear and effective verbal and written communication.
• Include a broad range of general studies courses in their curricula to complement degree requirements and address their specific music concentrations.

Outline:

• Core courses:
• Music Theory
• Aural Training
• Music History
• World Music
• Large and small ensembles
• Sight reading
• Conducting
• Required major courses:
• Music lessons
• Piano literature and pedagogy
• Advanced theory courses

Careers:

• Students who complete the music performance (piano) program have a variety of career opportunities available to them.
Those interested in pursuing a professional career as a performer often continue directly into graduate study upon completion of their undergraduate degree. Others may pursue positions as applied music professors at colleges or universities. Additionally, some graduates continue into graduate school in fields such as conducting, music history, or music theory. Other career paths include taking professional auditions, participating in performance competitions, establishing private studios for giving music lessons, or performing as opportunities arise. Some graduates also move into business and industry or other music-related careers, such as arts management.