Program Overview

Performance B.Mus.

The performance program stresses the development of technical skills, repertory, poise, and overall musicianship.

About this Program

• Choose from the performance areas of organ, piano, strings, voice, woodwinds, brass, or percussion.
• In addition to developing classical technique, you can study in such areas as jazz, free improvisation, and others.
• Take advantage of the Setnor School's wide range of performing ensembles and opportunities to collaborate and perform with other musicians.
• Work with guest artists and attend master classes with a wide range of technical and interpretive points of view.
• Participate in a weekly student convocation that brings the entire Setnor School of Music community together for performances by peers, faculty, and guest artists.
• Be a part of the performance scene both on and off campus.

Program Information

• Degree Type: Major
• Outcome: B.Mus.
• Modality: In-person
• College or School: College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Career Path: Performing Arts

Curriculum

The performance program stresses the development of technical skills, repertory, poise, and overall musicianship. Since most performers continue study beyond the bachelor’s degree, the program also provides a sound basis for advanced study.

Student Learning Outcomes

Performance majors complete requirements that demonstrate skills in the following areas:

• Principal Performance Area (Lower Division Sequence)
• Secondary Performance Area/Keyboard Competency (Lower Division Sequence)
• Harmony and Analysis (Lower Division Sequence)
• Aural Skills and Analysis (Lower Division Sequence)
• Ensemble Performance (Lower Division Sequence)
• History and Repertoire (Lower Division Sequence)
• Principal Performance Area (Upper Division Sequence)
• Ensemble Performance (Upper Division Sequence)
• Music Conducting (Upper Division Sequence)

They also complete the following:

• Performance Major Sophomore Evaluation
  • Demonstrate skills for functional and artistic self-expression at the appropriate level.
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform a cross-section of repertoire.
• Performance Major Junior Recital
  • Demonstrate skills for functional and artistic self-expression at the appropriate level.
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform a cross-section of repertoire.
• Performance Major Senior Recital
  • Demonstrate skills for functional and artistic self-expression at the appropriate level.
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform a cross-section of repertoire.

Extracurricular Opportunities

• Study Abroad Opportunity: London Semester
  • Spend a semester at Syracuse University’s center in London, England, or explore another study abroad destination through Syracuse Abroad, which offers more than 100 programs in over 60 countries.
• Immersion Opportunity: Gilbert Week
  • In Setnor's Gilbert Week immersion program, students learn about career opportunities in music by meeting and learning from arts professionals and visiting some of the world’s leading performing arts institutions and organizations. Gilbert Week is held during Spring Break in a different city each year; past locations include New York City; Los Angeles; and Austin, Texas.
• Clubs and Organizations: Music Fraternities and Sororities
  • The Setnor School is home to four professional and service fraternities and sororities devoted to music and musicians: Sigma Alpha Iota, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma. They provide valuable service to the Setnor School and the community.
• Clubs and Organizations: A Cappella Ensembles
  • Syracuse University’s six a cappella ensembles are entirely student-run and directed, performing with voice and vocal percussion. Groups perform contemporary songs using student-written arrangements for a wide array of audiences. Each group hosts auditions at least once a year. The groups perform at their own invitationals, participate in community and student engagement performances, and host a joint event every semester.

Related Programs

• Musical Theater B.F.A.
  • The rigorous musical theater program focuses on the development of your individual talents and abilities with the aim of helping you to discover your uniqueness as a musical theater artist.
• Music B.S.
  • The bachelor of science (B.S.) degree program in music is particularly appropriate for students who desire the challenge of an enriched program of intellectual stimulation.
• Music Education (PreK-Grade 12) B.Mus.
  • Be an dynamic, inclusive, and impactful musician and educator—one who advocates for the arts and inspires a passion for music in all learners.
• Music History and Cultures B.A.
  • The major in music history and cultures is designed for students who wish to study music in its historical, social, and cultural contexts and in relation to other arts.