Program Overview

Performance: Piano Emphasis

Overview

When the piano feels like an extension of your very self, pursuing a degree that deepens your understanding of the instrument while offering real-world insights is a path to fulfillment. The Fred Fox School of Music has offered world-class instruction in performance for over 100 years. In the Bachelor of Music in Performance with a Piano emphasis, students embark on a course of study that integrates individualized attention and collaboration. Graduates are prepared for careers in performance, music education and more. The school's nationally and internationally lauded faculty dedicates itself to the development of student talent while fostering a supportive environment that nurtures lifelong friendships and a robust professional network.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• MUS 215: Jazz Piano
• MUS 426A: Piano Literature
• MUS 440: Compositional Techniques

Career Fields

• Accompaniment
• Education
• Film scoring
• Instrument tuning and repair
• Performance

Level of Math

• General Knowledge

This strand involves the general understanding and appreciation of how mathematics is used to solve problems in everyday life. The G-strand does not prepare a student for any further work grounded in mathematics and assumes the student will not proceed beyond the basic Foundations level noted above. Thus only those students whose major requires the most general knowledge of mathematics should take this strand.

Level of Second Language

• 2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Fine Arts

Degree

• Bachelor of Music

Sample Plans

2025, Performance: Piano Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework

First Year

1st Semester

• ENGL 101 First-Year Composition (3 credits)
• MATH (3 credits)
• MUS 110A Piano Class (1 credit)
• MUS 120A Musical Skills and Structure I (3 credits)
• MUS 130A Introduction to Music Literature (2 credits)
• Coached Ensemble (1 credit)
• MUSI 182 or MUSI 185 Individual Studies (4 credits)
• Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) (1 credit)

2nd Semester

• ENGL 102 First-Year Composition (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• MUS 110B Piano Class (1 credit)
• MUS 120B Musical Skills and Structure I (3 credits)
• MUS 130B Introduction to Music Literature (2 credits)
• Coached Ensemble (1 credit)
• MUSI 182 or MUSI 185 Individual Studies (4 credits)

Second Year

3rd Semester

• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• MUS 220A Musical Skills and Structure II (3 credits)
• Coached Ensemble (1 credit)
• MUSI 282 or MUSI 285 Individual Studies (4 credits)
• Second Language (4 credits)

4th Semester

• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• Music Elective (1 credit)
• MUS 220B Musical Skills and Structure II (3 credits)
• Coached Ensemble (1 credit)
• MUSI 282 or MUSI 285 Individual Studies (4 credits)
• Second Language (4 credits)

Third Year

5th Semester

• MUS 330A History of Western Music (3 credits)
• MUS 370 Introduction to Conducting (2 credits)
• MUS 426A Piano Literature (3 credits)
• MUS 427A Careers in Music (2 credits)
• MUS 401 Ensemble (1 credit)
• MUSI 382 or MUSI 385 Individual Studies (4 credits)

6th Semester

• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• MUS 330B History of Western Music (3 credits)
• MUS 426B Piano Literature (3 credits)
• MUS 427B Careers in Music (2 credits)
• MUSI 382 or MUSI 385 Individual Studies (4 credits)
• MUS 401 Ensemble (1 credit)

Fourth Year

7th Semester

• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• MUS 410A Pedagogy (2 credits)
• MUS 420A Counterpoint (3 credits)
• MUSI 485 Individual Studies (4 credits)
• General Education Portfolio (Exit Course) (1 credit)

8th Semester

• MUS 410B Pedagogy (2 credits)
• MUS 420B Counterpoint (3 credits)
• MUS 421 Orchestration (3 credits)
• MUS 498 Senior Capstone: Recital (1 credit)
• MUSI 485 Individual Studies (4 credits)