The Bachelor of Music, Performance Concentration is a professional degree that prepares students for potential professional careers in the music and creative industries as performers, entrepreneurs, and private music teachers. It also prepares students for continued study at the graduate level. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in music history, music theory, and performance, with many opportunities for performance, including large and small ensemble participation as well as solo recitals.

In order to complete the Performance Concentration, students must select one of the following options:

Options

Program-level Learning Outcomes

  • Ability to perform music from a variety of historical/style periods and exhibit the appropriate skills for musical self-expression in juried performances. These skills include technique, musicianship, tone, diction/articulation, style, interpretation, sight-reading, rhythm, and artistry.
  • Keyboard skills.
  • The capacity to create original or derivative music.
  • Understanding of the common elements and organizational patterns of music, including musical forms, processes, and structures.
  • Knowledge of music history and repertory, including representative composers and works according to the area of specialization, as well as study and experiences with music in addition to that of the primary culture encompassing the area of specialization.
  • Students are also expected to learn music literature from all periods through aural and score analysis. Performance skills are tested at the end of the sophomore year and in a graduation recital if required by the degree option. Some programs require the satisfactory completion of supervised student teaching, an internship, or a senior project.

Music Audition

In addition to applying to CSU through the Office of Admissions, a successful audition with CSU Music faculty is required for entrance into the B.M., Performance Concentration. Please visit the music website for Music Audition Information.

Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs are open to all CSU students. Ensemble audition excerpts and instructions are available at Music Audition Information (some ensembles do not require an audition).

Music Program Fee

A music program fee is assessed with undergraduate and graduate music majors and minors, per semester. The fee does not apply to the following students: online degree students, summers-only master's degree students, music therapy students in an internship off-campus, music education students who are student teaching off-campus, and music minors who are not actively enrolled in any lessons or ensembles. Please visit the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for special course fees.