The Bachelor of Music (B.M.), 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 solid foundation in music history, music theory, and performance, with many performance opportunities, including large and small ensemble participation and solo recitals.
To complete the Performance Concentration, students must select one of the following options:
Options
- Jazz Studies Option
- Orchestral Instrument Option (Brass, Percussion, Strings, Woodwinds)
- Organ Option
- Piano Option
- Voice Option
Concentration-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.
Please review the common B.M. Program-Level Learning Objectives.
Music Auditions
Prospective CSU Students: 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. concentrations. Please visit the music website for Music Audition Information.
Current CSU Students: To change your major to music, you may call the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at (970) 491-5891 or email smtd@colostate.edu. Current CSU students need to complete the audition process and be accepted to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance before contacting the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center. Please visit the music website for Music Audition Information.
Join an Ensemble: Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs are open to all CSU students. Ensemble audition excerpts and instructions are available at Ensemble Audition Information (some ensembles do not require an audition).
Music Program Fee
A music program fee is assessed with Undergraduate and graduate music and musical theatre majors and music minors, per semester. Does not apply to the following students: online degree students and summers-only master's degree students. Please visit the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for special course fees.