instrumental performance: About the Major

The Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in instrumental performance is designed to develop the highest possible level of proficiency in performance on an instrument other than piano. The program is designed to challenge and train talented and motivated students intent upon achieving technical mastery of the instrument and musical maturity. It also strives to develop reasoning ability, aesthetic awareness, and discriminating judgment together with a sense of purpose and a zeal for continued learning.

Those interested in a career in freelance performance or in teaching at the college/university level will find this degree an excellent preparation for the graduate studies that work in such fields will require–graduate studies in musicology, music theory, and composition are also well served by the curriculum. Many students also find this degree to be an excellent and thorough preparation for the teaching of their instrument as an independent teacher in a private or shared studio. Even if one eventually decides not to pursue such careers, the highly developed work ethic, investigative skills, collaborative skills, and organizational skills nurtured by this degree will be welcomed in many and diverse fields.

In addition to University Studies courses taken by all Millikin students and the Music Core required for all music majors (See Fine Arts section of Bulletin) instrumental performance majors must take three upper level music theory classes, two semesters of pedagogy, and two semesters of small ensemble (chamber music). Performance majors give two solo recitals, one in the Junior year and one in the Senior year. They must also pass a barrier exam at the end of the fourth semester in order to continue in the degree program.

Those who intend to pursue a career in higher education should seriously consider creating a “concentration” in an area such as music theory or music history and literature. The options available under the music theory section of the music core along with the 6 hours of upper division music elective credits make this relatively easy to accomplish.

Click here for a degree audit sheet and suggested four-year sequence if you declared your major in the Fall of 2007 or prior.

Click here for a degree audit sheet and suggested four-year sequence if you declared your major in the Fall of 2008 or after.

Click here for the Fine Arts section of the University Bulletin.

Click here for information on choosing a major.

MU school of music


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