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Music PerformanceMajor

The Music Performance curriculum prepares you for a career as a performer or as a teacher of a particular instrument or voice.

Overview

What is Music Performance at WVU like?

Description

The Music Performance bachelor's degree program is designed for students interested in becoming performers or teachers of a particular instrument or voice.

In the WVU School of Music, you will learn from faculty who are some of the nation’s brightest and most adept practicing musicians and pedagogues.

You will participate in weekly lessons, chamber music coaching and large ensemble rehearsals, and have opportunities to join music student organizations.

Music Performance program highlights:

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At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Areas of Emphasis

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

  • Instrumental
    Includes instruction for the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp and guitar.
  • Piano
    Allows piano students to develop their artistry, versatility and skills in classical piano, jazz piano or a combination of both. Students will have opportunities to perform in a variety of on and off-campus venues in solo and collaborative repertoire. Piano students will also study pedagogy and be able to broaden their keyboard experience with organ, harpsichord and fortepiano.
  • Voice
    Offers individually tailored study for all voice types in a variety of styles encompassing traditional and contemporary music. Supporting curriculum including repertoire, lyric diction, opera, pedagogy and coaching adds breadth to vocal studies. Recitals, opera scenes and productions, choral concerts and off-campus appearances give students opportunities to perform and demonstrate their growth as they progress toward graduation.

Fast Facts

What makes Music Performance at WVU unique?

Research and Academic Opportunities

  • The Evansdale Library, just a short walk from the Creative Arts Center, houses printed and sound music resources.
  • Music industry and recording courses available.
  • Creative Arts Center facilities include rehearsal spaces, practice rooms, classrooms and electronic music laboratory.
  • A variety of performance opportunities offered in large ensembles (band, orchestra, choral, jazz and opera) and smaller chamber ensembles (string, brass, woodwind, percussion, vocal, jazz and world music).

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Performance opportunities after graduation include freelancing, performing for orchestras and military organizations, and performing in the entertainment industry.

Most graduates further their education by pursuing a graduate degree(s) in music performance. Recent graduate school placements include University of Texas at Arlington, Royal Danish Conservatory, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Wright State University, Rutgers University, Louisiana State University and University of Arizona.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Music Performance major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Music Performance at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Music Performance major.

View the Plan of Study
 

Cost and Aid

How much does Music Performance at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

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Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

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Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

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Ways to Save

Here is a way for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Music Performance at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Music Performance major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

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Request Information

Want to know more about Music Performance at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

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