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Music Performance: Instrumental

In the School of Music, you’ll be surrounded by elite faculty who are some of the nation's brightest and most adept musicians. You’ll have weekly lessons, chamber music coaching, large ensemble rehearsal and opportunities in musical organizations.

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Overview

What is Music Performance: Instrumental at WVU like?

Description

If you are entering this program as a freshman, you should achieve proficiency level six in your principal performance area at the time of audition, and must complete proficiency level 10 in that area to be eligible for graduation. In addition to presenting a senior recital, you also must make three solo appearances on the major instrument in upper-level student recitals or convocations.

All interested students must apply to the University and audition for the School of Music for acceptance. Instruments include: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, double bass and guitar.

Pianists should see the Bachelor of Music in Music Performance: Piano for a description of that degree.

At a Glance

Admission Requirements
Fast Facts
Careers and Employers
Cost and Aid
Courses and Major Map
Related Programs
Related Pathways

College/School:
College of Creative Arts
Division:
School of Music
Degree Designation:
BM
Degree Program:
Music
Program:
Music Performance: Instrumental

Next Steps

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

Apply Now Request Info Visit WVU

Fast Facts

What makes Music Performance: Instrumental at WVU unique?

Academic
Accreditation
Facility
Financial Support
Other

Weekly private lessons.
Institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1947.
Facilities include Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre, a 1,412-seat Continental style theatre, and Bloch Learning and Performance Hall, a 155-seat recital hall.
Grants available to assist with travel to festivals, conferences, workshops, competitions, etc.
Award-winning ensembles.
Collection of scores and compositions from Emmy and Grammy award-winning composer (and WVU Alumnus) Jay Chattaway.
Many opportunities for community engagement and outreach presentations.
Partnerships with regional arts organizations.
Regional, national and international travel opportunities with large and chamber ensembles.
Student exchange agreements with several international universities.
The School of Music has been an important part of WVU’s cultural and academic life since 1897.
World music opportunities.

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).

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

What can you do with this degree?

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: Instrumental 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.

Bright Outlook
Green Occupation
Requires a Graduate Degree

Music Composers and Arrangers

Write and transcribe musical scores. Possible job titles for this career include: Film Composer.

$50,110 Median Salary

Learn More
Music Directors

Direct and conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras or choirs. Possible job titles for this career include: Choir Director.

$50,110 Median Salary

Learn More
Musicians, Instrumental

Play one or more musical instruments in recital, in accompaniment, or as members of an orchestra, band, or other musical group. Possible job titles for this career include: Horn Player.

NA Median Salary

Learn More

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: Instrumental at WVU?

Major Map

Check out the course requirements and suggested plan of study for WVU's Music Performance: Instrumental major.

View the Major Map

For a program overview, learning goals and course descriptions, visit the course catalog.

Cost and Aid

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

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2018-19 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current West Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

West Virginia Resident
Per Credit	$407
Per Semester	$4,884
Fall and Spring Semesters	$9,768

Non-Resident
Per Credit	$1,096
Per Semester	$13,152
Fall and Spring Semesters	$26,304

International
Per Credit	$1,096
Per Semester	$13,452
Fall and Spring Semesters	$26,904

Scholarship Calculator

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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: Instrumental at WVU?

University Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Music Performance: Instrumental major, you must first meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2019-20 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Programs

What other options does WVU have?

Music
The Music BA program is for students who wish to specialize in music and still have time to explore WVU's academic offerings. It’s also perfect if you want to combine the study of music by double majoring in a non-music field.

Learn More

What minors could I consider?

Music
Minor
Music Performance
Minor

Related Pathways

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

Visual and Performing Arts
Expand your expertise and turn your talent in visual arts, dance, music or theatre into a rewarding career.

Learn More

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

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