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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.

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?


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.

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?

MUSC 113:
American Popular Music

Introduction of history and development of American popular music.

MUSC 114:
Music and the Immigrant Experience

A survey of music in North America, reflecting the diversity and multicultural character of music-making, emphasizing style, cultural context, and values attached to music as part of the immigrant experience.

MUSC 115:
Introduction to History of Jazz

An introduction to jazz, its characteristics, important performers, and their music, including an historical survey with attention to the changing style of the music.

MUSC 116:
Music in World Cultures

Examination of music from various cultures (e.g. Native America, South India, Japan, Africa) within their cultural contexts.

MUSC 118:
Music in Appalachia

Survey of traditional instrumental and vocal music of southern Appalachia. History, style characteristics, and performance techniques involving live and recorded examples emphasizing those found in West Virginia.

MUSC 304:
Introduction to Opera Theatre

(May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credit hours.) Practical work in the development of basic lyric theatre stage technique through movement studies, and in-class, studio performances of operatic scenes.

MUSC 343:
Chamber Music: Strings

PR: Consent. (May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credit hours.).

MUSC 404:
Opera Practicum

Practical work in all aspects of lyric theatre production. Advanced lyric theatre stage technique developed through preparation and performance of major and minor roles in opera productions.

MUSC 432:
Methods and Pedagogy

A tailored course that is instrument specific covering a range of topics, which can include a study of the history of the instrument, pedagogy, repertoire, practical tools for running a studio, entering the job market, freelancing, music entrepreneurship, etc.

MUSC 704:
Opera Theatre

Performance of major roles and advanced production techniques. Qualified students will undertake production-direction projects under supervision.

Capstone Projects

Before graduating, all undergraduates in this major complete an academic project (or "capstone") to demonstrate their research, communication and critical thinking skills.

Recent projects have included:

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.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

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

Visit the Net Price Calculator

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.

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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