Program Overview 

The Bachelor of Music in Performance degree is for students who aspire to become professional performers. Students study privately under the direction of our artist-faculty and are held to the highest performance expectations, and classroom instruction with low student-to-teacher ratios in the core areas of music theory, ear training, and music history provide the fundamental background necessary for success as a well-rounded musician.

Students perform in our large ensembles (symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, choir, jazz band) as well as have the opportunity to grow through the chamber music experience each semester. These ensembles are coached by faculty and include multiple performance opportunities in our world-class facilities and throughout Columbus and the surrounding region. Celebrated guest artists from around the world come to the Schwob School of Music to teach and perform with and for our students. Students can also elect to take courses in areas that supplement their performing skills such as music business, audio technology, and body mapping, creating well-equipped performers for the 21st century marketplace.

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Music in Performance degree is for students who aspire to become professional performers.

• music performance
• production
• studio instruction and related areas

Program of Study

¹

The hours applied in the Institutional Priorities; Mathematics & Quantitative Skills; and Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences areas must add to 18 credit hours. 

²

ITDS 1145 Comparative Arts, though listed under both Fine Arts and Humanities, may be taken only once. 

³

At least 4 of the credit hours in this area must be in a lab science course.

Major Requirements

Program Map 

²

MUSC 1100 Music Appreciation (section for music majors only) or ITDS 1145 Comparative Arts.

³

Choose 3 credits from core requirements this semester - you might not be able to fit the exact ones listed above.

⁴

You may substitute PHED 1205 Concepts of Fitness or KINS 1106 Lifetime Wellness and any one PEDS course for the MUSC 1206 Body Mapping course.

First-year spring note: MUSA 2231 second semester jury examination advises student in continuing in this major.

Second-year spring note: MUSA 2232 fourth semester jury examination determines whether the student may continue in the major or identify other options.

Admission Requirements

Prospective music majors must demonstrate basic aptitude in a performance medium through a placement audition and interview. Specific audition requirements are listed here:  https://music.columbusstate.edu/admissions/audition-dates.php  Transfer students: Please note that placement in music courses is based on audition and testing results and not necessarily on previous college credit

Additional Program Requirements

In order to be accepted as a music major, each student must demonstrate aptitude in his/her major instrument or voice through a placement audition and interview with a member of the music faculty. All newly admitted music majors also must take placement examinations in music theory and piano. Music majors who take time off before completing degree requirements will be required to re-audition if they have missed a full academic year (fall and spring, or spring and fall).

Transfer students: Please note that placement in music courses is based on audition and testing results and not necessarily on previous college credit.

General Requirements

All music majors are required to attend all master classes in their major instrument and must perform at least once each semester in a recital or master class. All students enrolled in applied music must be concurrently enrolled in the major music ensemble activity that corresponds to their major instrument (Strings-Orchestra, Winds/Percussion – Wind Ensemble, Voice-Choral Ensemble).