Bachelor of Music: Performance

The Bachelor of Music degree program in Performance trains musicians who desire a professional career as a performer, either as a soloist, or as a member of a professional musical ensemble or opera company.  Students who also wish to teach at the college or university level will explore this degree option.
Voice students who are interested in Opera or Music Theater performance can receive vocal training and performance experience through this degree option. Specialized courses in Studio Management and Music Industry prepare students for the business of becoming a professional musician.  Students who receive faculty approval may receive valuable teaching experience through the Department’s Preparatory program in the community; internship experiences are also possible.

Career Opportunities:

• The performance area is a more select, competitive field; students who enter this degree program are already actively involved in the study of music prior to their admittance to college, including significant study in their primary performance area.
• In addition to performance opportunities, graduates of Performance programs are also interested in teaching at the college/university level, and/or maintaining a private studio.
• Students who enroll in this degree program should plan for additional study at the graduate level.

The Heidelberg Advantage: Music Performance

• More than 100 years of active service in the education of the musician
• Performance study available in instrumental, voice and keyboard areas
• No additional fees for private lessons, a potential savings of thousands of dollars
• The Music Performance program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
• A strong, dedicated music faculty, with regional, national and international reputations. Faculty members combine a personal commitment to teaching with continuing scholarship, research and professional performance.
• Low faculty-student ratio allows for more personal attention to student progress and development
• Numerous performance opportunities: solo recitals – junior and senior years, ensemble experience, opera/music theater opportunities
• Excellent track record for students: Graduates have gone on to successful study at the graduate level and enjoyed meaningful careers as performers and teachers.
• An active College Preparatory Department offers students the opportunity to gain valuable experience by teaching members of the surrounding communities, children and adults.
• Special music scholarships available, in addition to Heidelberg financial aid

Curriculum:  

The Heidelberg College Catalog features a series of course grids in the Music section of the Catalog; the grids outline each degree program’s course of study. Sample four-year plans are also available for each music degree. The curriculum is divided into four primary areas:

•  Performance: Study related to the art of performance in any way. Applied study with the student’s major instrument or voice is included here. Also included in this area are ensemble and recital requirements, in addition to other forms of performance-related instruction.
• Theoretical Music: Courses in Music Theory, Aural Training and Music History/literature in the first two years of study prepare students for later advanced studies in counterpoint, orchestration, and analysis. Courses in choral and instrumental conducting are also included in this area.
• Music Electives: Additional music electives will provide other courses, including related applied study, additional ensemble/performance credits.
• General Education: Courses from disciplines outside of the Department of Music provide a broad and varied educational experience, a vital part of the mission of Heidelberg College.