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Music Performance Degree
Bachelor of Music (B.M.)
Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
121 hours
Tune your instrument at the world-renowned UNT music program.
Music Performance allows musicians to focus on violin, viola, violoncello, double
bass, harp, guitar, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn,
trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, or multiple woodwinds. Current and former students
have won prizes in major instrumental competitions of every genre, and are appointed
to professional positions in orchestras, wind symphonies, and universities/conservatories
spanning the world.
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Request More InfoWhy earn a degree in Music Performance?
The Bachelor of Music with a major in performance and a specialization in orchestral instruments provides students with the tools necessary to develop their technique and musicianship through the study and performance of music from various periods and genres; to familiarize students with various aspects of the performance profession. Our program also prepares students for continued study in master’s graduate performance degrees at the highest quality institutions and helps especially gifted students prepare for immediate entry upon graduation into the professional arena as performers and teachers. We encourage students to investigate an expanded array of professional opportunities in the field of music and prepare students for professional careers in music through student participation in external performances, lectures/master classes and cultural exchanges.
Current and former students who major in performance are able to specialize in bassoon, clarinet, double bass, euphonium, flute, French horn, guitar, harp, oboe, percussion, saxophone, trombone (bass and tenor), trumpet, viola, violin, violoncello or voice. UNT
Music graduates have won prizes in major instrumental competitions of every genre, and are appointed to professional positions in orchestras, wind symphonies, and universities/conservatories spanning the world.
Marketable Skills
- Performance communication
- Excellent memory capability
- Command of music computer programs
- Pattern understanding
- Improvisation and analytical capabilities
Music Performance Degree Highlights
The UNT Percussion Department hosts a variety of traditional and ethnic ensembles.
UNT has one of the largest harp programs in the United States, currently with 14 harpists.
String students from UNT have achieved success in all aspects of the profession, winning
3 Grammys, an Oscar and many major competitions (Paganini, Fischoff, ISB, ASTA). Our former students hold concertmaster, principal
and section positions in leading US orchestras (including National, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Baltimore, Utah, Chicago Lyric Opera) and
a vast array of international orchestras.
The UNT trombone studio is one of the world’s largest, with a small student-to-teacher
ratio to ensure personal attention and mentorship.
Our facilities include the Murchison Performing Arts Center, which houses the Winspear
PerformanceHall and the Lyric Theater. Both performance halls, as well as the center's
large rehearsal space, have state-of-the-art acoustics.
The College of Music has a rich tradition in music and is attended by talented musicians
from all over the world.
What Can You Do With A Degree in Music Performance?
This major will prepare you for a career as a member of a symphony orchestra, a professional band, and as a soloist or a chamber musician. You can also work as a studio musician for movies and television, become a church musician or teach lessons in a private studio.
Our instrumental performance alumni include:
- Assistant principal oboist with the Cleveland Orchestra
- Principal timpanist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
- Second flutist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra
- Principal cellist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra
- Principal euphoniumist with the United States Marine Band
Other alumni perform with symphony orchestras in Fort Worth, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston and Kansas City, as well as major orchestras on five continents and with all major U.S. military bands.
Music Performance Degree Courses You Could Take
Sounds and Cinema (3hrs)
This course develops critical and analytical approaches to the soundtrack, music’s
role in the soundtrack, and the relation of soundtrack and imagetrack (especially
relating to music) on small-scale and large-scale (narrative) levels. Previous experience
with musical performance (including the ability to read music) is not required or
expected.
History of Rock (3 hrs)
Explores key moments in the history of American popular music from 1945 to 2000. Previous
experience with musical performance (including the ability to read music) is not required
or expected.
Music Cultures of the World (3hrs)
Survey of music cultures of Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Music traditions
are studied from a perspective that emphasizes music as an integral part of society
and culture.
Fundamentals of Conducting (2hrs)
Fundamentals of conducting, including beat patterns, various gestures for attack,
release and phrasing. Includes the use of the left hand, score reading, development
of aural skills, rehearsal techniques and interpretation.
Instrumental Pedagogy and Repertoire (3 hrs)
Study and analysis of instrumental literature; correlation of literature and pedagogical
materials; survey of schools of performance and instruction; brass, percussion, keyboard,
strings and woodwinds.
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