Music Performance

Music Performance

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Bachelor of Music in Performance

Concentrations Offered

Guitar, Instrumental, Keyboard, Vocal

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Prepares you for a career as a professional musician or music studio teacher through immersive, hands-on training and specialized study

02

Offers one-on-one instruction with expert faculty to develop advanced technical and interpretive skills

03

Provides opportunities to perform in major ensembles such as band, choir, orchestra and jazz, and fosters collaboration and artistry in small group settings

04

Holds prestigious All-Steinway School status and housed in a state-of-the-art music facility

05

Provides a pathway to graduate study, which can lead to a career as a music professor

Core
Skills

  • Expertise in solo, chamber and large ensemble performance with professional-level artistry
  • Proficiency in score study, interpretation and stylistic nuance for varied repertoires
  • Practical knowledge of music technology, recording and digital platforms for performance and teaching

Sample
Jobs

  • Orchestral/Band Musician
  • Private Studio Teacher
  • Church/Religious Music Director or Performer
  • Composer/Arranger
  • Opera or Musical Theatre Performer

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Mississippi higher education institutions, K-12 schools and churches
  • Southern Pediatric Therapy
  • Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
  • Governor’s Recording Studio (The MAX)

Brag
Points

  • Among an elite group of institutions holding the acclaimed All-Steinway School distinction globally
  • Housed in a $21 million, state-of-the-art building equipped with sound-proof practice rooms, a high-tech recording studio, an acoustically advanced lecture-recital hall, over $3.5 million in Steinway pianos and more

Experiential Learning Opportunities

- Applied study & juries (one-on-one lessons with semester-end performance evaluations)
- Degree recital (public, faculty-reviewed senior performance benchmark)
- Ensemble participation 
- Studio classes 
- Professional-quality recording studio & performance facilities

Spotlight

Involvement in our Community Music School, including outreach programs, teaching assistantships or community performances, can provide a hands-on approach to arts education and program design. These opportunities are often available to performance majors and provide leadership, teaching and artistic experience.

Music Performance

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Music in Performance

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

MU 1213 – Music Theory I/II
MU 1321 – Ear Training I/II
MU 2111 – Group Piano
MUA 1xx0 – Applied Instrument          
Large Ensemble - Band, Choir, Orchestra

2nd Year

MU 2613 – Music Theory III/IV
MU 2721 – Ear Training III/IV
MU 3111 – Group Piano III/IV
MUA 2xx0 – Applied Instrument       
Large Ensemble - Band, Choir, Orchestra

3rd Year

MU 3013 – Survey of Music I
MU 3333 – Orchestration
MUA 3xx2 – Applied Instrument    
Chamber Ensemble                   
Large Ensemble - Band, Choir, Orchestra

4th Year

MU 4313 – Form and Analysis
MU 2012 – World Music
MU 3412 – Conducting I
MU 3xx3 – Instrumental Literature
MUA 4xx2 – Applied Instrument

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Join ensembles such as Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Choir, Jazz Band or Orchestra. Attend weekly studio classes and departmental recitals.

2nd Year

Look into summer music festivals, camps or local internships (such as Hardy Road Studios or Starkville Symphony collaboration). Take on more responsibilities in ensembles or student leadership roles (section leader, committee service).

3rd Year

Apply for summer internships or festival programs (Aspen, Brevard, Eastern or regional chamber festivals). Seek leadership roles in student organizations and ensembles.

4th Year

Prepare and perform your Senior Recital, demonstrating advanced artistry and professional readiness. Assess gaps in experience—fill with chamber music, collaborative performance or additional pedagogy.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Explore our Community Music School for teaching or volunteer opportunities. Volunteer in the community through music outreach (local schools, churches, arts organizations).

2nd Year

Join student organizations such as the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Collegiate Chapter or Music Ambassadors.

3rd Year

Participate in community engagement (homeschool band, Jacket Strings, CMS) for teaching experience. Prepare and present a Junior Recital on your primary instrument/voice.

4th Year

Present research or lecture-recitals at regional/national conferences.

Explore the World

1st Year

Explore international festivals and events for music. Check out study abroad opportunities at MSU. Attend a study abroad fair or self-enroll in the free Study Abroad 101 Canvas course.

2nd Year

Explore study abroad opportunities in music (ex. Latin American, European study tours).

3rd Year

Study abroad or participate in international exchanges through MSU International Institute.

4th Year

Obtain certifications or additional credentials (Kodály, Orff, Dalcroze, Suzuki pedagogy options where available).

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Attend masterclasses, guest artist concerts and music area workshops. Identify your Career Center liaison. Explore the Career Center website. 

2nd Year

Connect with alumni performers and teachers through guest talks and mentorship programs. Meet with the Career Center to refine resume and begin preparing for auditions. Attend Career Center events, workshops and information sessions, including ones on professional dress and writing cover letters.

3rd Year

Explore undergraduate research opportunities in performance practice or pedagogy. Network with professionals at conferences such as MTNA or College Music Society. Develop an action plan for post-graduation goals.

4th Year

Apply for graduate school auditions, teaching positions or professional ensembles. Work with the Career Center for job searching, resumes, interview skills, tips for navigating a job offer and graduate applications.

Student
Testimonial

“Being a music performance major at MSU has given me endless opportunities and perspectives about what it’s like to be a professional musician. I have had four incredible years of hands-on performance experience across all levels and styles, and I have met and worked with high-level musicians along the way. I have also been surrounded by musical friends who are passionate and driven, and who have pushed me to become a better performer and person!”
- Lillian Patriquin
Music Performance | Stuart, Florida
 

Learn More

Curriculum - GuitarCurriculum - InstrumentalCurriculum - KeyboardCurriculum - VocalDepartment of Music WebsiteCollege of Education WebsiteApply to MSU