Music Performance Major
Vocalists have many opportunities for performance in a variety of related fields, including opera, art song, oratorio, popular music, musical theater, gospel and jazz. Instrumentalists may choose from a wide selection of fields, including orchestral performance, chamber music, recording studio session work, jazz, popular theater and musical theater. A solo career as an instrumentalist or singer is also possible, but success depends on a combination of skill, dedication, enthusiasm, knowledge of the field, and the ability to create and recognize opportunities.
Performance students receive one-hour lessons each semester they are enrolled. They perform several solo recitals and have the opportunity to take special topics courses related to their specific area of performance. For example, singers take classes in diction and language, while keyboard players take courses in pedagogy. In all fields, a pedagogy class is highly recommended. Outside of the classroom, the greater Dayton area has much to offer in the area of performing arts. Frequently, artists who perform with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dayton Opera, local ballet companies and a variety of music societies and churches, will present on-campus master classes and clinics. There are also a wide variety of special workshops featuring nationally renowned artists.
Music performance majors also perform in University ensembles, which include a variety of vocal and instrumental groups, many of which tour nationally and internationally. Students have enough elective credits to take classes of special interest, including a seminar on graduate study, which helps prepare them for advanced work in their field of performance.
Performance students receive one-hour lessons each semester they are enrolled. They perform several solo recitals and have the opportunity to take special topics courses related to their specific area of performance. For example, singers take classes in diction and language, while keyboard players take courses in pedagogy. In all fields, a pedagogy class is highly recommended. Outside of the classroom, the greater Dayton area has much to offer in the area of performing arts. Frequently, artists who perform with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dayton Opera, local ballet companies and a variety of music societies and churches, will present on-campus master classes and clinics. There are also a wide variety of special workshops featuring nationally renowned artists.
Music performance majors also perform in University ensembles, which include a variety of vocal and instrumental groups, many of which tour nationally and internationally. Students have enough elective credits to take classes of special interest, including a seminar on graduate study, which helps prepare them for advanced work in their field of performance.
Bachelor of Music with a major in Music Performance (MUP)
Music
87
Music Theory and Aural Skills
16
MUS
111, 112, 113, 114, 211, 212, 213, 214
Music History and Literature
9
MUS
301, 302, 303
Conducting and Arranging
4
MUS
240, 318
Performance Studies1
36
Major area of specialization
24-32
Minor area of specialization2
4-12
Ensemble
8
MUS
(491 or 492 or 493)
Recital attendance (seven semesters)
MUS
200
Professional Development Workshop (seven semesters)
MUS
202
MUS electives3
14
Communication Competencies
0-9
Philosophy and Religious Studies including:
12
PHL
325
Natural Sciences
6
Mathematics (excludes MTH 102, 204, 205)
3
Social and Behavioral Sciences
6
History (HST 103 or 198)4
3
Other non-music electives4
3
Introduction to the University: ASI 150
0-1
General Education courses/academic electives to total at least
136
1Performance study in major area must lead to a half junior solo recital and a full senior solo recital.
2Must include MUS 296-299 or MUS 399.
3Voice majors must take MUS 235 and MUS 408; piano majors must include MUS 405 and 435; instrumental majors must take a pedagogy course in their area of specialization. Wind, string, brass and percussion majors should register for the appropriate pedagogy course in their area of performance (MUS 336-339). Majors are strongly urged to register for a Special Topics class with their performance instructor chosen to complement other performance studies.
4Voice majors must include two semesters of foreign language study.
