Bachelor of Music in Music Performance
Susquehanna University
Key Information
Campus location
Selinsgrove, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 54,440 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* tuition 2022-23
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Get on stage early and often
We’ll make sure you feel at home on the stage.
From your first semester, you can take advantage of opportunities to perform in our many choral, instrumental, opera, and chamber music ensembles. You can perform in our weekly department recitals, and you’ll give a solo recital in both your junior and senior years. With no graduate students, the focus and attention are on you!
Off stage, you’ll get a thorough education in music theory and history, including repertoire and pedagogy classes for your instrument from professors who are experienced educators and active performers.
Enjoy bright, airy rehearsal and performance facilities — even our practice rooms have windows!
Our finest venue for live music, Stretansky Concert Hall, seats 320 and is used for everything from student recitals to fully staged opera performances with orchestra. The acoustics are amazing.
Performance of a lifetime
Your music education won’t be limited to campus. Study overseas through our award-winning GO program, and you’ll be a comfortable world traveler who’s ready to participate in music festivals at home or abroad with international artists after you graduate.
Whether you want a career on stage, in an orchestra, or teaching the next generation of musicians in a private studio, our music performance degree can get you there. Adding an interdisciplinary minor, like arts administration, helps you gain a better understanding of important topics in today’s world.
Graduates frequently earn advanced music degrees at respected institutions like Peabody Institute of Music, New England Conservatory of Music, or Yale University and move on to careers as performers, college professors, or private teachers.
Gallery
Curriculum
Requirements for Major
When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the complete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s) and the Academic Planning Tool.
Double-counting restriction
Students pursuing a major in the music department may double-count a maximum of 8 semester hours toward another major or minor.
Music Opportunities for Non-Music Majors
The department provides a variety of music opportunities for all students, regardless of their majors and career goals. Nonmajors may take upper-level music courses with the permission of the instructor. The department also welcomes nonmajors in performing groups and private study upon a successful audition or permission from the instructor.
Bachelor of Music in Performance
Music students who desire a specialized emphasis in performance may choose this degree option. Accepted majors possess superior skill in the given performance area and demonstrate that skill at forums and recitals. Students who complete this program typically continue to study at the graduate level and/or teach in a private studio. Candidates complete the university Central Curriculum requirements plus the following courses with a minimum grade average of C (2.00 GPA). Each course below must be completed with a minimum grade of C-.
12 Music Literature
- 2 MUSC-152 Survey of World Music
- 4 MUSC-245 The Music of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque Eras
- 4 MUSC-250 The Music of the Classic and Romantic Eras
- 2 MUSC-350 20th-Century Music
16 Music Theory
- 2 MUSC-161 Theory I: Diatonic Harmony
- 2 MUSC-162 Theory II: Chromatic Harmony
- 2 MUSC-163 Ear Training I
- 2 MUSC-164 Ear Training II
- 2 MUSC-261 Theory III: Advanced Harmony
- 2 MUSC-262 Theory IV: Form and Analysis
- 2 MUSC-263 Ear Training III
- 2 MUSC-265 Ear Training IV
2 Conducting
- MUSC-369 Beginning Conducting
18 Applied Music
- 16 Major Lesson (eight semesters)
- 0 MUSC-503 Half Recital
- 2 MUSC-500 Full Recital (capstone)
- 0 MUSC-555 Forum (eight semesters)
12 Specialized Courses
- 2 MUSC-361 Counterpoint
- 2 MUSC-399 Pedagogy (appropriate to the applied area)
- 2 MUSC-450 Topics in Music Literature (appropriate to the applied area)
- 6 Selected Topics to be chosen from:
- 1 MUSC-079 Improvisation (a total of 2 semester hours of Improvisation may be applied toward the Specialized Courses requirement)
- 4 MUSC-220 Privilege in Classical Music
- 4 MUSC-215/RELI-215 Music in Christian Ritual
- 2 MUSC-370 Orchestration
- 2 MUSC-372 Choral Conducting
- 2 MUSC-371 Instrumental Conducting
- 4 PHIL-235 Aesthetics
Plus the following courses determined by the student’s specialization and prescribed by the major adviser:
16 Other Courses, Vocal Concentrates
- 1 MUSC-034 Piano Class I
- 1 MUSC-035 Piano Class II
- 1 MUSC-037 Piano Class III
- 1 MUSC-049 Piano Class IV
- 1 MUSC-084 Diction I
- 1 MUSC-085 Diction II
- 8 Large Ensemble (eight semesters)
- 2 Medium/Small Ensemble
12-13 Other Courses, Keyboard Concentrates
- 1 MUSC-037 Piano Class III (if exempt, MUSC-066 is required)
- 5 Collaborative/Medium/Small Ensemble
- 4 Large Ensemble (four semesters)
- 2 Applied Secondary Keyboard
15 Other Courses, Instrumental Concentrates
- 1 MUSC-034 Piano Class I
- 1 MUSC-035 Piano Class II
- 1 MUSC-037 Piano Class III
- 8 Large Ensemble (eight semesters)
- 4 Medium/Small Ensemble
Applied Music Lessons
Lessons carry one or two semester hours of credit. Students earn credit of one semester hour for a weekly half-hour lesson. Bachelor of Arts majors take a one-semester-hour lesson on their major instrument. Music education majors and performance majors take a weekly one-hour lesson on their major instrument and receive two semester hours of credit.
A fee is charged per semester for individual lessons that are not stated specifically as curricular requirements (nonmajors or extra lessons for majors). Such lessons are contingent upon faculty availability within the normal teaching load.
Requirements for Minor
When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the complete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s) and the Academic Planning Tool.
Minors in Music
The Department of Music offers three minors: the minor in music theory/literature, the minor in music performance, and the minor in music technology.
Minor in Music Performance
Before declaring a minor in music performance, a student must gain admittance to a performance studio. This is accomplished by contacting the department head to schedule an audition. In addition, the student must pass the musicianship and written theory diagnostic tests before gaining admission to the minor. Note that approval of this minor does not guarantee a place in required music classes. Students must complete with a grade of C- or better 18-20 semester hours of coursework (depending on whether the student takes MUSC-152 or MUSC-101): either MUSC-152 Survey of World Music or MUSC-101 Introduction to Music; MUSC-161 Theory I; MUSC-163 Ear Training I; four semesters of half-hour applied lessons; four semesters of a performance ensemble; and four semester hours chosen from MUSC-102 A Study of Jazz and MUSC-245 The Music of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque Eras.
Applied Music Lessons
Lessons carry one or two semester hours of credit. Students earn credit of one semester hour for a weekly half-hour lesson. Bachelor of Arts majors take a one-semester-hour lesson on their major instrument. Music education majors and performance majors take a weekly one-hour lesson on their major instrument and receive two semester hours of credit.
A fee is charged per semester for individual lessons that are not stated specifically as curricular requirements (nonmajors or extra lessons for majors). Such lessons are contingent upon faculty availability within the normal teaching load.
Course Options
Music Courses
- MUSC 001 Brass Lesson, Credits: 1
- MUSC 002 Brass Lesson, Credits: 2
- MUSC 003 Organ Lesson, Credits: 1
- MUSC 004 Organ Lesson, Credits: 2
- MUSC 005 Piano Lesson, Credits: 1
- MUSC 006 Piano Lesson, Credits: 2
- MUSC 007 String Lesson, Credits: 1
- MUSC 008 String Lesson, Credits: 2
- MUSC 009 Voice Lesson, Credits: 1
- MUSC 010 Voice Lesson, Credits: 2
- MUSC 011 Woodwind Lesson, Credits: 1
- MUSC 012 Woodwind Lesson, Credits: 2
- MUSC 013 Percussion Lesson, Credits: 1
- MUSC 014 Percussion Lesson, Credits: 2
- MUSC 015 Harpsichord Lesson, Credits: 1
- MUSC 016 Harpsichord Lesson, Credits: 2
- MUSC 017 Guitar Lesson, Credits: 1
- MUSC 018 Guitar Lesson, Credits: 2
- MUSC 023 Composition Lesson, Credits: 1
- MUSC 024 Composition Lesson, Credits: 2
- MUSC 034 Piano Class I, Credits: 1
- MUSC 035 Piano Class II, Credits: 1
- MUSC 037 Piano Class III, Credits: 1
- MUSC 038 Piano Technique, Credits: 1
- MUSC 049 Piano Class IV: Musicianship Skills, Credits: 1
- MUSC 066 Collaborative Piano, Credits: 1
- MUSC 072 Symphonic Band, Credits: 1
- MUSC 073 Stadium Band, Credits: 1
- MUSC 074 Orchestra, Credits: 1
- MUSC 075 Fall Musical Orchestra, Credits: 1
- MUSC 076 Small Ensemble, Credits: 1
- MUSC 077 Training Ensemble, Credits: 1
- MUSC 078 Jazz Ensemble, Credits: 1
- MUSC 079 Jazz Improvisation, Credits: 1
- MUSC 082 University Choir, Credits: 1
- MUSC 083 University Chorale, Credits: 1
- MUSC 084 Diction I, Credits: 1
- MUSC 085 Diction II, Credits: 1
- MUSC 086 University Chamber Singers, Credits: 1
- MUSC 089 Opera Studio, Credits: 1
- MUSC 101 Introduction to Music, Credits: 4
- MUSC 102 A Study of Jazz, Credits: 4
- MUSC 130 Popular Music and Society, Credits: 4
- MUSC 152 Survey of World Music, Credits: 2
- MUSC 161 Theory I: Diatonic Harmony, Credits: 2
- MUSC 162 Theory II: Chromatic Harmony, Credits: 2
- MUSC 163 Ear Training I, Credits: 2
- MUSC 164 Ear Training II, Credits: 2
- MUSC 215 Music in Christian Rituals, Credits: 4
- MUSC 220 Privilege in Classical Music, Credits: 4
- MUSC 225 Miranda’s “Hamilton”, Credits: 4
- MUSC 245 Medieval/Renaissance/Baroque Eras, Credits: 4
- MUSC 250 The Music of Classic and Romantic Eras, Credits: 4
- MUSC 261 Theory III: Advanced Harmony, Credits: 2
- MUSC 262 Theory IV: Form and Analysis, Credits: 2
- MUSC 263 Ear Training III, Credits: 2
- MUSC 265 Ear Training IV, Credits: 2
- MUSC 270 Topics in Music, Credits: 1–4
- MUSC 275 Introduction to Arts Leadership, Credits: 4
- MUSC 350 20th Century Music, Credits: 2
- MUSC 353 The Practice of Church Music, Credits: 4
- MUSC 355 Audio Engineering Fundamentals, Credits: 4
- MUSC 356 Music Production in the Recording Studio, Credits: 4
- MUSC 361 Counterpoint, Credits: 2
- MUSC 364 Performance Arts Technology for Educator, Credits: 3
- MUSC 367 Computer Music Composition, Credits: 4
- MUSC 368 Computer Music Performance, Credits: 4
- MUSC 369 Beginning Conducting, Credits: 2
- MUSC 370 Orchestration, Credits: 2
- MUSC 371 Instrumental Conducting, Credits: 2
- MUSC 372 Choral Conducting, Credits: 2
- MUSC 399 Pedagogy, Credits: 2
- MUSC 450 Topics in Music Literature, Credits: 1–4
- MUSC 500 Full Recital, Credits: 2
- MUSC 501 Independent Study, Credits: 1–4
- MUSC 503 Half Recital, Credits: 0–0
- MUSC 504 Internship, Credits: 4
- MUSC 506 Independent Study in Music-Capstone, Credits: 1–4
- MUSC 555 Forum, Credits: 0–0
Music Education
- MUED 039 Classroom Instruments, Credits: 1
- MUED 040 Brass Class I, Credits: 1
- MUED 041 Woodwind Class I, Credits: 1
- MUED 042 String Class I, Credits: 1
- MUED 043 Percussion Class, Credits: 1
- MUED 046 Brass Class II, Credits: 1
- MUED 047 Woodwind Class II, Credits: 1
- MUED 048 String Class II, Credits: 1
- MUED 200 Public School Education/Music Education, Credits: 2
- MUED 339 General Music Education Methods & Practicum, Credits: 4
- MUED 345 Instrumental Music Education, Credits: 4
- MUED 351 Choral Music Education, Credits: 4
- MUED 355 Music for Exceptional Children with/ Practicum, Credits: 4
- MUED 400 Student Teaching, Credits: 0–4
- MUED 405 Student Teaching Seminar, Credits: 2
- MUED 500 Independent Study, Credits: 1–4
Rankings
- 94% graduate within four years or less
- #52 among National Liberal Arts Universities
- 23 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports
Program Outcome
Learning Goals
- Performance—Students integrate technical skills and knowledge to be able to complete a successful performance in a particular area of concentration.
- Aural skills and analysis.
- Music history—Students can place music in historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts.
- Composition and improvisation.
- Technology—Students identify and employ appropriate technology applicable to their area of specialization.
- Synthesis—Students integrate their music studies through a means appropriate to their curriculum.
- Students in the music department may, with department head approval, complete a music technology minor in addition to a major in music.
Career Opportunities
Performance Opportunities
Choral
Choral ensembles provide students with unique musical experiences on and off campus.
Instrumental
The Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band perform a wide repertoire in a challenging and rewarding environment.
Keyboard
Pianists and organists perform in a range of solo, chamber, and large ensemble settings on the finest instruments.
Jazz
A traditional big band and small combos appear at a variety of venues.
Chamber Music
Small ensembles offer opportunities to study highly specialized literature.
Opera
The Opera Studio performs fully-staged productions with the orchestra in addition to programs of opera scenes.
English Language Requirements
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