Prepare for a career as a professional musician in vocal, piano, or instrumental music performance. Build a foundation to teach private music lessons or to pursue graduate studies.
Auditions
Entrance auditions are required for this major. You must be admitted to both Northwestern and the Department of Music & Theatre to major in music. Please refer to the Music Admissions & Scholarships for audition requirements and dates.
Music performance may be the right degree for you if you
- Have a passion for performing
- Are interested in a career in music
- Are disciplined
Why study Music Performance at Northwestern?
At Northwestern, you will get personal attention from music faculty who are skilled teachers, seasoned performers, sought-after conductors, and acclaimed composers and are dedicated to your growth in both musical excellence and faith. Your degree includes many opportunities to perform in large and small ensembles and as a soloist, both on campus and on local and international tours. Performance majors often participate in a variety of noteworthy competitions in the Twin Cities area and in the annual Northwestern Concerto-Aria Competition and may go on to highly respected graduate programs. Expand your education beyond campus by attending performances of world-class professional ensembles located in nearby Minneapolis and St. Paul and getting involved in local church and community music opportunities.
The University of Northwestern – St. Paul has been an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1986.
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What degree specializations are offered in Music Performance?
Students will complete 34 credits specific to Voice Performance.
- Analytic Techniques
- Solo Vocal Literature
- Private Voice – Major
- Junior Recital – Half
- Senior Recital – Full
- Diction for Singers I
- Diction for Singers II
- Advanced Conducting
- Vocal Pedagogy I
- Vocal Pedagogy II
Students will complete 31 credits specific to Instrumental Performance.
- Orchestration
- Analytic Techniques
- Instrumental Literature – Major Instrument
- Private Instrument – Major
- Junior Recital – Half
- Senior Recital – Full
- Advanced Conducting
Select one of the following:
- Instrumental Methods Overview
- Woodwind Methods
- Brass Methods
- Percussion Methods
- String Methods
Students will complete 32 credits specific to Piano Performance.
- Analytic Techniques
- Piano Literature
- Piano Pedagogy
- Keyboard Techniques
- Private Piano – Major
- Junior Recital – Half
- Senior Recital – Full
median pay in 2024
jobs in 2024
degree required
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Music Directors and Composers. Retreived May 2025.
I am grateful and humbled by the goodness of God as I reflect on the many blessings that I’ve received throughout my time at Northwestern – the sweet friendships, the caring and esteemed faculty, the musical opportunities, and so many special memories. All glory be to Christ, my Rock and my Redeemer!
Careers in music performance
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in music performance.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Freelance or contracted performer
- Private instructor
- Church worship leader
- Audio technician
- Concert promotion
- Concert hall management or administration
- Music program coordination
- Artist representation
- Arts administration or management
- Promotion/media relations
- Collaborative pianist
- Orchestral musician
- Music librarian
What will I learn?
You will learn to analyze, think critically, and perform musically.
MUH3101
Western Music History to 1750
A study of the music of Western civilization traced from its primitive origins through the Renaissance to the Baroque period, ending with the music of J.S. Bach.
MTC1007
Music Theory Foundations
A study of the foundational concepts of music: pitch, rhythm, scales, modes, intervals, chords, and harmony with an introduction to notation software, piano, and singing.
MUP3695
Junior Recital – Half
Half recital for juniors in a Bachelor of Music Performance major.
MUP4696
Senior Recital – Full
Full recital for seniors in a Bachelor of Music major.
MUS3102
German and French Diction for Singers
One class and one lab per week. Study and application of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and its guidelines for usage in singing German and French vocal literature. Practical application will occur in the lab class through individual and group coaching of singing and speaking.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
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Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
