BMus in Music
The Bachelor of Music Performance major is a professional degree program for musicians wishing to pursue in-depth study and practice in one of six sub-plans:
- Classical guitar
- Harp
- Organ
- Piano
- Strings
- Woodwind, brass, percussion
- Voice
Students study one-on-one with studio faculty on a weekly basis developing both solo and group performance expertise on their individual instruments, which is further provided in chamber coaching and group ensemble work. Performance majors supplement their applied study with courses that develop their comprehensive musicianship through theory and ear training, musicology, conducting, and upper-division writing, alongside other School of Music students.
Tracks
Classical Guitar
In this track, students study the theory and practice of classical guitar, a field inclusive of endeavors in improvisation, collaboration, and composition. As members of the School of Music Guitar Studio, students adopt a rich musical background, take one-on-one applied guitar lessons with studio faculty, and pursue study in introductory keyboard, additional electives, and a variety of ensembles, including Guitar Ensemble. View degree requirements for Classical Guitar and learn more about the Guitar Studio at the University of Minnesota.
Harp
Students pursuing a BMus in harp performance will receive a strong interdisciplinary musical education. In addition to the one-on-one applied study with the harp studio faculty, harpists will also focus on chamber and orchestral ensemble work while taking courses in music theory, musicology, introductory keyboard, and electives of interest. View degree requirements for Harp and learn more about the strings program at the University of Minnesota.
Organ
Organ performance majors will achieve a world-class musical education alongside other talented organists while studying one-on-one with organ studio faculty and collectively in organ studio class. Students will explore the study of the keyboard in-depth, choosing from courses in piano, jazz improvisation, harpsichord, and organ literature, taking courses specific to organ majors, and performing with other School of Music students in one of our choral ensembles. View the degree requirements for Organ and learn more about the keyboard program at the University of Minnesota.
Piano
As a part of the competitive piano performance program, experienced pianists will pursue intensive study with the piano studio faculty in both one-on-one applied lessons and weekly studio hour class and chamber ensembles, while developing their comprehensive musicianship through coursework in advanced keyboard skills, piano pedagogy, harpsichord, piano literature, and electives of interest. View degree requirements for Piano and learn more about the keyboard program at the University of Minnesota.
String, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion
Study the technique, performance, and theory of a string, woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument through one-on-one lessons with studio faculty, as well as group ensemble work in either band or orchestra and chamber ensembles. Students in this program will gain a strong musical background through coursework in keyboard, music major classes, and practice performing in an ensemble. View degree requirements for String, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion.
- Trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba majors, learn more about the brass program at the University of Minnesota.
- Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone majors, learn more about the woodwinds program at the University of Minnesota.
- Violin, viola, cello, and bass majors, learn more about the strings program at the University of Minnesota.
- Percussion majors, learn more about the percussion program at the University of Minnesota.
Voice
Students pursuing a BMus in voice will receive an in-depth and well-rounded training in the vocal arts, developing their solo skills in classical art song through one-on-one lessons with voice faculty, and group performance through the choral and opera ensembles, and comprehensive vocal artistry through vocal pedagogy courses; diction and vocal literature; and French, German, and Italian. View degree requirements for Voice and learn more about Vocal Arts at Minnesota.
Career Paths
All liberal arts degrees help CLA students develop their Core Career Competencies, and music majors develop specific skills that are applicable to lots of different careers. These skills include the ability to work independently and collaboratively, creative problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
Students who take the SuperStrong Interest Inventory receive a three-letter interest code, which identifies their top three areas of interest, work activities, potential skills, and personal values. The interest code "ASI" is often associated with this major, however, the SuperStrong assessment can help you understand how your interests connect to a variety of majors and career options. You can learn more about common employer types and occupations associated with this major. You can also see CLA specific examples of alumni careers below.
Internship & Job Search Websites
- Handshake
- Entertainment Careers Net
- Hypbot’s Music Industry Jobs
- Music Jobs USA
- Berklee Careers in Music
- Careers in Music
- Majoring in Music
- Performing Arts Career Guide
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- Idealist (Nonprofit positions in the US and internationally)
Student Groups
- Music Sharing Club
- Music Therapy Student Association
- Basses Wild
- 7Days A Cappella
- Tau Beta Sigma
- Radio K - KUOM
- Urban Sound
- The Enchantments
Professional Organizations
- American Federation of Musicians
- American Guild of Musical Artists
- American Music Therapy Association
- Conductors Guild
- League of American Orchestras
- Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association
- Music Teachers National Association
- National Association for Music Education – Careers in Music
- Society for Ethnomusicology
- Women in Music
Alumni Career Examples
Below is a small sampling of what alumni with this major have pursued, organized by the most common career fields they go into (although keep in mind that there are alumni in all eight of the career fields). You can also utilize the LinkedIn's Alumni Tool and the Maroon and Gold Network to further explore alumni career pathways and connect directly with professionals.
Click to expand each accordion panel below for opportunities pursued by alumni in this major!
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Intern - Guthrie Theatre
- Intern, 113 Composers
- Intern, West Music
- Liquid Music Social Media Intern, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
- Marketing Student Ambassador, Minnesota Orchestra
- Administrative Assistant, Bach Society of Minnesota
- Piano Intern, Eastern US Music Camp
Entry-Level
- Owner/Designer - Baked Goods
- Flute Instructor - HERO
- Wind Conducting Associate
- Concert Pianist - John Gingrich Management
- Guitar/Ukulele Instructor
- Music Therapist - Topeka VAMC
- Interim Activities Director - The Claridge House
- Music Director - Speak the Word Church
- Technical Support/Notation Product Specialist - MakeMusic
Experienced
- Owner - Film Agency
- Flute Player - Die Zauberflöte
- Flute Professor - Rutgers University
- Composer, Guitarist - Orchestra for Ants
- Harpist - O'Meara Music
- Neurologic Music Therapy Consultant - Creative Leaps
Graduate Programs
- Instrumental Conducting - Rutgers University
- DMA - Rice University
- MM, Studio/Jazz Guitar Studies - University of South California
- MM, Music Therapy
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Music Therapy Intern - Allina Health
Experienced
- Crisis Counselor*
- Director of Healthy Living - YMCA Midway
- Music Therapist - Guardian Angels Elim Hospice*
- Mental Health Practitioner - Beechwood Inc.
- Psychotherapist - Spirit of Hope Counseling*
Graduate Programs
- MA, Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Music Therapy Intern, Fraser Academy
- Student Teaching Assistant, ComMusication
Entry-Level
- Assessment Supervisor - Bethel University
- String Educator - Eden Prairie School District
- Teacher - Fair School Crystal
- Director of Admission for the School of Music - University of Louisville
Experienced
- Executive Director and Principal - Kids 'R' Kids International Inc.*
- Fire and Life Safety Educator - St. Paul Fire Department*
- VP of Enrollment Management - Chatham University*
- Director, MSc in Relational Leading - Taos Institute
Graduate Programs
- Counseling Psychology - Bethel University
- MA, K-12 Education
- PhD, Educational Leadership
- MS, Organizational Leadership and Administration
- PhD, Social and Behavioral Science
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Special Events Intern - Basilica of Saint Mary
Entry-Level
- Web/WordPress Developer - Long Run Marketing
- Program Manager - American Protective Services
- Event Coordinator - RedBrick Health
- Outside Sales - Schweber Electronics
- Property Management Bookkeeper - The Gavzy Group
- Financial Advisor - Wealth Management Solutions
- Accounts Receivable Supervisor - ABRA Auto Body & Glass
Experienced
- Director, Front-end Engineering & Operations - Ameriprise Financial Services
- President, Aerospace/Defense - Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services*
- Lead Planner - Startup Event Solutions
- Regional Business Coordinator - Digi-Key Corporation
- Accounting Manager - Sharper Management
- Associate Director, Human Resources - MECLABS Institute *
Graduate Programs
- MBA - University of Phoenix
College Resources for Graduate Students
Visit CLA’s website for graduate students to learn about collegiate funding opportunities, student support, career services, and more.