Performance Emphasis
APU’s Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in Performance equips musicians to take their art to the next level. The degree is tailored to students desiring a career in performance, pedagogy (private teaching), or to pursue advanced degrees in performance. The performance emphasis is offered in voice, piano, organ, guitar, trumpet, trombone, baritone, euphonium, tuba, French horn, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, violin, viola, cello, bass, percussion, and harp.
In addition to music performance, courses in theory, music history, literature, and conducting give the student a thorough preparation in comprehensive musicianship. Performance majors also participate in musical ensembles, attend and perform in recitals, and take voice and piano classes, providing extensive, diverse musical experiences. Music performance majors leave APU with the artistic and practical preparation they need to start a musical career.
Requirements
All students selecting a performance emphasis must complete the music major (B.M.) course requirements, emphasis course and ensemble requirements (below), and requirements for their desired performance area.
Students also have additional requirements to complete within the School of Music, including recital attendance and performance.
Courses
Course Legend:
F = Offered every fall, S = Offered every spring
Fr = Freshman, So = Sophomore, Jr = Junior, Sr = Senior
| Performance Emphasis | 26–46 units | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Core | 2 units | |
|---|---|---|
MUS 427 Form and Analysis (F) (Jr,Sr) | 2 | |
| Performance Area | 23–44 units | |
|---|---|---|
| Students must select one of the following performance areas: | ||
Performance Ensembles
In each of eight semesters as a music major, a student must meet the designated performance requirements as listed below. Transfer students must participate each semester until they graduate or accumulate eight semesters. Membership in multiple ensembles in a given semester counts as only one semester toward the ensemble requirement.
All ensembles listed require audition except Oratorio Choir.
Ensemble requirements for the Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in Performance are as follows:
| Required Ensemble | Remaining Semesters’ Ensemble Choices | |
|---|---|---|
| Guitar | Oratorio Choir (1 yr.) | • Chamber Ensemble • Oratorio Choir |
| Piano and Organ | Oratorio Choir (2 yrs.) | • Chamber Singers • Ensemble Accompanist+ • Opera Workshop • Oratorio Choir |
| Strings and Harp | Symphony Orchestra (4 yrs.) | N/A |
| Voice | Oratorio Choir (2 yrs.) | • Chamber Singers • Opera Workshop • Oratorio Choir |
| Winds, Brass, and Percussion | Select 4 years from: • Symphonic Band • Symphony Orchestra • Wind Ensemble |
N/A |
*Meets a General Studies core (or elective) requirement.
**Meets a General Studies elective requirement.
***Meets the Upper-division Writing Intensive requirement.
+Ensemble accompanists are assigned by the director of piano studies.
