Music Performance, Bachelor of Music (BM)
The Bachelor of Music in Music Performance prepares students to develop the highest level of performing skills. For more information on the BM in Music Performance, please contact Dr. Jason Kush.
For information regarding auditions for the Music Department, please click here.
Program Learning Outcomes
- PO1: Musical Analysis and Interpretation: Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret the structural, theoretical, and historical elements of music both visually and aurally. (UO#2, UO#6)
- PO2: Performance Proficiency: Students will perform on their primary instrument or voice type with technical mastery, artistic expression, and stylistic awareness across various genres and historical periods. (UO#5, UO#6)
- PO3: Collaborative Musicianship: Students will contribute effectively in ensemble settings, exhibiting skills in balance, blend, intonation, and musical expression to achieve shared artistic goals. (UO#1, UO#7)
- PO4: Creative Musicianship: Students will arrange, compose, and improvise music, utilizing an understanding of harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, and stylistic principles. (UO#6, UO#5)
- PO5: Cultural and Historical Literacy: Students will demonstrate an understanding of music from diverse historical periods and cultures and articulate its relevance in performance contexts. (UO#9, UO#6)
- PO6: Technological Proficiency: Students will use current technologies for composition, performance, analysis, and professional development in the field of music. UO#2, UO#6, UO#10)
- PO7: Pedagogical and Diagnostic Skills: Students will identify and address technical and musical strengths and weaknesses in their own performance and others, applying this knowledge in self-reflection and/or instructional/leadership roles. (UO#2, UO#5)
- PO8: Professional Development and Performance Practice: Students will prepare and deliver performances in a variety of formal and informal settings, demonstrating professional behavior, program-building skills, and entrepreneurial awareness. (UO#5, UO#8)
Related Links
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 42 | |
| Modern Language Proficiency (Voice Majors Only) | 0-6 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Major Requirements | 78 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
Rock Studies 2 Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
MUSI 114-414 | Symphonic Wind Ensemble | |
MUSI 115-415 | Concert Choir | |
MUSI 116-416 | University Choir | |
MUSI 118-418 | Marching Pride | |
MUSI 119-419 | Concert Band | |
MUSI 121-421 | Symphony Orchestra | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 101 | Science of Life | 3 |
| Physical Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 102 | Understanding the Physical World | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
Modern Language Proficiency: Voice Majors Only
Language proficiency at the 102 class level is required in French, German or Italian. Exemption by placement or examination is possible
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 0-6 credits | 0-6 | |
| Total Hours | 0-6 | |
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
Major Requirements
- 39 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 39 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Music Courses | ||
| Students must earn a ‘C’ or better in each semester of Musicianship Skills and Music Theory | ||
| MUSI 151 | Music Theory and Musicking I 1,2 | 2 |
| MUSI 154 | Musicianship Skills I 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 203 | Musician's Health | 1 |
| MUSI 204 | Art and Science of Performing | 1 |
| MUSI 206 | Fundamentals of Conducting 1 | 1 |
| MUSI 253 | Music Theory and Analysis II 1,2 | 2 |
| MUSI 254 | Music Theory and Analysis III 1,2 | 2 |
| MUSI 256 | Musicianship Skills II 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 257 | Musicianship Skills III 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 355 | Music Theory and Analysis IV 1,2 | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Keyboard Improvisation 1 | ||
| Instrumental Improvisation 1 | ||
| MUSI 359 | History of Music I 1 | 3 |
| MUSI 373 | History of Music II 1 | 3 |
| MUSI 378 | Musicianship Skills IV 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 435 | Music Entrepreneurship 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 473 | History of Popular Musics 1 | 3 |
| MUSI 406 | Advanced Conducting | 2 |
| MUSI 431 | Pedagogy 1 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 29 | |
| Major Applied - Must all be in same instrument. | ||
| Students must earn a “C” or better in each semester of applied major study. | ||
| Select Four semesters at the 300+ level or higher (required): | 24 | |
MUSI 165-465 | Applied Performance Voice 1,2 | |
MUSI 166-466 | Applied Performance Piano 1,2 | |
MUSI 167-467 | Applied Performance Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 1,2 | |
MUSI 168-468 | Applied Performance Woodwinds (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon) 1,2 | |
MUSI 169-469 | Applied Performance Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba) 1,2 | |
MUSI 170-470 | Applied Performance Percussion 1,2 | |
| Subtotal | 24 | |
| Minor Applied Courses | ||
| Select one of the following based on instrument: | 4 | |
| Instrumental and Voice Majors Only | ||
| Class Piano can be counted toward the minor applied. Students must earn a ‘C’ or better each semester to move on to the next level. | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Class Piano I and Class Piano II and Class Piano III and Class Piano IV 1,2 | ||
MUSI 179-479 | Applied Piano 1,2 | |
| Piano Majors Only | ||
| Class Piano cannot be counted toward the minor applied. Piano majors must select another instrument. Students must earn a ‘C’ or better each semester to move on to the next level. | ||
| Select four credits: | ||
MUSI 181-481 | Applied Voice 2 | |
MUSI 182-482 | Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 2 | |
MUSI 183-483 | Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2 | |
MUSI 184-484 | Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2 | |
MUSI 185-485 | Applied Percussion 2 | |
| Subtotal | 4 | |
| Ensemble Participation | ||
| Four semesters must be at the 300+ level. The student must earn a “C” or better in each semester to satisfy the requirement. Students must play in one ensemble every semester up to 8 semesters. See Ensemble Policy below. | ||
| Ensembles: | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Saxophone Quartet | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Marching Pride | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber String Ensemble | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Flute Choir | ||
| Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Lab Band | ||
| World Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Saxophone Quartet | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Marching Pride | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber String Ensemble | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Flute Choir | ||
| Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Lab Band | ||
| World Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Saxophone Quartet | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Marching Pride | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber String Ensemble | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Flute Choir | ||
| Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Lab Band | ||
| World Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Saxophone Quartet | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Marching Pride | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber String Ensemble | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Flute Choir | ||
| Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Lab Band | ||
| World Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Subtotal | 8 | |
| Music Electives | 11 | |
| Required Music Electives - Voice Majors Only | ||
| Diction for Singers | ||
| Diction for Singers II | ||
| All performance majors select eleven credits; six credits must be at the 300 level or higher: | ||
MUSI 109-409 | Jazz Combo 1 | |
MUSI 113-413 | Saxophone Quartet 1 | |
MUSI 114-414 | Wind Ensemble 1 | |
MUSI 115-415 | Concert Choir 1 | |
MUSI 117-417 | Chamber Singers 1 | |
MUSI 118-418 | Marching Pride 1 | |
MUSI 119-419 | Concert Band 1 | |
MUSI 121-421 | Orchestra 1 | |
MUSI 122-422 | Chamber Strings 1 | |
MUSI 123-423 | Brass Ensemble 1 | |
MUSI 126-426 | Flute Choir 1 | |
| Guitar, Ukulele, & Bass Methods 1 | ||
| Class Voice I (Instrumental majors only) 1 | ||
| Functional Voice Skills 1 | ||
| Functional Guitar for Music Therapy I 1 | ||
| Functional Guitar for Music Therapy II 1 | ||
| Low Brass Methods 1 | ||
MUSI 179-479 | Applied Piano 1,2 | |
MUSI 181-481 | Applied Voice 1 | |
MUSI 182-482 | Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 1 | |
MUSI 183-483 | Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba) 1 | |
MUSI 184-484 | Applied Woodwinds (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon) 1 | |
MUSI 185-485 | Applied Percussion 1 | |
| Clarinet and Saxophone Methods 1 | ||
| Opera Performance 1 | ||
or MUSI 437 | Opera Performance | |
| Chamber Music Performance 1 | ||
| Percussion Methods 1 | ||
| Women and Music 1 | ||
| Orchestral String Methods 1 | ||
| Keyboard Improvisation 1 | ||
or MUSI 361 | Instrumental Improvisation | |
| Flute, Oboe, & Bassoon Methods 1 | ||
| High Brass Methods 1 | ||
| Subtotal | 11 | |
| Applied Junior and Senior Recital (1 Credit Each) | ||
| MUSI 499 | Applied Recital 1 | 2 |
| Total Hours | 78 | |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- 2
Grade of “C” or better required.
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Ensemble Policy
While students are encouraged to participate in a variety of ensemble experiences, students must participate in at least one ensemble on their primary instrument every semester in which they are enrolled at SRU and taking applied lessons.
Students are required to complete an ensemble placement audition each semester after which ensemble directors, in consultation with applied teachers and advisors, will assign semester ensemble placements. Only once all ensembles have been staffed and no other opportunities exist for a specific primary instrument will participation on a secondary instrument be counted toward this requirement.
In addition, music education students whose primary instrument is voice must play an instrument in an instrumental ensemble for at least one semester and music education students whose primary instrument is anything other than voice must sing in a vocal ensemble for at least one semester.
Co-curricular and Experiential Learning
Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:
- International study programs (short-term, semester)
- High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
- Student-faculty research
- Student leadership development
- Career education and development
- Internships
- Field Experiences
- Student Teaching
- Volunteering (schools, health care facilities, churches, communities)
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
MUSIC PERFORMANCE - BM (5253)/CIM 308
This program is effective as of Summer 2025
Revised 07.10.2025
UCC 03.18.2025
Recommended Four-Year Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| Major Applied –100 level | 3 | |
| Minor Applied (Class Piano I) | 1 | |
| Assigned Ensemble (major instrument) –100 level (Arts Inq. I) | 1 | |
| MUSI 151 | Music Theory and Musicking I | 2 |
| MUSI 154 | Musicianship Skills I | 1 |
| MUSI 204 | Art and Science of Performing | 1 |
| Integrated Inquiry/Thread (voice majors take foreign language) 2,3 | 3 | |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 4 | 3 |
| Voice Majors - Select the following course: | 1-2 | |
| Diction for Singers (voice majors only) 1 | ||
| Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Major Applied –100 level | 3 | |
| Minor Applied (Class Piano II) | 1 | |
| Assigned Ensemble –100 level (Arts Inquiry 2) | 1 | |
| MUSI 253 | Music Theory and Analysis II | 2 |
| MUSI 256 | Musicianship Skills II | 1 |
| Music Electives (voice majors take MUSI 399) | 1-2 | |
| Integrated Inquiry/Thread (voice majors take foreign language) 2,3 | 3 | |
| MUSI 203 | Musician's Health (piano and non-string inst. Majors) | 1 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Hours | 16-17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Major Applied –200 level | 3 | |
| Minor Applied (Class Piano III) | 1 | |
| Assigned Ensemble –200 level (Arts Inquiry 3) | 1 | |
| MUSI 206 | Fundamentals of Conducting | 1 |
| MUSI 212 | Fundamentals of Conducting Lab | 1 |
| MUSI 254 | Music Theory and Analysis III | 2 |
| MUSI 257 | Musicianship Skills III | 1 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| Integrated Inquiry/Thread | 3 | |
| Declare a Thematic Thread 6 | ||
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Major Applied –200 level | 3 | |
| Minor Applied (Class Piano IV) | 1 | |
| Assigned Ensemble –200 Level | 1 | |
| MUSI 355 | Music Theory and Analysis IV | 2 |
| MUSI 378 | Musicianship Skills IV | 1 |
| MUSI 406 | Advanced Conducting (w/Lab) | 2 |
| Music Electives | 2 | |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| Advanced Standing Review scheduled at the completion of 60 credits | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Major Applied –300 level | 3 | |
| Assigned Ensemble –300 level | 1 | |
| MUSI 359 | History of Music I | 3 |
| Music Electives 5 | 2 | |
| MUSI 350 | Computer Technology in Music | 2 |
| Select one of the folllowing: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Integrated Inquiry/Thread | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Major Applied –300 level | 3 | |
| Assigned Ensemble –300 level | 1 | |
| MUSI 351 | Arranging & Orchestration | 2 |
| Select one of the following this semester or fall semester: | 1 | |
| Instrumental Improvisation 3 | ||
| Keyboard Improvisation 3 | ||
| MUSI 373 | History of Music II | 3 |
| Music Electives | 2 | |
| Thread | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Major Applied –400 level | 3 | |
| Assigned Ensemble –400 level | 1 | |
| MUSI 473 | History of Popular Musics | 3 |
| MUSI 431 | Pedagogy | 1 |
| Music Electives 5 | 2 | |
| Thread | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| Major Applied –400 level | 3 | |
| Assigned Ensemble –400 level | 1 | |
| Applied Recital | 1 | |
| Music Electives 5 | 2 | |
| Thread | 6 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours** | 121-123 | |
- 1
Voice majors must take Diction I and II. These classes will be offered on a rotational basis. If you begin your program in an even year you will take these classes in your freshmen year. If you begin your program in an odd year you will take them in your sophomore year.
- 2
Voice majors must pass the 102 level of Italian, French or German;
- 3
BM majors have a choice of Keyboard Improvisation or Instrumental Improvisation.
- 4
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject
- 5
See BM Progress Sheet for additional information on 300+ level requirement
- 6
Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.
**This document serves as a guide. Earning a degree requires at least 120 credits, though some majors require more. Before registering for courses, consult your academic adviser and review your curriculum guide. Be sure to review and confirm your plan with your adviser at least once each academic year.
Major Code: 5253
Revised: 07.10.2025