About this Program
As a professional performance preparation degree that will provide students with the training and experience needed to pursue a graduate degree program or a career in music, the Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Performance prepares a student for careers on the stage and beyond.
Performance students choose an emphasis in Band/Orchestral Instruments, Voice, or Keyboard.
UMD hits all the high notes
- Mentorship by faculty who are active artists as well as dedicated educators
- The skills and musicianship necessary for outstanding performance, beginning with a core curriculum of music theory, history and literature, as well as ensemble performance and applied study
- UMD has the variety and quality of musical instruction that you would expect from a place three times larger, with the individualized instruction and care of an institution half the size.
- Learn, practice, and perform with students from many different states and multiple continents in beautiful Weber Music Hall, a dedicated Department of Music facility that is recognized across the country for its top-tier acoustics.
- With extensive performance opportunities, UMD’s emerging performing artists gain the discipline and proficiency necessary to translate raw talent into a pathway for lifelong success.
- The Department of Music at the University of Minnesota Duluth is proud to be a fully accredited member of NASM, the National Association of Schools of Music.
Acquired Skills
Music training hones the following skills that are applicable to any career:
- Self-discipline & persistence
- Problem-solving
- Entrepreneurship
- Confidence
- Research techniques
- Ability to synthesize feedback/constructive criticism
Additionally, as a complement to any other field of work, a study in music opens the pathways to creative thinking, sharpens skills in collaboration and the ability to listen, and develops a way of thinking that weaves together disparate ideas.
Playing music also trains individuals to focus on the present and the future simultaneously. For these reasons and more, music is highly regarded as a complementary background for students pursuing careers in many other areas.
The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), which accredits UMD’s Music programs, ensures that our program addresses specific Performance competencies.
Program Learning Outcomes - Core
Program Learning Outcomes - Vocal
Program Learning Outcomes - Band/Orchestral Instruments (Coming soon)
Program Learning Outcomes - Keyboard (Coming soon)
Career Possibilities
UMD Music graduates continue on to graduate school to further their research or enjoy many different careers as professional performers, music educators, composers, conductors, music therapists, instrument repair technicians, music librarians, and sound editors, to name just a few.
Admissions and Scholarships
Admission to Music programs is based upon standard UMD admission guidelines, as well as an audition (see details below in Requirements).
Music majors can compete for several different talent-based scholarships at the time of their initial audition, and several of the music scholarships are renewable each year for continuing students.
Student Clubs
Student clubs in the Department of Music vary each year according to interests but may include Mu Phi Epsilon, Music Student Association, and the National Association for Music Education.
Requirements
All Music majors at UMD are required to audition for admission to the program. Auditions are typically held on several Saturdays each spring prior to fall admission but may also be arranged at other times. Current information about the audition process and preparation is found on the Music website.
Students must maintain grades of C- or better in all courses required in the major.
All UMD Music majors are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop as specified under Technology Requirements.
Four Year Sequence Sample Plans: