Music Performance

Graduates from this program are qualified for performance, teaching, part-time work for instrumental artists in local orchestras, and vocal artists in churches.

Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret music at a professional level. They typically begin singing or learning to play an instrument by taking lessons and classes when they are at a young age. In addition, they must practice often to develop their talent and technique.

Musicians and singers interested in performing classical music may seek further training through music camps and fellowships. These programs provide participants with classes, lessons, and performance opportunities.

Programs Offered

Music Performance - Piano
Bachelor of Music

  • Quick Facts

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Location

    La Sierra Campus

  • Duration

    116 Units

  • Accreditation

    WASC

  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

Graduates from this program are qualified for performance, teaching, part-time work as instrumental artists in local orchestras, and vocal artists in churches. There are no postsecondary education requirements for musicians or singers interested in performing popular music. However, many performers of classical music and opera have at least a bachelor’s degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret music at a professional level.

Specified Ensembles: 6
Choose 1 major ensemble each quarter of residency.
Take Together:
MUCT111 Music Theory IA 3
MUCT111L Music Theory IA Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT112 Music Theory IB 3
MUCT112L Music Theory IC Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT113 Music Theory IC 3
MUCT113L Music Theory IC Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT211 Music Theory IIA 3
MUCT211L Music Theory IIA Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT212 Music Theory IIB 3
MUCT212 Music Theory IIB Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT213 Music Theory IIC 3
MUCT213L Music Theory IIC 1
MUCT314A Modal Counterpoint 2
MUCT314B Tonal Counterpoint 2
MUCT315A Form and Analysis I 2
MUCT315B Form and Analysis II 2
MUET105 Introduction to Music Technology 2
MUHL335 History of Western Music Before 1600 4
MUHL336 History of Western Music 1600–1800 4
MUHL337 History of Western Music Since 1800 4
MUHL338 World Music 2
MUHL339 Contemporary Popular Styles 2
MUPF216 Introduction to Conducting 2
MUPF398 Recital in Music 1
MURE489 Music and Worship 4
MUED325A Piano Pedagogy 2
MUED325B Piano Literature 2
Choose either:
MUPF284 Chamber Music 3
MUPF384 Chamber Music 3
Choose 13 units in consultation with advisor.
Select units in consultation with advisor, 16 units of which must be upper division.
MUPF498 Recital in Music 1

Music Performance - Voice
Bachelor of Music

  • Quick Facts

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Location

    La Sierra Campus

  • Duration

    116 Units

  • Accreditation

    WASC

  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

Graduates from this program are qualified for performance, teaching, part-time work as instrumental artists in local orchestras, and vocal artists in churches. There are no postsecondary education requirements for musicians or singers interested in performing popular music. However, many performers of classical music and opera have at least a bachelor’s degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret music at a professional level.

Specified Ensembles: 6
Choose 1 major ensemble each quarter of residency.
Take Together:
MUCT111 Music Theory IA 3
MUCT111L Music Theory IA Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT112 Music Theory IB 3
MUCT112L Music Theory IC Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT113 Music Theory IC 3
MUCT113L Music Theory IC Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT211 Music Theory IIA 3
MUCT211L Music Theory IIA Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT212 Music Theory IIB 3
MUCT212 Music Theory IIB Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT213 Music Theory IIC 3
MUCT213L Music Theory IIC 1
MUCT314A Modal Counterpoint 2
MUCT314B Tonal Counterpoint 2
MUCT315A Form and Analysis I 2
MUCT315B Form and Analysis II 2
MUET105 Introduction to Music Technology 2
MUHL335 History of Western Music Before 1600 4
MUHL336 History of Western Music 1600–1800 4
MUHL337 History of Western Music Since 1800 4
MUHL338 World Music 2
MUHL339 Contemporary Popular Styles 2
MUPF216 Introduction to Conducting 2
MUPF398 Recital in Music 1
MURE489 Music and Worship 4
MUED220A Singer's Diction I 2
MUED220B Singer's Diction II 2
MUED327 Vocal Pedagogy 2
MUHL329 Vocal Literature 2
Choose either:
MUPF284 Chamber Music 1
MUPF384 Chamber Music 1
Choose 11 units in consultation with advisor.
Select units in consultation with advisor, 16 units of which must be upper division.
MUPF498 Recital in Music 1
WDLG Required cognate for Voice: French, German, or Italian through level 201

Music Performance - Strings
Bachelor of Music

  • Quick Facts

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Location

    La Sierra Campus

  • Duration

    116 Units

  • Accreditation

    WASC

  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

Graduates from this program are qualified for performance, teaching, part-time work as instrumental artists in local orchestras, and vocal artists in churches. There are no postsecondary education requirements for musicians or singers interested in performing popular music. However, many performers of classical music and opera have at least a bachelor’s degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret music at a professional level.

Specified Ensembles: 6
Choose 1 major ensemble each quarter of residency.
Take Together:
MUCT111 Music Theory IA 3
MUCT111L Music Theory IA Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT112 Music Theory IB 3
MUCT112L Music Theory IC Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT113 Music Theory IC 3
MUCT113L Music Theory IC Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT211 Music Theory IIA 3
MUCT211L Music Theory IIA Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT212 Music Theory IIB 3
MUCT212 Music Theory IIB Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT213 Music Theory IIC 3
MUCT213L Music Theory IIC 1
MUCT314A Modal Counterpoint 2
MUCT314B Tonal Counterpoint 2
MUCT315A Form and Analysis I 2
MUCT315B Form and Analysis II 2
MUET105 Introduction to Music Technology 2
MUHL335 History of Western Music Before 1600 4
MUHL336 History of Western Music 1600–1800 4
MUHL337 History of Western Music Since 1800 4
MUHL338 World Music 2
MUHL339 Contemporary Popular Styles 2
MUPF216 Introduction to Conducting 2
MUPF398 Recital in Music 1
MURE489 Music and Worship 4
MUED326 Strings Pedagogy & Literature 4
Choose either:
MUPF284 Chamber Music 3
MUPF384 Chamber Music 3
Choose 13 units in consultation with advisor.
Select units in consultation with advisor, 16 units of which must be upper division.
MUPF498 Recital in Music 1

Music Performance - Other Instruments
Bachelor of Music

  • Quick Facts

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Location

    La Sierra Campus

  • Duration

    116 Units

  • Accreditation

    WASC

  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

Graduates from this program are qualified for performance, teaching, part-time work as instrumental artists in local orchestras, and vocal artists in churches. There are no postsecondary education requirements for musicians or singers interested in performing popular music. However, many performers of classical music and opera have at least a bachelor’s degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret music at a professional level.

Specified Ensembles: 6
Choose 1 major ensemble each quarter of residency.
Take Together:
MUCT111 Music Theory IA 3
MUCT111L Music Theory IA Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT112 Music Theory IB 3
MUCT112L Music Theory IC Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT113 Music Theory IC 3
MUCT113L Music Theory IC Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT211 Music Theory IIA 3
MUCT211L Music Theory IIA Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT212 Music Theory IIB 3
MUCT212 Music Theory IIB Laboratory 1
Take Together:
MUCT213 Music Theory IIC 3
MUCT213L Music Theory IIC 1
MUCT314A Modal Counterpoint 2
MUCT314B Tonal Counterpoint 2
MUCT315A Form and Analysis I 2
MUCT315B Form and Analysis II 2
MUET105 Introduction to Music Technology 2
MUHL335 History of Western Music Before 1600 4
MUHL336 History of Western Music 1600–1800 4
MUHL337 History of Western Music Since 1800 4
MUHL338 World Music 2
MUHL339 Contemporary Popular Styles 2
MUPF216 Introduction to Conducting 2
MUPF398 Recital in Music 1
MURE489 Music and Worship 4
MUHL328 Wind and Percussion Literature 2
Choose either:
MUPF284 Chamber Music 3
MUPF384 Chamber Music 3
Choose 15 units in consultation with advisor.
Select units in consultation with advisor, 16 units of which must be upper division.
MUPF498 Recital in Music 1

Music Performance - Certificate
Certificate

  • Quick Facts

  • Level

    Certificate

  • Location

    La Sierra Campus

  • Duration

    36 Units

  • Accreditation

    WASC

Description:

The Performer’s Certificate program is a full-time course of study designed for promising performers who desire intensive training on their instrument or voice in order to enhance their employment opportunities. Students are required to enroll for a minimum of three quarters to complete the Certificate program. One to two years is typically required for completion of the program. Extension of the program beyond two years requires departmental approval. Although a baccalaureate degree is not required for admission, applicants must meet the performance level that is required for graduation from the undergraduate performance program. No academic credit is normally given for courses taken under this program. If academic credit is desired—not applicable towards graduation with a baccalaureate degree—the regular tuition costs will apply. This is not a federal aid eligible program. Students are required to register for a minimum of 12 units for each quarter enrolled in the program in the following areas:

Piano: 12
2 units of chamber music.
2 units of accompanying or ensemble.
8 units of private instruction
Strings: 12
2 units of chamber music.
2 units of La Sierra University Orchestra.
8 units of private instruction
Instrumental: 12
2 units of chamber music.
2 units of La Sierra University Orchestra or Wind Ensemble
8 units of private instruction
Voice: 12
2 units of vocal chamber music.
2 units of opera.
8 units of private instruction
Instrumental Conducting: 12
4 units of ensemble conducting.
8 units of private instruction
Choral Conducting: 12
4 units of choral conducting.
8 units of private instruction

Career Outlook

 


6% Job Market Growth

$28.15 Median Hourly Pay

Very Diverse

 

Digital downloads and streaming platforms make it easier for fans to listen to recordings and view performances. Easier access to recordings gives musicians more publicity and grows interest in their work, and concertgoers may become interested in seeing them perform live. Moreover, some musicians and singers license their music for use in advertisements or for other commercial purposes, creating more exposure and revenue opportunities.

The median hourly wage for musicians and singers was $28.15 in May 2018. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.40, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $73.34.

Program Stats

Our Alumni Work in these Occupations

  • Music Directors and Composers
    3
  • Music, Dance, and Extracurricular Instructors
    2
  • Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
    1
  • Higher Education Teachers
    1
  • Curators
    1
  • Restaurant Cooks
    1
  • Clinical Pharmacists
    1

Our Alumni Work Here

  • Florida State University
    1
  • Huntington Beach Symphony Orchestra
    1
  • Adventist Health
    1
  • Naval Base Ventura County
    1
  • Nyc Department of Education
    1
  • Southeastern California Conference
    1

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate excellence as solo and ensemble performers to provide a basis for a professional career as a musician.
  2. Demonstrate specific knowledge in music theory, music history, and instrumental or vocal pedagogy to provide a basis for a professional career as a performing musician.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to think, speak, and write clearly and effectively about the art of music.
  4. Work collaboratively and as leaders in music interpretation.
  5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of music history within their area of specialization and an acquaintance with the history, cultural background and repertories beyond that area, including a wide selection of Western and world music literature.
  6. Demonstrate a working knowledge of music technology and its application to their area of specialization.

Partial information in this page was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Musicians and Singers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/musicians-and-singers.htm (visited October 23, 2018).