Performance, BM (PERF-BM)

CIP Code: 500903

Program Description

The School of Fine and Performing Arts offers a four-year curriculum designed for students who wish to pursue a career in music. As an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the School of Music has designed the requirements for entrance and graduation according to the published standards of that association. The Bachelor of Music degree is offered with majors in performance, music education; the Bachelor of Arts degree is offered with a major in music. A Master of Humanities degree is also offered. Because of the highly individualized nature of the various programs, students are required to consult with an advisor to plan their major program.

In addition to fulfilling university admissions procedures, prospective music majors must also complete a School of Fine and Performing Arts application for an audition, perform a satisfactory audition in a major performance area, and meet with an assigned advisor from the music faculty for counseling and registration. Transfer students must submit a transcript of all previous work in addition to completing the above steps. A minimum of one year of full-time study is required of all transfer students working toward a degree.

The School of Fine and Performing Arts has developed a course of study based on four levels of technical proficiency, musicianship, and repertoire in all areas of applied music. Students should consult regularly with their applied music instructors and advisors to ensure progress through the various levels. Students enrolled in applied music courses are required to attend a specified number of recitals, concerts, and other approved performances. Solo recital performances are also required of music majors. For information regarding applied music requirements and keyboard proficiency requirements, students should refer to the School of Fine and Performing Arts website.

Because of the cost of individual instruction, special fees are charged for applied music and, in certain cases, for accompanists. Applied music is also available to non-majors on a limited basis and subject to instructor availability. A rental fee is charged for the use of university-owned instruments in-class instruction. There is no charge for use of these instruments in university ensembles.

All music degree programs require a minimum number of hours for graduation. A detailed, four-year curriculum outline for each major program is available on the School of Fine and Performing Arts website.

Any student who fails a required music course a second time must petition in order to continue the program. The petition will go to the Academic Studies Committee, which, along with the applied teacher, the advisor, and the instructor of the class, will make a determination to accept or reject the petition, or to determine/recommend any additional conditions necessary to remain in the program.

All students in the university, as well as members of the community, are eligible to participate in performing groups. Some groups require individual auditions; prospective members should consult the various conductors to arrange auditions. The following instrumental groups are available:

Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Pep Band, Saxophone Quartet, Brass Choir, Trombone Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and Jazz Band. Choral groups include the Men’s Chorale, Women’s Chorale, and Collegiate Chorale. Students majoring in other academic areas and members of the community may also take music courses especially designed for the non-music major.

Program Admission Requirements

This academic program does not have admission requirements beyond regular admission to Wright State University.  Any student is eligible to declare this academic program.

Degree Requirements-Performance

Bachelor of Music Degree

The School of Music offers majors in the following areas of performance: bassoon, clarinet, classical guitar, euphonium or baritone horn, flute, horn, jazz guitar, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, saxophone, string bass, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, violoncello, and voice. With departmental permission, students may major in fields other than those listed. Students must study continuously in their chosen disciplines until they meet all graduation requirements, including satisfactory public performance of specified recitals during the junior and senior years.

Each music performance major is required to participate in at least one university ensemble related to the student’s applied music concentration during each semester in which the student is enrolled full-time. Assignment to an ensemble is made by the director of bands, director of choral studies, or director of orchestral studies; the appropriate ensemble director; and the student’s full-time applied instructor. When the student’s applied instructor is not a full-time faculty member, approval must be given by the chair of the student’s applied board. To be eligible for the Bachelor of Music degree, the performance major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the major performing medium and a 2.0 in all other required music courses.

Program Learning Objectives

Students enrolled in this program will learn to: 

• Develop a degree of musicianship that will enable him or her to function as a performer.
• Develop an understanding of the principles and processes of music as it occurs within a variety of cultural and historical settings.
• Demonstrate a broad, general education in music rather than one of intensive musical study leading to a professional degree.
• Achieve proficiency in pronunciation in a foreign language and expand their appreciation of global perspectives in music.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving through a more diverse selection of liberal arts course offerings.
• Cultivate an understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of their learning experience, graduates of this program can: 

• Demonstrate a degree of musicianship that will enable him or her to function as a performer.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and processes of music as it occurs within a variety of cultural and historical settings.
• Demonstrate a broad, general education in music rather than one of intensive musical study leading to a professional degree.
• Demonstrate proficiency in pronunciation in a foreign language and expand their appreciation of global perspectives in music.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving through a more diverse selection of liberal arts course offerings.
• Demonstrate an understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods

Music Honors Program

The School of Music encourages students who have demonstrated superior academic ability to participate in the music honors program. In order to enter the program, students must be juniors or seniors with a cumulative 3.0 GPA and a 3.5 GPA in music. For additional information, students should contact the School of Music chair.

For More Information

• Performance, B.M.
• School of Fine and Performing Arts
• College of Liberal Arts

Program Requirements