Bachelor of Arts in Music: Piano Performance Emphasis
Explore Piano Performance Techniques, Theory and History
Elevate your musical journey with our Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Piano Performance degree at Grand Canyon University. The piano, known for its grace and beauty, is a powerful instrument capable of producing music that can encapsulate a complex array of emotions. Through private instruction and numerous performance opportunities, aspiring pianists can lay a solid foundation and help develop the skills for a potential career in music.
You will explore advanced coursework that aims to provide foundational knowledge in music theory and history. Applied practice can equip you to command the stage as a potentially distinguished pianist in various ensemble settings. If you are interested in a well-rounded liberal arts education that emphasizes music and performance, this degree may be right for you.
Earn Your BA in Music With an Emphasis in Piano Performance at GCU
At GCU, you have the opportunity to turn your passion for music into a professional career. Offered by the College of Arts and Media, this BA music program with an emphasis in piano is devoted to shaping poised professionals who may excel in their musical craft and work toward captivating audiences with their mastery of the keys. Knowledgeable faculty will help fine-tune your skills as a pianist and assist you in developing familiarity with the stage.
Opportunities are available, including solo recitals and options to play as part of accomplished ensembles. Students who wish to pursue a focus in piano performance from GCU are required to undergo an audition and to complete a music theory assessment prior to acceptance.
Study Piano Course Topics and Concepts
The focus on piano performance can emphasize the practical application of skills, blended with purposeful classroom instruction. Graduates can emerge with a solid framework of music knowledge that ranges from history to theory to composition. The sequential curriculum is designed to empower you by building foundational skills before moving on to advanced concepts and public recitals.
In this program, you will be taught piano performance techniques and take core piano courses that address the following topic areas:
- The fundamentals and piano technique, including score reading, transpositions and collaborative piano techniques
- The study of beginner fundamentals of piano teaching, including survey, analysis, classification, and evaluation of beginning piano methods and principles of studio management and planning
- The standard piano repertoire from baroque to modern periods using reading and listening assignments
- The structure of music, including harmony, melody, form and rhythm through the use of computer-assisted ear training
Through intensive private instruction, you will be expected to give formal solo recitals during your junior and senior years. You will be expected to work on performance issues through coaching and improving collaborative skills such as ensemble balance. In addition, the Canyon Chorale and the Canyon Choral Society may provide opportunities to perform at churches, schools and other venues throughout the Phoenix and Tucson areas.
“Through the Fog” Alumni Performance
At Sunset Auditorium on Jan. 10, 2024, GCU alum Brenden Sorensen delivered a poignant performance on the piano while sharing his personal narrative of grappling with Usher syndrome, a condition affecting his vision and hearing. The collaborative effort between the College of Arts and Media and the Usher Syndrome Society underscored the importance of Sorensen's message and his artistic contributions.
Career Paths for Graduates With a Piano Performance Focus
Earn the chance to enrich the lives of those around you through public piano performances. As an aspiring solo musician or composer, you might pursue opportunities at performance centers or entertainment agencies. Other career choices that may be related to this degree include musicians and singers.
For the musicians who want to share their love of piano in a professional setting, GCU’s bachelor’s in music with a piano performance emphasis can help you get there.
Get Your BA in Music at an Accredited University
GCU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1968. Earning your BA in music: piano emphasis at an accredited university is a step in your musical career story. Accreditation can help ensure that you receive a quality education, recognized and respected in the field. With a focus on comprehensive music education, our institutionally accredited university can provide you with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed in the world of music.
Bachelor of Arts in Music: Piano Performance Emphasis FAQs
Before deciding on a music degree, you may have some questions about the program or your potential and future career path. Review our list of frequently asked questions and answers to better understand the program.
Ready to unlock your musical potential? Take the next step toward your Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Piano Performance Emphasis. Explore your passion, refine your skills and chart your course in the world of music. Join us today.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is a study in rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training is utilized. Study is devoted to the structure of music which includes harmony, melody, form, and rhythm. Skill development in analysis and composition is emphasized. The music of the “common practice period” will be studied. Prerequisite: Theory Placement Examination.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This large choral non-auditioned campus community ensemble performs masterworks of the choral-symphonic literature, with major presentations in the Fall and Spring. The Canyon Choral Society is open to the students, faculty, and staff of Grand Canyon University and to the Phoenix community at large. Members of the Canyon Chorale, Critical Mass, and Canyon Singers are required to participate in the Canyon Choral Society. This course must be repeated each semester of residency This course must be repeated each semester of residency
Course Description
The Piano Ensemble is comprised of music majors, minors, and students from other disciplines. Musicians are provided an opportunity to increase their performance skills through an active and challenging involvement with the creative process. The Piano Ensemble also offers non-music majors an avenue in which to continue making music throughout their college careers. The literature performed is selected from the finest contemporary and traditional repertoire. Prerequisites: Music Department approval and placement audition. This course must be repeated each semester of residency
Course Description
This course emphasizes skill development through analysis and composition. Prerequisite: MUS-125.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This course emphasizes advanced rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training is utilized. Music examples are selected from Bach through Wagner. This course also includes an advanced study in analysis and part writing utilizing modulation and chromatic harmony. Prerequisite: MUS-155.
Course Description
This course is class instruction for students with limited or no previous voice training. Content includes the study of vocal skills for personal performance and beginning voice instruction.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This course will survey the history of American popular music genres. Through understanding styles and forms within the context of their origins, popular music is understood in the relationship of its functions in society.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a survey of music from primitive times to the mid-18th century. It presents the growth of music in the Middle Ages and Renaissance through the contrapuntal schools, culminating in the work of J. S. Bach and the development of opera and oratorio during the Baroque period. Prerequisite: MUS-125.
Course Description
This course is a study of the fundamentals and techniques of conducting. Emphasis is placed on basic conducting skills, fundamentals of baton technique, left hand technique, non-verbal communication, leadership, conducting terminology, transpositions, and score reading. Techniques of score study, artistic interpretation, and programming will be explored. Prerequisite: MUS-155.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the music of the world as a means to express different elements of culture, civilization, and worldview.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a survey of music from the mid-l8th century to modern times. Study is devoted to the rise of homophonic music, the art song, the nationalistic schools, and the principal composers of the classical, romantic, and contemporary periods. Prerequisite: MUS-355.
Course Description
This course will prepare students for success as creative professionals. Students will research their industry, develop their personal brand, and establish business and entrepreneurial practices.
Course Description
This course is a study of fundamentals of piano teaching from beginner to early advanced levels. It includes survey, analysis, and evaluation of piano methods and pedagogical literature. Observation and analysis of individual lessons are required. Studio management and marketing are also addressed in this course.
Course Description
This course is a historical survey of piano literature. Emphasis is on learning repertoire through reading, writing, and listening assignments.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
A formal, public recital, sponsored by the music department, in which the student presents a solo recital of a length appropriate to the major. The recital is to be given in the student's junior year. Co-Requisite: The student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction.
Course Description
This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in sound theory, acoustic principles, microphone types and techniques, sound equipment, signal flow, cable management, stage arrangement, and documentation through lecture and hands-on activities.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to collaborative and accompanying techniques and repertoire. Emphasis is placed on effective personal practice and preparation methods and ensemble rehearsal techniques. Collaborative skills of shared musical leadership, ensemble balance, and other performance issues are addressed through master class and private coaching of repertoire prepared as part of required assignments in vocal and/or instrumental studios. Score study, sight-reading, as well as techniques for dealing with orchestral piano reductions are also covered. Prerequisite: Advanced Standing or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course is a study of the business and professional skills needed for musicians to turn their artistic passion into a profitable career. Topics include the mindset of entrepreneurs, networking and marketing, financial skills, and developing the independent teaching studio. The course culminates in the development of a professional portfolio and/or business plan that is true to the student’s artistic voice.
Course Description
This capstone course provides students an opportunity to develop their skills in an area of interest. Students will complete an independent project under faculty supervision.
Course Description
This course is a study and application of techniques of scoring and arranging music for various instrumental and vocal ensembles. Programmatic technology requirements apply, as outlined in the University Policy Handbook. Prerequisite: MUS-260 or WSA-301.
Course Description
This course is the applied private study for music majors in their secondary instrument or area, and/or the applied private study for non-music majors. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This course is a continuation to Collaborative Piano I. Collaborative and accompanying techniques and repertoire continue to be developed; collaborative skills of shared musical leadership, ensemble balance, and other performance issues are addressed through master class and private coaching of repertoire prepared as part of required assignments in vocal and/or instrumental studios. Score study, sight-reading, as well as techniques for dealing with orchestral piano reductions are also covered. Prerequisite: MUS-444 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
A formal, public recital, sponsored by the music department, in which the student presents a solo recital of a length and format appropriate to the major. The recital may consist solely of performance or may be in the form of a lecture-recital. The recital is to be given in the student's final semester of residency. Students must pass a formal hearing prior to final approval of the recital presentation. Co-Requisite: The student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.