Bachelor of Arts in Music: Piano Performance Emphasis

Bachelor of Arts in Music: Piano Performance Emphasis
journey today.
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.
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 Performance on GCU Campus
Immerse yourself in the world of music with our on-campus piano performance program. In addition to earning a music education, the GCU campus offers a campus experience where you can engage in various cultural and artistic events, further enriching your musical journey. You will have the opportunity to make lasting connections with knowledgeable instructors and like-minded musicians while immersing yourself in a vibrant campus community.
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.
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.
In this program, you will be taught piano performance techniques and take core piano courses that address the following topic areas:
Through intensive private instruction, you will be expected to give formal solo recitals during your junior and senior years.
“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.


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.
GCU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission 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.
Teaching music may be possible with a degree focused on piano performance. If your goal is to become a more versatile music educator, particularly for K-12 students, it's recommended to pursue a degree in music education or a related field, which typically includes coursework in pedagogy and teaching methods to better prepare you for diverse student needs and musical instruments. You will want a music education degree that can teach you the necessary framework to pursue licensure or certification as a music teacher, such as our Bachelor of Arts in Music Education-Instrumental: Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, or Strings. Pursuing a teaching career in music usually includes one or more student teaching experiences to meet state or department requirements.
Pursuing a degree with a piano performance focus can be rewarding, especially if you have a deep passion for the instrument and a keen interest in live music. Piano performance techniques taught in this degree program can offer advanced knowledge and skills, including an in-depth understanding of musical theory, and the ability to convey complex emotions through music. If you aspire to become a professional musician or work in a field directly related to piano performance and live music, this specialization may align with your vision and career goals.

Start Your Journey Today
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.