How long does it take to get a degree with a piano performance focus?

The Bachelor of Arts in music: piano emphasis degree requires 120 credits for completion. Most of the piano courses are 15 weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it takes to earn your degree.

Bachelor of Arts in Music: Piano Performance Emphasis

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Degree Level

Bachelor's

Class Setting

Campus

Area of Study

Fine Arts

Program

BA in Music: Piano Performance

Current Education Level

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High School Graduation Year

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High School Name

Country

United States

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Overview

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.

Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Piano Performance

Offered By

College of Arts and Media

Class Settings

Campus

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 7 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

Earn Your BA in Music With an Emphasis in Piano Performance

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.

Coursework

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.

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:

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.

“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.

Careers

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.

Accreditation

Get Your BA in Music at an Accredited University

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.

FAQ

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.

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major80 credits

Open Elective Credits0-6 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

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.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Competency

13-16 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

3-4 Total Credits

Competency

10-12 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Core Courses

MUS-125

4 Total Credits

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.

MAP-115

2 Total Credits

MEN-306

0 Total Credits

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

MEN-340C

0 Total Credits

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

MUS-155

4 Total Credits

MAP-125

2 Total Credits

MUS-260

4 Total Credits

MUS-104

1 Total Credits

MAP-215

2 Total Credits

MUS-218

4 Total Credits

MAP-225

2 Total Credits

MUS-355

4 Total Credits

MUS-383

4 Total Credits

MUS-227

4 Total Credits

MAP-315

2 Total Credits

MUS-365

4 Total Credits

BUS-302

4 Total Credits

MUS-346

4 Total Credits

MUS-367

4 Total Credits

MAP-325

2 Total Credits

MAP-395

0 Total Credits

WSA-123

4 Total Credits

MAP-415

2 Total Credits

MUS-444

1 Total Credits

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.

MUS-465

4 Total Credits

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.

MUS-495

4 Total Credits

MUS-463

4 Total Credits

MAP-422

1 Total Credits

MUS-446

1 Total Credits

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.

MAP-425

2 Total Credits

MAP-495

0 Total Credits

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

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