Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music: Instrumental Performance Emphasis
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music: Instrumental Performance Emphasis
journey today.
Follow your passion for music and build the foundations for a meaningful and impactful performance career by earning your Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music with an Emphasis in Instrumental Performance. Grand Canyon University is pleased to offer this degree to aspiring musicians who thrive in the spotlight and wish to dedicate themselves to this art form. Beyond mastering instrumental performance, this program is designed to nurture artistic sensibilities, cultivate technical excellence, and empower you to captivate audiences with your musical storytelling.
Offered by the College of Arts and Media, the invigorating curriculum is offered on campus and can empower you to sharpen your musical skills while developing a deep appreciation of music theory and history. You will experience intensive music training in private instruction and study the art of solo performance while also training for collaborative performances in group settings. GCU’s music department routinely hosts formal public recitals typically performed by junior and senior music performance majors as well as faculty and guest artists.
Studying instrumental performance on GCU's campus can provide access to musical facilities and personalized mentorship from experienced faculty. Within a supportive and collaborative in-person learning community, GCU’s vibrant campus environment offers a solid foundation for a potential career in music performance.
You can work toward polishing your performance skills and developing self-confidence in multiple performance settings.
Application Requirements
All music performance degree program applicants are required to undergo an audition and to complete a music theory assessment prior to acceptance into the program. Performance scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and applicants are encouraged to audition early. For more information on the program criteria and requirements, fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.
This degree combines classroom instruction with applied practice. Course topics are tailored to help enhance your musical expertise, master your primary instrument and improve your performance abilities.
The BA in Music: instrumental performance at GCU embraces an inclusive approach to musical education within the framework of a Christian worldview. Welcoming students from diverse religious backgrounds, the program fosters an atmosphere of respect while emphasizing the artistry of performance, all rooted in the values of the Christian faith.
Students in this degree program will study the following topic areas:
Gain Practical Performance Experience
Students in this music performance degree program are expected to present formal solo performances in both their junior and senior years. There may be multiple opportunities to give performances as part of an ensemble, enabling students to gain familiarity with multiple and diverse repertoires, as well as stage performances to help develop confidence while in the spotlight. Furthermore, music performance majors have the opportunity to conduct research on the profession and analyze its business practices.
This degree is a versatile choice that can pave the way toward a career in the performing arts industry and others that support it. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s common for graduates to pursue careers as solo or ensemble musicians.1 Acquiring performance skills as a musician requires rigorous training and consistent practice.2
Some graduates may seek positions within settings such as:3
Concert halls
Churches
Club halls
Recording studios or film production agencies
Radio or music stations
Schools or arts organization
Dive into the world of instrumental performance at GCU, an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring quality education. Since 1968, the HLC has consistently accredited GCU, and the College of Arts and Media aligns with the university’s dedication to maintaining the principles and standards set by our accrediting bodies.
NASM Standards
The bachelor’s in music performance degree is aligned to the standards of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) as a professional performance degree. It helps to ensure a comprehensive and high-quality education that meets the benchmarks essential for aspiring musicians pursuing excellence in their craft.
BA in Music: Instrumental Performance Emphasis FAQs
Navigating a career path can be an exciting opportunity. Engaging in thorough research about your chosen field and degree options can provide valuable clarity. Delve into the following frequently asked questions and answers to kickstart your exploration.
GCU’s three music performance emphases — instrumental, piano and voice — all can provide you a focused education based on the type of performance you are interested in. A music performance degree teaches music literature from varying genres, rehearsal pedagogy techniques and advanced studies of musical structure for composition and arrangement. Whereas aspiring classical musicians or vocalists commonly pursue a degree in music performance.2
Assessing the worth of a bachelor's in music degree, specifically with a performance emphasis, depends on your personal goals, interests and the specific career path you envision. Prospective students should consider their passion for music, career objectives and the potential opportunities the degree might offer before determining its value. Earning a bachelor’s degree in music: instrumental performance may be worth it if you enjoy immersing yourself in musical expression, honing technical skills and envision a career dedicated to mastering an instrument or pursuing musical performance as a passion.
According to CareerExplorer, 61% of musicians typically hold a bachelor's degree, making it the most prevalent educational qualification among them. Additionally, 21% pursue a master’s degree, while 13% have a high school diploma.4 Although not mandatory, a formal education can significantly contribute to refining musical abilities and enhancing performance techniques for aspiring musicians.2
Start Your Journey Today
Music has the power to lift the soul, inspire unity and an universal language that transcends boundaries and borders. If you aspire to share your love of music with others and to inspire them to strive for new heights, a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree with an instrumental performance focus from GCU can help you work toward pursuing your goal.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). What Musicians and Singers Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on Nov. 30, 2023.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to Become a Musician or Singer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on Nov. 30, 2023.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on Nov. 30, 2023.
4 CareerExplorer. (n.d.). What education do musicians have? Retrieved on Nov. 30, 2023.