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Bachelor's in Music Performance

With the Bachelor of Music Performance degree program at Indiana Wesleyan University, you can prepare for a performing career, a teaching career at a school or church, or work as a private studio instructor. This comprehensive program immerses students in a mix of genres, from classical to jazz, with an emphasis on voice, piano, and instrumental-based learning. Discover how IWU helps students earn their Bachelor of Music in a flexible, faith-based learning environment.

Why Pursue My Bachelor’s in Music Performance at IWU?

There are several benefits to pursuing your Bachelor of Music education at IWU. We provide a full system of student services, from tech support to tutoring, to help you succeed in this program. In this music performance degree program, you will benefit from faculty and advisors with experience in all kinds of music-based careers. Students learn from these expert faculty who will become mentors in the faith, integrating classroom learning with biblical truths for a Christ-centered environment that encourages spiritual growth.

What Will I Learn in this B.Mus. in Performance Program?

This Bachelor of Music Performance program is designed to help students become competent and confident classical music performers who can integrate biblical perspectives in the creative process. Students engage in musical training and preparation to perform at the local, regional, and national levels. Course topics cover chamber music, piano pedagogy, string techniques, percussion techniques, brass techniques, and more.

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided on-campus education for more than 100 years.

Rooted in Christ

Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.

Superior Support

Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!

What You Will Study in This Bachelor’s in Music Performance

Coursework for this music performance degree covers how to:

  • Develop the confidence and skills to perform classical music in a variety of professional contexts
  • Become proficient in playing brass, woodwind, percussion, and piano instruments
  • Integrate biblical perspectives into a career in music performance

...
After Graduation
Potential Careers

  • Music Teacher
  • Choir Director
  • Choir Director
  • Director, Religious Services


Work in Various Industries

  • Industry

Program Requirements

Students in this major meet the general education competencies by taking the approved standard courses.

Music

  1. Admission to the Music Major
    • Permission to declare a music major at IWU is neither automatic nor assumed merely because a student wants to study music. Students must demonstrate a degree of aptitude and preparedness, both academically and musically. Those conditions can be met by the following means:
      1. Academic readiness can be demonstrated by completing a placement exam in music theory. If students are not prepared for the exam, equivalency can be met by taking MUS-160, Introduction to Music Theory, and earning a grade of “C” or above.ii. Performance readiness can be proven by an audition before selected music faculty or by submitting an audio or video recording of pieces showing appropriate levels of accomplishment.
      2. Audition for the music faculty. Two pieces in contrasting styles must be performed in the student's applied area. One additional piece may be performed in a second applied area. No taped accompaniments; an accompanist will be provided if needed.
      3. All students are required to submit three letters of reference from former music teachers, from music directors, or from other musicians who can verify the student's readiness to study music at the collegiate level.
      4. Music Therapy majors are required to go through an interview process as there are a limited number of Music Therapy majors accepted in the program each year.
    • This policy applies to both transfer students and entering freshmen. Students living a considerable distance from Marion may be accepted as provisional majors pending an audition/interview following arrival on campus.
    • If an applicant fails in any of the above requirements but still wishes to be admitted as a major, the status of provisional music major will be granted. The student will be expected to re-audition and successfully complete MUS-160 at the end of the first semester of study. Upon satisfactory completion, the applicant will be classified as a music major.
  2. Admission to Upper-divisional Studies
    • Admission to upper-level studies is granted by the music faculty through the Upper-divisional Hearing. This consists of a performance and written examination in which the candidate's applied and academic progress is evaluated, and the candidate is questioned regarding content of courses completed and progress toward career goals. An overall grade-point average of 2.75 is required for admission to upper-divisional studies and no grade below a “C” in any music class.
  3. Other Requirements for All Music Majors
    • MUS-200 Recital Attendance (seven semesters)
    • Class Piano Requirements
    • Large Ensemble Participation (participation in large ensemble each semester).  In the case of music education majors whose main instruments are brass, woodwinds, or percussion, the IWU Marching Band (MUS 166) must be taken for a minimum of 3 semesters.
    • Upper Divisional Hearing
    • Young Performer Series Recital (see requirements)
    • Departmental Recital Participation (varies with different programs)
  • Completion of 124 semester hours; however, some majors may result in the student earning greater than 124 credit hours by graduation.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Completion of the designated semester hours in the major area with a GPA of 2.25 or higher as required by the major. Additional requirements as prescribed by each department must also be met.
  • Completion of all general education requirements
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Accreditation

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.

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