B.M. in Performance

The Bachelor of Music Performance offers students the opportunity for intensive preparation for the life of a performing musician, emphasizing the skills, concepts, and artistry necessary for a performance-based career. Our students have ample opportunities for focused study and varied performance opportunities both within the Department and in the Columbus Metro Area. Some students pursuing the Bachelor of Music Performance choose to also enroll in relevant minors or concentrations to support their interests, both within the music program and across the university. Recent graduates perform with state and regional music organizations such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Columbus Jazz Arts Group; successful careers as freelance performers and cast members of national performing tours; engage in arts-administration work with organizations such as the Columbus Area Gay-Men’s Chorus, ProMusica, CAPA, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra; and pursue graduate degrees at institutions around the country.

In this program, you can… 

  • Engage in intensive study of performance technique and practice through individual applied lessons and performance ensembles like the Otterbein Concert Choir, the Otterbein Opera Theatre, the Wind Ensemble, and OtterCap Orchestra, and multiple chamber ensemble opportunities.
  • Get hands-on experience with performing arts administration and management through numerous internship opportunities. Recent internship placements include ProMusica and Solich Piano Company.
  • Deepen your understanding of performance practice through courses like Instrumental and Vocal Pedagogy, Conducting, and Orchestration and Arranging.
  • Demonstrate your musicianship and technical proficiency in two Capstone Recitals.

Students that graduate from this program go on to…

  • Careers in music performance, nationally and internationally.
  • Careers in private studio teaching and performing arts management.
  • Graduate study in music performance, pedagogy, music therapy, and musicology.
Student Learning Outcomes University Learning Goals (KMERI*)
1. All students in the music program should gain a broad knowledge and appreciation of important music within historical, cultural, and global contexts Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Inquisitive, Responsible
2. All music students will achieve proficiency in aural, reading, and keyboard skills. Technical: The Candidate will demonstrate proficiency in aural skills. Knowledgeable, Engaged, Inquisitive
3. All music students will achieve proficiency in aural, reading, and keyboard skills.” Technical: The Candidate will develop and demonstrate keyboard proficiency. Knowledgeable, Engaged, Inquisitive
4. The Candidate will demonstrate knowledge of music theory, as well as proficiency in musical analysis and creation. Knowledgeable, Engaged, Inquisitive
5. The Candidate will demonstrate mastery of his/her instrument or voice and articulate the processes used to develop oneself as a performing artist. Knowledgeable, Engaged
6. The candidate can perform a wide variety of repertoire from his/her major performance area, representing a cross-section of styles and historical periods. Multi-literate, Engaged
7. The candidate has knowledge and expertise with digital media as related to the music profession. Knowledgeable, Responsible

*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.

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