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Music Performance (B.M.)

Prepare for a Professional Career on Stage and Beyond

Prepare to perform in an opera, musical, recording studio, orchestra, band, chorus, chamber ensemble or as a soloist. The Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Dayton helps you refine your abilities in music performance to begin working or pursuing graduate studies after graduation. You'll have a multitude of individual and group performance opportunities, including solo competitions, workshops, masterclasses and national and international travel with our ensembles.

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Fast Facts

NASM accredited

National Association of Schools of Music accredited

100% of students

perform in solo recitals
About the Music Performance (B.M.) Program

Why study music performance at UD?

Private Instruction and Performance Opportunities

As a music performance major, you'll receive extensive private instruction in your area of specialization. Solo recitals will enhance your performance skills and you will take special courses related to your performance area. For example, vocalists take classes in diction and vocal literature, while keyboard players may take classes in pedagogy.

Ensembles

A variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles allow students the opportunity to perform regularly on and off campus.

Professional Faculty

Our faculty bring years of professional experience and performance techniques to you in the classroom.

NASM Accredited

The Universit of Dayton is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

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Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about music performance at UD.

Catholic, Marianist Education
UD Is Home
Holistic Advising
Experiential Learning

How do I apply to the music performance program?

Students seeking admission to any Bachelor of Music degree program must be admitted to the University of Dayton by the Office of Admission and accepted by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts through a process that includes:

  • An interview with a faculty member in the appropriate degree program.
  • Submission to the Department ofVisual and Performing Arts of a short essay (500 words or less) that addresses "Why I Want to Be a Music Major."

Transfer students pursuing a major in music education must complete at least 20 of the required semester hours in the Department ofVisual and Performing Arts while in residence at the University of Dayton.

Applying to UD

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

Academic Catalog
Performing Arts Scholarship
Audition Information
Admission Information

What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

A Performing Arts Scholarship is available for music students who participate in audition day. The George Koenig Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding music education major in the Pride of Dayton marching band.

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Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate Financial Aid
Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Music Performance (B.M.) Degree Requirements and Information
Requirements

The Bachelor of Music, Music Performance degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

About the Degree

The Bachelor of Music degree offers professional training and emphasize advanced musical skills, theoretical foundations and experiential learning in the field, supported by close faculty mentorship. All music majors develop creativity, discipline, teamwork and critical thinking skills that transfer to a wide variety of careers.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Auditions and Scholarships
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • MUS 111 – Theory of Music I
    2
  • MUS 113 – Aural Skills I
    2
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 or 499 – Performance Studies
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • MUS 112 – Theory of Music II
    2
  • MUS 114 – Aural Skills II
    2
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS 300 – World Musics and Faith Traditions
    3
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 OR 499 – Performance Studies
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 3
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS 211 – Theory of Music III
    2
  • MUS 213 – Aural Skills III
    2
  • MUS 240 – Fundamentals of Conducting
    2
  • MUS 301 – Understanding Music History in the West
    3
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 OR 499 – Performance Studies
    4
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 4
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS 212 – Theory of Music IV
    2
  • MUS 214 – Aural Skills IV
    2
  • MUS 250 – Second Year Review
    0
  • MUS 302 – Ethics and American Popular Music
    3
  • MUS 318 – Fundamentals of Arranging
    2
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 OR 499 – Performance Studies
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 5
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 OR 499 – Performance Studies
    4
  • MUS 399 – Performance Studies (minor area)
    2
  • Music Elective
    2
  • CAP Natural Science with Lab
    4
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 6
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 OR 499 – Performance Studies
    4
  • MUS 399 – Performance Studies (minor area)
    2
  • MUS 450 – Degree Recital
    0
  • Music Electives
    3
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 7
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 OR 499 – Performance Studies
    4
  • MUS Electives
    4
  • CAP Mathematics
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 12
Semester 8
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 OR 499 – Performance Studies
    4
  • MUS 450 – Degree Recital
    0
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
    3
  • General Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 14
* Choose from MUS 390, 491, 492, 493 or 494.
** Choose from MUS 390, 491, 492, 493, 494 or 495.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Auditions and Scholarships
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all majors

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Music Performance Experience

Customize Your Degree

You can tailor your degree to match your unique interests with a minor. Work with your holistic advisor to find the best path for you.

Explore Available Minors

Roger Glass Center for the Arts

The Roger Glass Center for the Arts elevates the arts on campus and provides greater connection with the Dayton community through a variety of performances and art exhibits.

Explore the Roger Glass Center for the Arts

Music Ensembles

A variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles give you opportunities to perform — and hear — your own works brought to life.

Explore Ensembles

Dean's Summer Fellowship

Work under the guidance of a full-time faculty mentor on your self-directed research project as a Dean's Summer Fellow.

Learn More About the Dean's Summer Fellowship
Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.

Student Support
Community
Experiential Learning
Outcomes
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Ready to Study Music Performance?

Let’s create your future. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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