Applied Performance: Instrumental

Students with strong performance skills are prepared for graduate studies in music. They become professional musicians, college and university teachers, or private studio teachers.

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Why should I study instrumental applied performance?

As an instrumental student, you'll choose one instrument of focus, but you'll also receive instruction in multiple groups of instruments to be a well-rounded performing musician.

What can I do with this degree?

Our alumni are performers and instructors in a variety of capacities, with professional music groups, at colleges and universities, and as in-house musicians and musical directors for churches and other organizations.

What skills will I develop?

Advanced musical theory
Rich knowledge of music history and literature
Conducting
Pedagogy in several instrumental types
Collaboration in performance, teaching, and interpersonally
Creative problem-solving

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

Collaboration with Faculty: Work one-on-one with your professors to hone technical skills and collaborate on research and performances.

Musical Tours: You'll perform with one of our highly-regarded musical groups, which travel around the Twin Cities, the country, and even around the world.

Performance Opportunities: Several home events like Festival of Christmas, Classics in the Great Hall, and Jazz in the Great Hall also mean you'll perform regularly in our Benson Great Hall, a premier venue in the Twin Cities metro.

Academic Plans and Course Catalog

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Alumni perform in local musical theatre productions at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, the Ordway, the Guthrie, and the Minnesota Children’s Theatre Company.

full- and part-time faculty