Piano Major (B.Mus.)
Program Overview
The curriculum for the Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance is rooted in applied music study and offers a wide array of performance opportunities and stimulating coursework. The degree program promotes high performance and academic standards and is designed for students demonstrating exceptional potential, technical aptitude, and an ability to interpret advanced repertoire. Students entering this degree track should be ready to commit to the rigorous preparation necessary to fully develop their artistic talents and abilities.
This degree track allows students to gain experience with both solo repertoire and ensemble playing, and includes the study of piano literature, piano pedagogy, and accompanying.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
All undergraduates, whether prospective freshmen or transfer students, are required to audition for admission to the degree programs offered by the School of Music. In general, students may not pursue coursework in the major until they have successfully auditioned and been admitted to a music degree program.
Students auditioning for the BM in Piano Performance are required to perform one composition from each of the following categories:
- Baroque: A prelude and fugue or other major work by J.S. Bach
- Classical: The first movement of a sonata by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or composer of similar difficulty (excluding Mozart Sonata, K. 545, Beethoven Sonatas, Op. 49, Nos. 1 and 2, and Op. 79)
- One contrasting selection from the 19th, 20th, or 21st century
Students will also be assigned a quick-study piece roughly one week prior to the audition. All repertoire must be performed from memory, with the exception of this quick-study piece and any contemporary works of particular complexity.
Change of Program Policy
Students currently attending Ohio University who wish to declare a major in music are required to audition for admission to the School of Music before they may declare the major.
External Transfer Admission
All undergraduates, whether prospective freshmen or transfer students, are required to audition for admission to the degree programs offered by the School of Music. In general, students may not pursue coursework in the major until they have successfully auditioned and been admitted to a music degree program.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
The program is a preprofessional course of study that prepares students to pursue advanced graduate degree programs in performance, to engage in professional performance activities, or to establish private teaching studios. The discipline and critical insights gained from pursuing a professional degree in music can also have implications for other career options.