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Performance (Keyboard), BMUS

Elevate your keyboard performance and expand your repertoire of solo and chamber works through individualized instruction with distinguished faculty and visiting guest artists. This program helps you refine your artistry note by note.

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A student plays a grand piano on a concert stage, showcasing the field explored in the BMUS in Performance (Keyboard).

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: General program math intensity general
First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
Any math course that meets the MATH designation.
View more details

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Performance (Keyboard) degree description

In the Bachelor of Music program in performance with a concentration in keyboard, you focus on the study of literature and techniques of the piano or organ. You learn to express yourself musically while practicing the skills that are necessary to pursue a career as a professional musician. The course of study includes extensive performance experience.

Why specialize in keyboard at ASU?

As a pianist, you can broaden your skills on harpsichord, organ and collaborative piano, and study across genres that include hybrid and electronic music. You are also encouraged to cross-train in chamber music and vocal coaching, building a versatile musical foundation.

Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
MHL 140 Sounds and Cultures
MTC 125 Music Theory I
MTC 221 Music Theory II
MTC 222 Music Theory III
MUP 127 Studio Instruction
MUP 209 Beginning Choral Conducting

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Students will develop performance practices in the context of diverse musical settings and genres, demonstrating familiarity with the literature of their instrument.
  • Students will be able to critically evaluate their instrument’s repertoire and pedagogy to develop a unique musical style.
  • Graduates will be able to produce a research study focusing on musical elements, social uses of music, and interplay among performers, composers and institutions.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

Important: Applicants must submit an ASU application for undergraduate admission in addition to a separate School of Music, Dance and Theatre application. Admission to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre is based on an audition. Auditions take place in November (spring admission) and in January and February (fall admission) of each year.

Admission to the music program is highly selective and based on an audition process. Students are admitted as music audition students and must successfully complete the audition before enrolling in music major courses. Upon admission to both ASU and the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, the applicant's major is changed to music. If a student is admitted to ASU but not to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre or misses the audition deadline, the student remains a music audition major and must successfully pass the music audition milestone in the first semester to gain admission into the program.

Application deadlines: Students should review the complete music deadline information.

Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 15.

Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is January 5.

Transfer admission requirements:

Transfer applicants: Transfer of courses from other accredited institutions is subject to the existence of parallel and equal courses in the college's curriculum and to departmental or school evaluation of studio and class piano courses with respect to performance standards.

Every candidate for the bachelor's degree must earn a minimum of 30 hours in resident credit at ASU. Transfer students enrolled in the institute must complete a minimum of 15 resident credit hours in the major as approved by the faculty.

Application deadlines: Students should review the complete music deadline information.

Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 15.

Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is January 5.

Students who want to change their major to this program should reference the audition requirements listed in the admission requirements section above.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

Students who experience music in different countries can expand their understanding of musical performance. With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, performance students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Art Professor 2.2% $78,620
Music Producer 1.2% $73,710
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners 1.9% $46,420
Musician/Singer 0.3% Not available

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Careers this keyboard concentration prepares you for

Graduates are prepared for work in various professional or entrepreneurial capacities, including:

  • performing as a concert soloist or in chamber music ensembles
  • performing as a freelance musician in venues such as art galleries, churches, clubs, cruise ships, resorts, restaurants and theme parks
  • presenting school programs or serving on state or community arts councils as an artist-in-residence
  • recording and studio work
  • teaching privately or in a professional music school, or college or university program
  • working in music-related fields such as media production or music business, publishing or marketing

Many graduates pursue a master's degree or a doctorate in music or in another professional field.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

School of Music, Dance and Theatre | MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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