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Performance (Orchestral Instrument) ,BMUS

Performance (Orchestral Instrument), BMUS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Performance (Orchestral Instrument)

Bassoon, Brass, Concert, Conductor, Drum, Music Performance, Music Teacher, Musician, Orchestra, Percussion, Performance, Performance Studies, Strings, Woodwind, arts

Learn to be a flexible and sensitive soloist or a musician in a variety of settings such as an orchestra, band or chamber ensemble.

Program description

The BMus program in performance with a concentration in an orchestral instrument focuses on the study of music literature and techniques on a specific orchestral instrument.

Students receive coaching from world-renowned faculty and visiting guest artists, attend master classes and receive extensive performance experience in large ensembles as a chamber musician and as a soloist. Students study a specific orchestral instrument intensively with a faculty member for eight semesters including major repertoire, solo literature and chamber music.

Additionally, students learn skills that are required of highly successful working musicians, including audition preparation, networking, learning organizational strategies, opportunity creation and developing an entrepreneurial mindset.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics Any math course that meets the MATH designation.
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Additional requirements:

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 will be 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 will remain 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 credit 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.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

An ASU student who would like to change majors to one offered by the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.

An audition and music application are required. Students should reference the audition requirements listed in the admissions requirements above.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Develop performance practices in the context of diverse musical settings and genres, demonstrating familiarity with the literature of their instrument.
  • Evaluate an instrument’s repertoire and pedagogy to develop a unique musical style.
  • Produce a research study focusing on musical elements, social uses of music, and interplay among performers, composers, and institutions.
Global opportunities
Global experience

Students who experience music in different countries can expand their understanding of musical performance. They are exposed to distinct and diverse cultural environments which enable them to develop an understanding of other forms of artistic expression. Global Education opportunities can shape the student musically while offering the global perspective and knowledge they will need when pursuing a career as an international professional musician.

With more than 300 Global Education options available, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs.

The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts recommends these programs for students majoring in performance.

Career opportunities

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

  • performing as a concert soloist; as a freelance musician in venues such as art galleries, churches, clubs, cruise ships, resorts, restaurants and theme parks; or performing in orchestras, chamber music ensembles, music theatre and opera pit ensembles
  • presenting school and community programs
  • recording and studio work
  • teaching privately or as part of a college or university program
  • working in music-related fields such as media production, music business, publishing and marketing

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

Career example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.


Career *Growth *Median salary
1.1%
$62,940
-9.4%
$38,150
1.2%
Not available
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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