a young woman playing violin

Instrumental Performance

The instrumental performance major at Anderson University prepares students with basic knowledge and performance skills needed to pursue graduate-level study and a career in performance. In addition to basic music, music education, and performance classes, instrumental performance majors must also complete 24 hours of private study in their primary performance area, 7 hours of major ensembles, and 2 hours of ensembles.

Program Overview

Instrumental Performance

  • Anderson University’s music program is known around the world. Alumni perform at the La Scala opera house in Italy, the Met, Carnegie Hall, at the Academy Awards, and at other international venues.
  • Guest artists and artists-in-residence visit the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance each year. Artists visiting AU include Canadian Brass, Van Cliburn gold medal pianist Jon Nakamatsu, Thodos Dance Chicago, and Indianapolis Baroque Ensemble.
  • Alumni successfully pursue graduate work at Indiana University, St. Thomas University, the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Boston University, and Vanderbilt University. Additionally, alumni Lawrence Brownlee, Sandi Patty, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jon McLaughlin, and the Sidewalk Prophets enjoy extremely successful careers in their genres.
  • Instrumental performance majors can join music ensembles, such as the wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, symphony orchestra, and more. Students in these three ensembles will perform in Anderson University’s Candles and Carols concert in the fall semester. Instrumental performance majors will also have private lessons and recitals.

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Options

Major

Complete the 80-hour Bachelor of Music at AU’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

Minors
  • Music (18 hours): The music minor includes music theory, aural comprehension, and music literature. Students also complete 4 hours of piano, 2 hours of applied study, and 2 hours of music ensembles.
  • Music Performance:
    • For students whose major is music business (15-16 hours): To ensure adequate performance level, students must audition on their primary instrument to be admitted into this program. Courses include Applied Study, Introduction to Conducting, and specialized courses for singers, pianists, and instrumentalists.
    • For students whose major is not in music (18 hours): To ensure adequate performance level, students must audition on their primary instrument to be admitted into this program. Courses include music theory, aural comprehension, piano, and private study.
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Careers

Instrumental performance majors can play professionally in orchestras, through musical theatre companies, on cruise ships, and more. Students can also open a studio for private instrument lessons. Pianists and organists can be accompanists for dance studios and private lessons, and can play professionally in churches and synagogues. Students can also continue their education into graduate school.

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Classes

​Among the classes in the 80 hour major are:

  • Music Theory
  • Music History
  • Introduction to Conducting
  • Piano Pedagogy
  • Aural Comprehension

View the complete curriculum for the instrumental performance major.

OUR instrumental performance FACULTY

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