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B.M. in Music Performance

The Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Performance at Biola's Conservatory of Music is designed to help you develop your skills to the highest level possible within a four year degree, all within a supportive community of musicians dedicated to helping you grow.

In addition to its strong curriculum, expert faculty members and biblical integration, Biola’s music performance program offers several key advantages:

  • Highly respected, experienced faculty
  • Strong academic preparation for graduate school
  • Over 20 performance ensembles
  • Active chamber music program
  • Weekly studio classes
  • On-campus performance competitions
  • Master classes by world-renowned artists
  • Supportive community of dedicated Christian musicians
  • Close proximity to Los Angeles and access to performances by world-renowned artists in music genres from classical to pop, jazz and world music
  • Special scholarships and awards available to performers

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Concentrations

  • Instrumental
  • Instrumental and Voice
  • Piano/Organ
  • Piano/Organ and Instrumental
  • Piano/Organ and Voice
  • Voice

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Courses

What will I study as a music performance major?

As a music performance major, you are assured a comprehensive and enriching musical education through a broad range of onstage opportunities and in-depth classes. Graduate with a wide-array of solo, chamber and large ensemble performance experience. Concentrations offered for this degree are in the areas of Voice, Instrumental, Piano and Organ performance.

Some of your courses include:

Concert Music (MUSC 200)

Attendance at specified number and types of concerts each semester. Notes: Four semesters required for graduation. Grade Mode: A.

Basic Conducting (MUSC 323)

Basic conducting skills; the psychology of conducting; observation of choral and orchestral rehearsals. Grade Mode: A.

Music Cultures of the World (MUSC 410)

An introductory study of the interrelationships between music and culture through the examination of the music of varying cultures. Basic elements of music as they are found in world cultures will be studied. Grade Mode: A.

Bible and Theology Coursework

As part of Biola’s commitment to a biblically centered education, most undergraduate students complete 30 credits of biblical and theological studies as a part of their degree program. Learn more about our Bible and theology core.

Career Outlook and Preparation

What can you do with a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance?

Biola music performance majors have gone on to top graduate schools and a wide range of professional careers, including:

  • Performing artists in professional orchestras and opera houses
  • University and K-12 educators
  • Private studio instructors
  • Session and solo singers and instrumentalists and recording artists
  • Choral and instrumental conductors
  • Recording engineers and producers
  • Creative business entrepreneurs

Our alumni have performed  in organizations and companies such as:

  • Baltimore Symphony
  • Atlanta Opera
  • Tuscany Symphony Orchestra
  • Ahmanson Theatre Orchestra
  • Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles
  • Elaine Wolf Theatre, Denver
  • Tri-Cities Opera, New York
  • Disneyland Parks
  • Carnegie Hall
  • Major Los Angeles Recording Studios
  • Houston Grand Opera
  • Royal Opera House, London
  • America's Got Talent, as a member of "Vox," the classically-trained vocal quartet specializing in opera, musical theatre and crossover music

4% job growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for musicians and singers is projected to be as fast as average between 2021 and 2031.

BLS projections are not specific to Biola University students or graduates.


Christie George

The guides placed in my life, in the form of teachers and mentors, helped to ready me technically, spiritually and mentally, as they pushed me to ask better questions and to practice my instrument with a daily faithfulness which was separate from musical "passion."

College Professor/Piano Instructor
Music Performance, B.M. '14
Hannah Gallagher

Even though I did not enter into the field of music therapy until after my years at Biola, the knowledge I gained was immensely important. I received a high-quality music education, which allowed me to enter into the field of music therapy with confidence and ease. Now, I get an opportunity to serve marginalized individuals with music every day. I am able to walk alongside people, using music to decrease their anxiety, help them express their emotions, or simply give them a voice to be heard.

Music Therapist
Performance (Cello), B.M. ‘13
Sofiya Prykhitko

Everything we do should bring glory to God and Biola's Conservatory has allowed me to do that through my music with the violin, either in orchestra, chamber groups and individual practice.

Sofiya Prykhitko
Music Performance, B.M. '17, Music Education, B.M. '18
Matt Ordaz

Biola's gifted professors and loving community met me where I was at, helped to foster my growth, and inspired me to become the best musician I could be. Numerous ensembles and performance opportunities provided me with priceless experiences to work with many other musicians in different settings that prepared me for the professional world. After graduation I have been blessed to continue my relationship with the people I met at Biola (both faculty and students) who continually support me and show me what it means to truly trust God with my music career.

Performing and Recording Percussionist, Music Educator
Performance (Drums and Percussion), B.M. '14
Anna Cottrell

Attending Biola as both a nursing and music performance student allowed me to glean from a host of professors and peers that have lived out their faith in a variety of professions. The personal and spiritual growth that I experienced from my time at Biola has empowered me to share Christ’s love with others regardless of whether I am giving medications to a patient in the ER, playing my viola in church or assisting in compiling the district reports of teenage pregnancy and newly acquired HIV infections in an African village.

Nurse, Peace Corp Community Health Volunteer
Performance (Viola) '10, B.M. and Nursing, B.S. '10

Admissions

Admissions Process

Learn about Biola’s admissions requirements, steps to apply, application deadlines and more at our Undergraduate Admissions page.

Program-Specific Admissions Requirements

Students interested in majoring in B.M. in Music Performance are required to complete a Conservatory application and audition.

Explore the Conservatory Application Process

Explore the Audition Process

Schedule a Visit

Learn more about this program by attending an upcoming event for prospective students and parents, or by scheduling a personalized visit.

Visit Biola

Tuition and Financial Aid

Attaining a degree from Biola is more affordable than you might think — dramatically lower than the “sticker price” in most cases — with 100% of incoming undergraduate students receiving some form of financial aid.

Faculty


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Format

You'll study in person at Biola University's campus in Southern California.

Total Credits

Total program credits include major-specific courses and Biola's core curriculum.

Standard Completion Time

This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary depending on transferred coursework and preferred courseload.

Accreditation

Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.