Overview

The Music Performance programme at Portland State University provides students with world-class instruction designed to refine their musical craft within a vibrant urban setting. This degree empowers undergraduates to become confident performers while pursuing ambitious professional goals in the heart of a major arts district.

Students receive a thorough foundation in music through specialised coursework covering keyboard skills, music theory, and instrumental performance. The curriculum is delivered by nationally and internationally renowned faculty who provide one-on-one mentorship during applied lessons. Immersive experiences are available through award-winning large ensembles, chamber groups, and solo recitals.

Why Music Performance at Portland State University?

Portland State University is located in the centre of downtown Portland, just steps away from the Oregon Symphony and the city’s performing arts district. This prime location offers unmatched opportunities for hands-on learning and community connections that are vital for emerging professional musicians.

The institution holds the prestigious All-Steinway School designation and is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. As a national College of Distinction, the university is recognised for its commitment to student success, providing the facilities and expertise needed to make a significant impact in the musical field.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on developing technical mastery and theoretical understanding. Modules may include:

Music Theory
Classical Instrumental Performance
Keyboard Skills
Pedagogy
Chamber Ensembles
Large Ensembles
Applied Lessons
Solo Recital

Careers with Music Performance

Graduates are well-prepared for advanced study or immediate entry into the professional music industry. Many alumni pursue careers as freelance performers, private instructors, or orchestral musicians. Others find success in specialised roles such as arts administrators, arrangers, producers, and composers.

Recent graduates have secured positions with prestigious organisations including the Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera, and the Kennedy Center. Alumni have also gained admission to elite graduate programmes at institutions such as the Eastman School of Music, Northwestern University, and the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Theory

Sight-Singing/Ear Training

Advanced Class Piano

Music History: Classical & Romantic

Form & Analysis

Conducting

Wind Ensemble

Orchestra

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Music Performance View 721 other Bachelors in Music Performance in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music Performance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners