Instrumental Performance Oakland University

Overview

The Instrumental Performance programme at Oakland University offers a comprehensive professional curriculum for students seeking to excel in the competitive world of music. This Bachelor of Music degree combines rigorous practical training with deep theoretical knowledge to prepare graduates for successful careers in performance and education.

Admission to this specialist track involves a two-tiered process to ensure high artistic standards. Prospective students must first pass an entrance audition to demonstrate their current proficiency. Once enrolled, students undergo a major standing audition to confirm their readiness for advanced professional study within the school.

The curriculum is structured to provide a balanced musical education, covering history, literature, and technical skills.

Why Instrumental Performance at Oakland University?

Oakland University provides a vibrant artistic environment within the College of Arts and Sciences. The programme is distinguished by its focus on both solo and collaborative musicianship, offering students access to diverse performance opportunities. Facilities support a range of instrumental specialisations, from orchestral strings to wind and percussion.

Teaching features a blend of individual instruction and ensemble participation, fostering a community of dedicated performers. The university's commitment to professional preparation is evident in its capstone requirements, which include a senior recital. This serves as a public demonstration of the student's technical mastery and artistic growth.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 23867 per year
• National fee: USD 23867 per year
• Local fee: USD 16772 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum includes a variety of core musical subjects and performance requirements. Modules may include:

• Keyboard Technique
• Music Theory
• Aural Skills
• History and Literature of Western Tonal Music
• Music of World Cultures
• History and Literature of Medieval and Renaissance Music
• History and Literature of Western Music from ca. 1850 to the Present
• The Nineteenth-Century Symphony: History, Performance and Analysis
• Berlin’s Musical Cultures
• Opera and Drama
• Musical Analysis and Form
• Counterpoint
• Analysis of Music Since 1900
• University Chorus
• Oakland Chorale
• Chamber Orchestra
• Symphonic Band
• Wind Symphony
• Conducting
• Instrumental Repertoire and Pedagogy
• Instrumental Performance Topics
• Creative Composition
• Recording Techniques
• Orchestration and Arranging
• Career Building for Musicians

Careers with Instrumental Performance

Graduates of the programme are prepared for a variety of professional pathways in the global music industry. Many pursue roles as soloists, orchestral musicians, or chamber performers. The comprehensive training also supports careers in private instrumental teaching and music education.

Beyond performance, the skills gained in the programme allow graduates to work in arts administration, recording, and music production. The focus on career building ensures that students understand the professional landscape, including self-promotion and audition techniques necessary for securing positions in prestigious ensembles and institutions.