Overview

The Performance programme at Northern Kentucky University is designed to cultivate the next generation of professional musicians through a rigorous and supportive curriculum. Students enrolled in this degree receive a well-rounded music education that balances technical mastery with real-world creative impact.

At Northern Kentucky University, the primary focus remains on undergraduate instruction, ensuring that every student receives personalised attention from world-travelled musicians and scholars. This individualised approach allows the faculty to understand the specific needs and artistic desires of each performer, creating a uniquely relevant educational experience.

The learning environment is enriched by the School of the Arts (SOTA) creative culture, which fosters collaboration and innovation.

Why Performance at Northern Kentucky University?

The institution is distinguished by its ability to offer intimate learning settings that larger universities often cannot provide. Facilities and partnerships allow students to engage with the Greater Cincinnati region’s vibrant arts scene, including participation in nationally recognised events like the BLINK lighting and art festival.

Global perspectives are a core component of the experience, with unique opportunities to study abroad in Salzburg, Austria, through the Kentucky Institute for International Studies. These international links enable students to earn degree credits while immersing themselves in the historical birthplace of classical music.

The university maintains strong connections with prestigious professional organisations, including the National Association for Music Education and the American String Teachers Association. Students also benefit from high-profile performance venues, with past ensembles appearing at Carnegie Hall and touring throughout Ireland.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 7692 per semester
National fee: USD 7692 per semester
Local fee: USD 5748 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide deep expertise in specific musical areas. Modules may include:

Instrumental Performance
Jazz Studies
Piano Pedagogy
Voice
Commercial Music Production
Traditional Composition
Music - Liberal Studies

Careers with Performance

Graduates from this programme are prepared for diverse roles within the global music industry. Alumni have successfully established themselves as orchestral percussionists and professional performers within major organisations such as the Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Akron Symphony Orchestras.

The training provided also serves as a robust foundation for further academic pursuit at prestigious graduate schools. Beyond performance, the skills acquired allow graduates to work as educators, session musicians, and creative directors across various sectors of the performing arts and entertainment industries.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Music Performance

Instrumental

Vocal

Keyboard

Jazz Studies

Piano Pedagogy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Highland Heights, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Performance View 2691 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Complete An Online Application

Pay the $40 Application Fee

Submit Password Photocopy

Submit Your Official Transcripts

Submit Proof of English Fluency

Request your ACT and/or SAT Test Scores to be sent to NKU

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

15384 USD / year

≈ 15384 USD / year
Out-of-State

15384 USD / year

≈ 15384 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11496 USD / year

≈ 11496 USD / year

Living costs

Highland Heights

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

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

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for 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

Highland Heights

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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