Overview

The Performance programme at The City University of New York provides students with a rigorous academic and practical foundation in musical artistry. This degree is designed to cultivate exceptional talent through disciplined practice and a deep engagement with diverse musical traditions and contemporary styles.

Students benefit from a vibrant creative environment where individual expression is balanced with collaborative excellence. The curriculum is structured to challenge performers to reach their highest potential while developing the critical thinking skills necessary for a successful career in the global arts sector.

The faculty consists of distinguished professionals who bring extensive industry experience to the classroom and rehearsal hall.

Why Performance at The City University of New York?

Choosing this programme means joining a prestigious community dedicated to excellence in the performing arts. The institution is renowned for its commitment to accessibility and academic rigour, providing a platform for students from all backgrounds to excel in their chosen musical disciplines.

The university maintains strong links with local and international arts organisations, offering students a gateway to the professional world. These connections facilitate a learning experience that extends beyond the classroom, integrating real-world perspectives into the core of the academic journey.

Facilities at the centre are designed to mirror professional environments, including specialised practice rooms and performance spaces. This ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the technical and acoustic demands of modern concert halls and recording studios across the globe.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 620 per credit
National fee: USD 620 per credit
Local fee: USD 305 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a balanced education in theory and practice. Modules may include:

Music Performance
Music Theory
Aural Skills
Chamber Music
Orchestral Studies
Music History
Composition
Conducting
Keyboard Harmony
Pedagogy

Careers with Performance

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a wide range of professional pathways within the creative industries. Many alumni pursue careers as soloists, orchestral musicians, or members of prestigious chamber ensembles in major cities worldwide.

Beyond the stage, the skills acquired during the degree are highly transferable to roles in arts administration, music production, and education. The rigorous training ensures that individuals are equipped to lead and innovate within various cultural and commercial organisations.

Industries such as media, broadcasting, and community arts also seek the expertise of highly trained performers. The ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively makes graduates valuable assets in any sector that prizes creativity, discipline, and high-level technical proficiency.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Conducting I
Principles of Instrumentation
Composition I
The Art of Keyboard Accompaniment
Italian Diction
German Diction

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Performance View 713 other Bachelors in Music Performance in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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

Other requirements

General requirements

English requirement: a minimum TOEFL of 500.
Apply to Queens College through the online CUNY application system.
Once your application is accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter from Queens College.
After acceptance, apply for your I-20 Visa through the Office of International Students and Scholars.

All undergraduate music applicants are required to take the Music Placement Exam on the day of the audition.

Applications are considered in the following areas:

Piano
Harpsichord
Organ
Voice
Strings
Woodwinds
Brass
Percussion
Classical Guitar

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

18600 USD / year

≈ 18600 USD / year
Out-of-State

18600 USD / year

≈ 18600 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9150 USD / year

≈ 9150 USD / year

Additional Details

$3465/semester for residents

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 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

Additional Details

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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