Music - Instrumental Performance Oakland University

Overview

The Music - Instrumental Performance programme at Oakland University offers a comprehensive professional pathway for dedicated musicians. Students enrolled at Oakland University engage in a rigorous curriculum that balances elite technical instruction with deep theoretical understanding and historical context.

Admission to this specialist degree involves a two-tiered process to ensure high standards of musical excellence. Applicants must first complete an entrance audition to demonstrate their current proficiency levels. Following initial enrolment, students undergo a major standing audition to confirm their suitability for advanced professional study.

Why Music - Instrumental Performance at Oakland University?

This programme is distinguished by its focus on pre-professional preparation within a supportive academic environment. Students have access to expert faculty and diverse performance opportunities that foster both individual growth and collaborative skills. The curriculum is designed to meet the specific needs of aspiring soloists and orchestral players.

The institution provides a structured environment where students can refine their craft using modern facilities. Through a combination of applied lessons and ensemble work, the university ensures that graduates are well-equipped for the demands of the contemporary music world. The focus remains on high-level artistry and professional readiness.

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 is structured to provide a thorough grounding in performance, theory, and history. Modules may include:

Applied Music and Performance

• Applied principal instrument
• Senior Recital
• Keyboard Technique
• Conducting
• Instrumental Repertoire and Pedagogy
• Instrumental Performance Topics

Theory and History

• 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: 1900-1989
• Opera and Drama
• Musical Analysis and Form
• Counterpoint
• Analysis of Music Since 1900

Ensembles and Electives

• University Chorus
• Oakland Chorale
• Chamber Orchestra
• Symphonic Band
• Wind Symphony
• Chamber music ensembles
• Creative Composition
• Recording Techniques
• Orchestration and Arranging
• Career Building for Musicians

Careers with Music - Instrumental Performance

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a variety of professional roles within the global music industry. Many pursue careers as professional orchestral musicians, solo performers, or chamber musicians. The rigorous training also provides a foundation for roles in instrumental pedagogy and music education.

Beyond performance, the skills acquired during the degree allow graduates to explore opportunities in arts administration and music production. The programme emphasises career building, ensuring students understand the professional landscape of the performing arts. This preparation helps alumni secure positions in diverse musical organisations and ensembles.