Music - Piano Pedagogy Oakland University

Overview

The Music - Piano Pedagogy programme at Oakland University offers students a professional foundation in both musical performance and the art of teaching. This Bachelor of Music degree is specifically designed for individuals who seek pre-professional preparation in music education and piano mastery.

Admission to this specialised course involves a two-tiered process to ensure high standards of musical proficiency. Applicants must first complete an entrance audition, followed by a major standing audition to continue into the professional stages of the curriculum.

Students benefit from a structured environment that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. The programme requires consistent participation in large ensembles and chamber music, fostering a collaborative atmosphere within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Why Music - Piano Pedagogy at Oakland University?

Oakland University provides a distinctive teaching environment where students receive individualised attention through applied music credits. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that the musical training meets rigorous academic and professional standards.

The facilities support a wide range of performance opportunities, from the University Chorus to the Wind Symphony. These ensembles allow students to apply their pedagogical knowledge in diverse settings while developing their own technical skills as pianists.

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 divided into core areas including applied music, theory, and specialised pedagogy. Modules may include:

• Piano
• Piano Technique Seminar
• Keyboard Skills for the Piano Major
• Accompanying for Piano Majors
• Music Theory
• Aural Skills
• History and Literature of Western Tonal Music
• Music of World Cultures
• Musical Analysis and Form
• History and Literature of Medieval and Renaissance Music
• History and Literature of Western Music from ca. 1850 to the Present
• Counterpoint
• Analysis of Music Since 1900
• The Nineteenth-Century Symphony: History, Performance and Analysis
• Berlin’s Musical Cultures: 1900-1989
• Seminar in Opera and Drama
• Piano Pedagogy
• Piano Repertoire
• Pedagogy Internship
• Senior Pedagogy Project

In addition to these subjects, students must participate in ensembles such as:

• University Chorus
• Oakland Chorale
• Chamber Orchestra
• Symphonic Band
• Wind Symphony
• Chamber Music

Careers with Music - Piano Pedagogy

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse roles within the music industry and educational sector. The focus on pedagogy ensures that students are well-equipped to work as private piano instructors or faculty members in music schools.

Beyond teaching, the rigorous performance requirements prepare students for careers as professional accompanists or performers. The comprehensive study of music history and theory also provides a foundation for further academic research or roles in arts administration.