Overview

The Music - Piano Performance programme at Oakland University offers a professional pathway for students dedicated to mastering the keyboard at the highest level. This Bachelor of Music degree combines intensive practical training with a robust academic foundation in musicology and theory to prepare graduates for the stage.

Students benefit from a structured two-tiered admission process, beginning with an entrance audition to demonstrate initial proficiency. Following this, a major standing audition ensures that performers meet the high standards required to continue into the professional stages of the curriculum at this prestigious institution.

The curriculum is designed to foster both individual brilliance and collaborative skills through a variety of performance opportunities.

Why Music - Piano Performance at Oakland University?

Oakland University provides a distinctive environment for musical growth, featuring specialised facilities and a faculty of accomplished performers. The programme is noted for its rigorous "major standing" requirement, which ensures a high level of competitive excellence among the student body.

The institution offers a rich performance culture, requiring students to attend numerous professional events each year to broaden their musical horizons. Partnerships within the College of Arts and Sciences allow for a diverse educational experience, blending elite conservatory-style training with university resources.

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

Modules may include:

Piano
Senior Recital
Piano Technique Seminar
Keyboard Skills for the Piano Major I
Keyboard Skills for the Piano Major II
Accompanying for Piano Majors
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
Musical Analysis and Form
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
University Chorus
Oakland Chorale
Chamber Orchestra
Symphonic Band
Wind Symphony
Chamber Music

Careers with Music - Piano Performance

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse roles within the music industry, including professional solo performance and collaborative accompaniment. The rigorous training also supports careers in private studio teaching and institutional music education.

The comprehensive curriculum ensures that students are equipped to work with various musical organisations, from professional orchestras to chamber ensembles. Many alumni also pursue further postgraduate study to specialise in performance, conducting, or musicology at international conservatoires.

Programme Structure

Courses:

History and Literature of Western Tonal Music
Music of World Cultures
History and Literature of Medieval and Renaissance Music
Musical Analysis and Form
The Nineteenth-Century Symphony: History, Performance and Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Rochester Hills, 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

100

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

A completed Oakland University admission application. While an essay is optional, interested students may choose to include an essay for consideration

Cumulative high school grade point averages of 3.2 or above. Applicants with cumulative grade point averages below 3.2, but above 2.5, may be admitted after consideration of the quality of academic preparation. Scholarship awards are based on a student's academic record at the time of admission

SAT or ACT scores are no longer required for the incoming classes, for students with a minimum high school GPA of 2.5

Number and types of college preparatory courses

Positive trend of grades

English language proficiency test score reports

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

23867 USD / year

≈ 23867 USD / year
Out-of-State

23867 USD / year

≈ 23867 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16772 USD / year

≈ 16772 USD / year

Living costs

Rochester Hills

United States

1000 - 1500 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 Music - Piano 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

Rochester Hills

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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