Overview

The Music - Percussion programme at the University of Oklahoma provides an intensive conservatory-style education within a premier research institution. Students engage in rigorous technical training and diverse performance opportunities to prepare for professional careers in the global music industry.

This curriculum is designed to foster artistic excellence through a combination of individual instruction, ensemble participation, and theoretical study. Candidates must successfully pass a formal instrumental audition in addition to meeting standard university entry requirements to secure a place within the School of Music.

Why Music - Percussion at the University of Oklahoma?

The percussion department is recognised as one of the most prestigious programmes in the United States, noted for its excellence in recording, publishing, and commissioning new works. Students learn from distinguished faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields of performance and musicology.

The university houses the largest inventory of percussion instruments in the region, including an impressive range of marimbas and the only collegiate steel drum band in the state. Facilities at the Catlett Music Center include a dedicated percussion suite with MIDI labs, recording studios, and private practice rooms.

Performance opportunities are vast, allowing students to join the renowned Percussion Orchestra, the Marimba Band, or the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band. These ensembles provide vital experience in various musical styles, from classical orchestral settings to contemporary steel drum arrangements.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34414 per year
National fee: USD 23490 per year
Local fee: USD 5370 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on developing versatile musicianship across a variety of percussive disciplines. Modules may include:

Percussion Performance
Music Education
Musical Arts
Ensemble Performance
Percussion Pedagogy
Music Theory
Musicology
Composition

Careers with Music - Percussion

Graduates from this programme frequently secure prestigious positions in both academic and professional performance sectors. The rigorous training ensures that alumni are highly competitive for roles in orchestras, opera houses, and premier educational institutions across the country.

Common career paths for graduates include serving as professional orchestra members, solo performers, or private lesson instructors. Many alumni also find success as music publishers, arts agency administrators, or gallery directors within major cultural organisations such as the Smithsonian Institute.

In the field of education, graduates often become secondary school music teachers or university professors. Notable alumni have held faculty positions at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Oklahoma Baptist University, while others perform with the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra and various elite ensembles.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Musical Structures

Aural Skills

Musical Structures

20th- and 21st-Century Musical Structures

Forms and Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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100

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

123 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Norman, United States

Disciplines

Music Musicology Music Composition View 311 other Bachelors in Music Composition in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

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

Submit either the OU Application, Common Application, or Coalition Application. This includes a $40, non-refundable application fee for domestic applicants.

Official high school transcript that reflects at least six semesters of work completed and includes your GPA computed on an unweighted 4.0 scale and your class rank

Official test scores to us through ACT and/or The College Board. Your test scores may also be included on your official high school transcript

Letter of recommendation

Official copies of any AP or CLEP test scores

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

34414 USD / year

≈ 34414 USD / year
Out-of-State

23490 USD / year

≈ 23490 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

5370 USD / year

≈ 5370 USD / year

Living costs

Norman

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 Music - Percussion.

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

Norman

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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