Overview

The Historical Performance programme at Indiana University Bloomington provides an immersive environment where the musical past is brought to life through rigorous academic and practical study. Students at the Jacobs School of Music engage with a field-leading curriculum designed to foster technical mastery and historical authenticity.

Each student receives dedicated mentorship through private lessons with expert faculty members. Instruction is available across a diverse range of period specialisms, including voice, recorder, traverso, and historical clarinet. You may also focus on the cornetto, natural horn, sackbut, viola da gamba, lute, theorbo, or historical guitars. Keyboard players can study the harpsichord and fortepiano, while orchestral students focus on Baroque oboe, bassoon, trumpet, violin, viola, or cello.

Why Historical Performance at Indiana University Bloomington?

Founded in 1980, the Historical Performance Institute is a pioneering programme in the United States with a defining influence on the profession. The department features six full-time and nine part-time faculty members who are internationally recognised leaders in their fields. This expertise ensures that students receive world-class training within a supportive and highly successful global alumni network.

The programme is uniquely positioned within a major research university, offering valuable interdisciplinary perspectives. Students can enhance their studies through the Medieval Studies Institute, the Renaissance Studies centre, and the Center for Eighteenth-Century Studies. Additional insights are available through the Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology, as well as the Musicology and Music Theory departments.

Facilities at the Jacobs School of Music are designed to support high-level artistic development. The campus provides a "compleat" experience, blending practical performance with deep academic research. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for professional careers in the international early music scene.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 42294 per year
National fee: USD 42294 per year
Local fee: USD 12142 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Baroque Cello
Viola da gamba
Fortepiano
Harpsichord
Historical bassoons
Voice
Recorder
Natural Trumpet
Cornetto
Historical Trombones
Baroque Violin
Historical Clarinets
Historical Keyboards
Historical oboes
Natural Horn
Lute
Theorbo
Historical guitars

Careers with Historical Performance

Graduates of this programme have established a substantial international network of successful professionals. Alumni often secure roles as soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestral players within prestigious early music ensembles globally. The rigorous training also prepares students for careers in musicology, period instrument curation, and higher education teaching.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History and Literature of Music

Musical Skills

Topics in Music Theory

Music and Ideas

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bloomington, United States

Disciplines

History Music Music Performance View 1565 other Bachelors in History 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

Duolingo English Test

115

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

Academic performance and preparation
Strength and quality of your high school curriculum
Anticipated completion of secondary school before you start at IU
Recent grade trends
SAT or ACT results
Essays
Extracurricular activities
Community service
Work experience

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

42294 USD / year

≈ 42294 USD / year
Out-of-State

42294 USD / year

≈ 42294 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12142 USD / year

≈ 12142 USD / year

Living costs

Bloomington

United States

1071 - 1733 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 Historical 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

Bloomington

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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