B.M. Degree in Performance

It is intended that this degree be pursued by students who wish to 1) pursue a career as a professional performer; or 2) teach privately or on the college/university level; or 3) concentrate on developing their performance skill to the highest level possible within the context of a four-year bachelors degree program.

The primary objective of this program is that of preparing students for graduate study in performance, which is considered a foundational standard in pursuing a performing career or a career as a teacher, whether privately or on the college-university level. This degree program adheres to the standard as it is articulated by the major schools of music in the U.S., although it is recognized that not all students completing the BM Performance degree will actually choose to enroll in a graduate program in performance. Performance area options available to Biola music majors include: voice, wind instruments, percussion, stringed instruments (including harp and guitar), piano, and organ.

Emphases

In addition to your major, the Conservatory of Music offers 5 emphases:

Note: Completion of the music major fulfills the general education requirement for both degree programs in fine arts. Students in both degree programs must maintain a 2.00 GPA in the major and receive a minimum grade of "C-" in each course. Candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree are exempt from the general education requirement in foreign language, literature and need take only five units in mathematics and/or science.

Note: Voice performance students who plan further graduate study are encouraged to take courses in French, German, or Italian since proficiency in two of these is usually required for entrance into graduate programs in vocal performance.