Music Performance
Your life can be measured by hours of instruction, practice, recitals and competitions. Your instrument is just as much a part of you as your limbs and your breath. So, for you, studying music performance is an easy choice, because it’s really not a choice at all. It’s a necessity.
What to Expect
As a music major with a concentration in music performance, you can choose from nine performance areas: brass, conducting, guitar, jazz, keyboard, percussion, strings, voice and woodwinds.
Every performance area is designed to maximize your potential, enhancing the technical skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a professional musician. While some instruction happens in the classroom, other skills are developed by performing in symphonies, operas, quartets, bands and ensembles.
An audition is required to be considered for admission to all music degree programs.
Undergraduate Degree
B Bachelor of Music (B.M.) — Performance Emphasis
Offered by the School of Music, this degree provides excellent general education combined with rigorous training in an area of emphasis.
The following courses fulfill some of the requirements for a Bachelor of Music:
- Music Theory I-IV
- Aural Skills I-IV
- History of Western Music I - III
- Recital Class (and laboratory)
- Music Advocacy I: Understanding the Power of Your Music
- Conducting
- Ensemble
- Pedagogy
Apply for Undergraduate Admission
Our Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides the most current information on the application process so you can check the requirements based on your current status and find university scholarships.
The University of South Carolina School of Music provided me with unmatched support and encouragement as I began my journey toward a professional music career. I had opportunities to play with and learn from an incredible community of students and faculty members.
Graduate Degrees
One-on-one training with world-class faculty members and visiting artist/teachers and diverse performance opportunities prepare our graduates for the challenges of a career in music. The School of Music offers a Master of Music with a music performance concentration, a Doctor of Musical Arts degree program and a certificate program in music performance.
Graduate Director: Clifford Leaman, 803-576-5893, cleaman@mozart.sc.edu
Program Contact: Traci Hair, 803-777-4106, thair@mozart.sc.edu
Application information for graduate programs is available through The Graduate School.
Graduate Director: Clifford Leaman, 803-576-5893, cleaman@mozart.sc.edu
Program Contact: Traci Hair, 803-777-4106, thair@mozart.sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
Graduate Director: Clifford Leaman, 803-576-5893, cleaman@mozart.sc.edu
Program Contact: Traci Hair, 803-777-4106, thair@mozart.sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
Apply to Graduate School
Learn more about The Graduate School, degree options and how to apply for admission to doctoral, master’s, certificate and combination degree programs at South Carolina.