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Music Performance, B.S.

Program Highlights

FOLLOW YOUR PASSION
Participate in hands-on learning through observation and practicum experiences.

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS
Enjoy a wealth of opportunities to perform as a soloist and in ensembles.

BE CHALLENGED AND INSPIRED
Hone your talents under the guidance of conservatory-level private instructors.

Want more information about Roberts?

Download a guide with detailed information on costs, scholarships, and Roberts' majors and programs!

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The Roberts Music Department is a place where you can devote yourself entirely to music. I will never forget how much love I received from everyone in the music department and all over the campus.

Qiming Sheng ‘22 (Music)

How Much Will I Pay?

two students standing in the sun

Total Program
Sticker Price:

$52,127


Last year

100%

of full-time freshmen students who applied 
for a scholarship received one

$25,324

average grants & scholarships package
for incoming freshman students last year

Roberts' Strategic Pillars

Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Programs In Rochester, NY

ANCHORED IN CHRISTIAN FAITH

You’ll be spiritually prepared for engagement in a diverse world.

CUSTOMIZED EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS

Whatever your interests and circumstances, you’ll be equipped for your one-of-a-kind vocation.

READY TO
LEAD

You’ll be ready to lead, making meaningful contributions in your profession.

FLOURISHING PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES

Empowered to act in local and practical ways, you’ll make a difference in the communities where you live and work.

Courses and Requirements

View major requirements and more.

What Will I Learn?

Being a musician is more than just knowing what notes to play or how to play them. Successful performers embody musical and personal integrity, artistic humility, and professionalism. That’s what you’ll learn at Roberts.

You’ll study:

  • Voice or the instrument of your choice
  • Piano skills
  • Performance skills and professional etiquette
  • High-level musicianship and interpretation
  • Music theory and history
  • Composition and conducting
  • Collaborative piano (for piano majors)

Career Outlook

Here are just a few successes our graduates have achieved:

Roberts Graduates Have Performed With

  • Metropolitan Opera
  • Met Opera National Council Audition
  • Rochester and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestras
  • Berlin Opera Academy
  • Zürich Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Classical Singer Vocal Competition
  • National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition
  • Amalfi Coast Festival
  • Opera Theatre of St. Louis
  • San Francisco Opera Merola Program
  • Finger Lakes Opera Company
  • Amore Opera
  • NY Charleston Symphony Orchestra
  • Symphoria Syracuse Orchestra
  • Caramoor Festival

Careers

  • Soloist
  • Orchestral musician
  • Chamber ensemble musician
  • Opera singer
  • Recording artist
  • Private studio teacher
  • Church musician
  • Collegiate-level teacher
  • Worship leader
  • Accompanist/collaborative artist
  • Arts administrator/manager
  • Historical performer of early instruments
  • Adjudicator
  • Composer/arranger
  • Film Scoring
  • Jazz musician
  • Conductor
  • Orchestra personnel manager
  • Ethnomusicologist
  • Musicologist
  • Music theorist
  • Clinician/presenter
  • Community or institution arts director

Graduate Schools

  • Eastman School of Music
  • Cincinnati College-Conservatory
  • University of North Texas
  • Bard College Conservatory
  • New England Conversatory
  • Peabody Conservatory
  • Northwestern University
  • Cleveland Institute of Music
  • Ithaca College
  • DePaul University
  • University of Connecticut
  • University of Michigan
  • Florida State University
  • Zürich University of the Arts

Frequently Asked Questions

A music performance degree from Roberts will prepare you for whichever music career path you choose to pursue – whether you’d like to be a soloist, orchestral musician, opera singer, private or collegiate music teacher, church musician, or something else.

Courses include individual lessons, aural skills, conducting, field experience, jazz theory, music in the church, classes specific to the field in which you are interested, and more.

A music performance degree can prepare you for a wide range of careers, including becoming a:

  • Soloist
  • Opera singer
  • Musical theatre singer
  • Orchestral musician
  • Recording artist
  • Private teacher
  • Worship leader
  • Composer
  • Music theorist
  • Music department chair
  • Jazz musician

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for musicians and singers in May 2021 was $30.49.

However, it’s important to note that music performers’ earnings range greatly, depending largely on level of fame, experience, position, location, and more.

According to the US Bureau of Labor, the median annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school teachers was around $61,000 in 2020. Though this is for all teachers, salaries vary due to area, level, field, and employer.

Yes! If you come to campus for an individual visit, you can meet individually with a professor to get an overview of the major and your individual questions answered. Our Discovery Day events typically include a Faculty & Services Expo, where you can meet your future professors.

Yes! At Roberts, we’re dedicated to supporting you. Our Office of Student Financial Services is here to help you make the most of every financial aid opportunity available.

We provide financial assistance to 100% of our undergraduate students, so you can focus on following your calling with confidence.

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