Music Performance — Bachelor of Music

Bachelor of Music (BM)

Undergraduate Major

Modes of study:

Blended
·
In person

Build your future in music at the Crewe Center for the Arts

Prepare for a career in music with a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from the University of Southern Maine (USM), with concentrations in jazz studies, piano pedagogy, composition, and musical theatre.

At the new Crewe Center for the Arts, you’ll learn from dedicated faculty, perform in state-of-the-art spaces, and develop your skills through private lessons, solo and chamber performances and diverse musical ensembles. With the personalized experience and rigorous training of a leading music program — and the value of a public university education — you’ll graduate ready to build a lasting career in today’s evolving musical landscape without the price tag of a private conservatory.

Perform on stage at events with fellow students in the Osher School of Music, collaborate with talented peers, and connect with Southern Maine’s vibrant arts community. From your first performance to your professional career, USM gives you the experience, connections, and opportunities to take your music further — because at USM, Southern Maine is your campus.

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The requirements and courses needed to graduate with this degree are based on the academic catalog that applies to your start year.

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Program duration

Typical completion time: four years. Flexible options may save time.

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School

Osher School of Music

Admissions

SAT and ACT scores optional. Audition required for admission to the Osher School of Music. Early action and year-round admissions.

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What can you expect when you earn your Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from the University of Southern Maine?

Prepare for a career in music — and beyond: Build the skills, knowledge, and versatility to pursue your dreams as a professional musician or succeed in a wide range of careers. With a strong liberal arts foundation inside and outside of music, you’ll graduate prepared to adapt and thrive wherever your path takes you.
Learn in the stunning, state-of-the-art Crewe Center for the Arts: Develop as a musician using the facilities, technology, and creative spaces shaping the future of the music industry. The Crewe Center for the Arts features acoustically optimized spaces, professional-grade recording technology, and more than 40 performance and practice rooms.
Study at Maine’s first collegiate All-Steinway institution: With 26 Steinway and Steinway-designed pianos — including three Spirios with expressive playback systems — you’ll develop your artistry using world-class instruments in every stage of your education.
Receive personalized training: Learn from distinguished faculty as you build a strong foundation in music history, theory, sight-singing, aural skills, and piano. Through private lessons, one-on-one mentorship, and frequent performance opportunities, you’ll refine your technique and gain confidence as a performer.
Perform on campus and throughout Southern Maine: The Crewe Center’s 200-seat performance hall is built to be just the right size for your range as a student — not only will the Osher School of Music’s longstanding performance traditions ensure you take the stage, our central location gives you access to gain additional experience through performance opportunities across Greater Portland’s vibrant arts community.
Learn from professional faculty who continue to perform: USM is home to many faculty who are also professional musicians, performing around New England and internationally. You’ll find that music faculty and professors at the university continue their love of music, whether that’s through performing, conducting, or composing original works.
Build your professional network in Southern Maine: Utilize USM’s broad network of partners to find internships and performance opportunities that will build your resume — from Portland’s rich opportunities in Opera and symphony, to local non-profits like the Maine Academy of Modern Music (MAMM).
Achieve world-class training at public university tuition rates: Earn a high-quality music education from distinguished faculty while benefiting from the value of a public university.

USM offers you opportunities to perform across several ensembles.

Engage in the USM Performance Season

While at USM, you’ll have the opportunity to audition for one or more of our ensembles, including:

Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra
University Concert Band & Osher Wind Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Composers’ Ensemble
University Chorale
USM Chamber Singers
Opera and musical theatre

Explore opportunities

Built for Musicians: Percussionist Gabriel’s Experience at the Crewe Center for the Arts

What kind of career could be in store for you after earning your Music Performance degree?

A bachelor's from the University of Southern Maine is life-changing if you want to be a professional musician or performer.

Cultivate your artistic vision

Earning a degree from the University of Southern Maine will open up so many doors for you. Prepare to become a performer, teach music lessons, or find other ways of staying connected to the world of music.

USM has many incredible and notable alumni who have earned Grammy’s, performed at the New York Metropolitan Opera, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. This could be your new reality once you graduate!

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See why your dreams of becoming a professional performer could come true by attending USM

Next steps

Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Music Performance — Bachelor of Music