Music Performance — Musical Theatre Concentration

Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Degree
Bachelor of Music (BM)
Mode of Study
Blended

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition, fees, & other costs such as books. New England residents may qualify for a tuition break. See cost details

Financial aid

On average, 92% of enrolled students who file a FAFSA receive an offer. 91% of offers include scholarships, grants, waiver, and/or work-study. Explore aid

Program duration

Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options

Admissions

SAT & ACT scores optional. Audition required. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

  • Gain performance experience through both on-campus and off-campus opportunities located in the heart of Maine’s thriving arts community.
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant greater Portland arts scene and prepare for a broad range of careers.
  • Learn from a faculty of nationally and internationally distinguished performers, teachers, scholars, and mentors with experience in a comprehensive range of genres.
  • Study in a program that is accredited by the National Association of Schools and Music (NASM).
  • Take advantage of our partnership with the Department of Theatre and perform in the annual fully mounted musical theatre production in the proscenium-style Russell Hall.
  • Broaden your training through a minor in Dance.

Expected career outcomes

Join a thriving campus arts scene

The Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra on stage at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland.

Osher School of Music performance season

Attend and engage in our Faculty Concert Series; the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra; Scholarship Gala; Chamber Singers; University Chorale; Concert Band; our annual musical; opera; ensembles of jazz, vocal jazz, winds, and composers; as well as student recitals, masterclasses and performances by internationally known guest musicians.

A group of actors in costume pose dramatically on stage.

Department of Theatre mainstage productions

Our productions represent the culmination of the vital collaboration between students actors, designers, technicians; and our professional faculty and staff. Accompanied by lavish sets and stunning costumes, student actors take the stage in comedies, dramas, musicals, operas, classical plays, and premieres.

The cast of Dear Edwina performing on stage.

Program requirements

The musical theatre concentration, offered in collaboration with the Department of Theatre, is for students who wish to pursue a career in musical theatre performance. You’ll build a thorough understanding of music and theatre and their relationship to contemporary society.

A view of Corthell Hall with fall foliage.

Faculty of distinguished performers

We offer a personalized and opportunity-based approach to educating musicians, featuring a faculty of distinguished performers (nationally and internationally), teachers, scholars, and mentors with experience in all styles of music.

A group sits on a dimly lit stage, with lights mimicking starlights swirling about them.

Scholarships for Musical Theatre majors

We offer Merit Scholarships as well as scholarships specifically for Music Performance majors. Keep in mind that there are deadlines for all scholarship opportunities. Be sure to apply and audition by each respective deadline.

A rocky river with mountains in the background and, bordered by tree with autumn-colored leaves.

Do you live in New England?

You may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate, as part of the NEBHE Tuition Break Program.

Check eligibility
The cast of Catch Me if you Can pose on a staircase.

Talent of the highest caliber

In order to be accepted into the Osher School of Music and join a group of other talented musicians, students must first audition as part of the application process.

Perfecting your craft in our performance venues

A cast of the musical Nine stand in black costumes on the stage of Corthell Hall.

Corthell Hall

Practice performing in historic Corthell Hall, a conservatory-style educational environment with access to classrooms, practice rooms, recording facilities, rehearsal and performance venues. As a student of musical theatre you’ll also have access to the 140-seat Russell Hall.

The cast of The Mystery of Edwin Drood poses with their arms wide open.

Russell Hall

Russell Hall boasts a fully operating scenic shop and prop stock, full inventory of lighting and projection equipment, make-up and dressing rooms, and extensive costume shop and collection. You’ll also have opportunities to self-produce in our 50-seat black box theatre.

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Next steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

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