Music Performance — Piano Pedagogy Concentration, Bachelor of Music

Bachelor of Music (BM)

Undergraduate Major

Modes of study:

Blended
·
In person

Why choose the Piano Pedagogy Concentration program at USM?

Inspire the next generation of pianists with a Bachelor of Music concentration in Piano Pedagogy at an All-Steinway institution. At the University of Southern Maine’s (USM’s) Osher School of Music, you’ll develop a foundation in child development, learning theory and innovative approaches to teaching piano — from individual lessons to group instruction.

Gain essential skills in business and studio management, setting yourself up to build a sustainable career while embracing and sharing your passion for music. You’ll gain experience where theory meets practice, building your real-world experience learning how to teach piano classes and teaching in a private studio.

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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

Most students typically complete their degree in four years. However, more flexible options may help you save time earning your undergraduate degree.

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School

Osher School of Music

Admissions

SAT and ACT scores are optional. Audition and acceptance into the Osher School of Music are required. Early action and year-round admissions available.

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What sets the Music Performance, Piano Pedagogy Concentration program at USM apart from others?

Maine’s first collegiate All-Steinway institution: With 26 Steinway and Steinway-designed pianos — including three Spirios with expressive playback systems — the Crewe Center is equipped with the state-of-the-art tools to provide you with teaching skills to become cutting edge future educators here in Maine and beyond.
Practice in the stunning state-of-the-art Crewe Center for the Arts: The recently opened center features the software and technology of tomorrow, including acoustically optimized spaces, professional-grade recording technology, a 200-seat performance hall, as well as 40 performance and practice rooms, and more!
Take your education from the practice room to the classroom with a student teaching internship: Through your supervised piano teaching internship with USM partner schools and music educators throughout the region, you’ll build your professional network, gain real-world insight, and prepare to make an impact as an educator after graduation.
Join a growing ensemble: Connect with other musicians in the University of Southern Maine’s various musical ensembles like concert band, jazz, choral, and wind ensembles, opera and musical theater, and the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra.
Perform on campus and throughout Southern Maine: The Crewe Center’s 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.
Immerse yourself in a flourishing cultural landscape: At the University of Southern Maine, your music education extends beyond campus into Portland’s thriving creative community, thanks to our longstanding partnerships with regional arts organizations and venues, including the Portland Symphony Orchestra, OperaMaine, and many others.
Excel with personalized instruction: Prepare for a career teaching beginning pianists by learning from phenomenal faculty mentors at the Osher School of Music.
World-class training at a public university tuition rate: Receive a top-of-the-line music education by attending USM, without paying private tuition prices.

Enjoy performing in one of USM's many ensembles during the university's performance season.

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

Where the Arts Meet: Pianist Mackenzie Reflects on the Crewe Center for the Arts at USM

What can you do with a Music Performance degree with a Piano Pedagogy concentration?

Whether you want to teach or perform piano professionally, the best place to start is by earning your degree at USM.

Prepare for your professional life and career

In addition to building piano teaching practices and serving as top-rated university professors, alumni from this concentration have gone on to study in prestigious graduate music programs.

Studying at USM will open doors and give you opportunities you never thought possible, thanks to partnerships with local performance venues, faculty that also serve as mentors in piano pedagogy, and peers you’ll learn from.

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We’re here to help answer questions about costs

Tuition & fees Financial aid Scholarships

USM students earning a BA in music may qualify for reduced tuition with the NEBHE Tuition Break program.

New England resident? You may qualify for reduced tuition!

If you live in New England, applying for this program qualifies you for a significantly reduced tuition rate, thanks to the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break program.

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Earn a NASM-accredited degree

The Osher School of Music at USM is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), demonstrating the program’s commitment to rigorous academic and professional standards. When you choose USM for your music degree, you’ll receive an education designed to prepare you for a successful future in the broader music industry.

What is NASM?

The Osher School of Music at USM is NASM-accredited.

Next steps

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Music Performance — Piano Pedagogy Concentration, Bachelor of Music