Music Performance, B.M.
Music can be incredibly powerful. It can raise your spirits, inspire and empower you as an artist and performer.
At LR, you can sharpen your own skills as a musician and performing artist, while also learning how to share that skill, professionalism and passion with the next generation of musicians through transformational experiences in the classroom, concert hall, rehearsal room or with the marching band on the field.
Through weekly, private lessons with our professional faculty, you’ll receive invaluable mentorship as you develop your musical skills and explore incredible opportunities.
Students interested in pursuing a music degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University have the option to pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Music (education track), Bachelor of Music in Music Performance or a Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Music.
And you don’t have to be a music major to be part of the program. Non-music major students sing in choirs, are employed as singers by local churches and participate in our flagship ensembles.
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Take the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Music in Music Performance degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Music in Music Performance degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Program Tracks
- Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.)
A major that provides you with a general aesthetic background in the history, theory and appreciation of music. The major features a comprehensive curriculum, including courses in harmony, aural skills, orchestration and conducting. You can also select an applied area of study in instrumental, keyboard or vocal instruction, dependent upon your own interests. This particular program allows you to combine the study of music with other areas of interest, including education, theatre, family ministry, religion or business.
- Bachelor of Music (B.M.)
A major designed for students planning to pursue a career in music education. The program provides you with the opportunity to achieve Teacher Certification in K-12 music instruction in North Carolina, and is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Students can choose to specialize in instrumental, keyboard, or vocal music education.
- Bachelor of Music in Music Performance (B.M.)
This major prepares students with a performing proficiency in organ, piano, voice or any of the orchestral instruments (brass, winds, strings, percussion). Students preparing for graduate school in music or a professional career in music generally follow the performance major.
- Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Music (B.A.)
A major that prepares you for a life of service to the church using music. Similar to a music major, sacred music has more of a focus on subjects such as hymnody, critical issues in church music and choral conducting.
Music has given me a family at Lenoir-Rhyne. I have made lifelong friends, and sharing the experience of studying music is such a personal and intense thing that brings people together.
Scholarships & Auditions
Lenoir-Rhyne’s appreciation and commitment to music is evident through the many available scholarships. Students who qualify may receive financial scholarship funding of up to $24,000 over four years of study—often in addition to other LR scholarships.
Application Process
- Contact the music program to schedule an audition.
- Apply for admission to the university.
- Apply for financial aid. Make certain that a FAFSA report is sent to Lenoir-Rhyne.
- Prepare your audition pieces.
Formal scholarship awards are made by the Office of Financial Aid after all required forms and information have been submitted.
View Music & Talent ScholarshipsLearning Outside the Classroom
There are many opportunities for music students to participate in choirs, orchestras, ensembles and band to improve upon skills and gain valuable performance experience, often while enjoying travel opportunities regionally as well as abroad.
Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for participation in most music programs.
Students can also take advantage of other performance opportunities available in the community through the Western Piedmont Symphony, Hickory Choral Society, Hickory Community Theater and other theatre productions. including LR’s own Playmakers.
Lenoir-Rhyne also offers numerous teaching opportunities for students through the many community programs offered to children and young adults. Students can gain valuable experience participating with the Suzuki Kids in Koncert, Carolina Kodály Institute, annual Summer Youth Music Band Camp, Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Choir and other instructional programs offered through the university as well as the community.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the music program, you can pursue graduate-level studies or choose from a number of career paths to showcase your talent and passion for music. Some of the many options may include music instruction/education, composition, performance, conducting and church music ministry.
Major Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance prepares students with a performing proficiency in organ, piano, voice, or any of the orchestral instruments (brass, winds, strings, percussion). Students preparing for graduate school in music or a professional career in music generally follow the performance major.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music is designed for students who want a general aesthetic background in the history, theory, and appreciation of music. This particular program allows students to combine other areas of interest with music such as Education, Theatre, Family Ministries, Religion, or Business. Students who wish to pursue a double major in Music and another discipline should see their Music faculty advisor for information.
Students preparing for careers in church music or who plan to go on to graduate study church music may choose to major in Sacred Music. Performance concentrations will focus on keyboard (organ or piano), voice, or orchestral instrument.
Regular attendance at university-sponsored music events is required for all music majors and minors. (See the Music Student Handbook on the Music Program intranet for details.)
Entrance Auditions
An entrance audition is required for acceptance into the program in order to pursue a major or minor. Several of the music ensembles also require auditions.
Honors
Music majors may elect to pursue honors work with the approval of the music faculty. To graduate ''With Honors in Music,'' students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a minimum major GPA of 3.2, and a GPA of 3.5 in the honors courses. In addition, they must complete eight credits in honors work in the major area including MUS 499 and five credits of music honors courses.
- Core Curriculum Requirements (55-62 Hours)
- Technical Requirements (3 Hours)
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Major Requirements (70-71 Hours)
Music Foundations (BM) (54-55 Hours)Music Theory (22 Hours)Vocal Techniques and Diction - Chose One OptionOption 1: Instrumental/Keyboard MajorsOption 2: Voice MajorsMusic History (6 Hours)Conducting (5 Hours)Applied Music (20 Hours)
- Primary Applied Instrument or Voice Hours: 4 (Lower Division; 1 credit per semester; 4 Semesters)
- Primary Applied Instrument or Voice Hours: 8 (Upper Division; 2 credit per semester; 4 Semesters)
- Primary Major Ensemble/A Cappella Choir/Wind Symphony Hours: 8 (8 semesters - 1 credit per semester)
- MUS 109 - Co-curricular Performance Practicum(8 semesters, or number of semesters in residency minus one for transfer students)
Comprehensive Exam (ETS Field Test in Music) 0 HoursMusic Performance (16 Hours)Applied Music (4 Hours)- Primary Instrument or Voice Hours: 4 (Lower Division; 1 credit per semester in addition to BM core requirement)
- Secondary Ensembles Hours: 8 (1 credit per semester; 8 Semesters
Music Theory (4 Hours) -
General Elective Credits
(If Needed)
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Total Credit Hours (Minimum) 128
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific core curriculum requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All Bachelors programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 128 credit hours. If, in combination, core, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 128 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 128 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.