Music Performance, BM
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Bachelor of Music / major
- Format
- In-person
- Course Info
- Music, Brass Performance, BM
- Music, Woodwind Performance, BM
- Music, Voice Performance, BM
- Music, String Performance, BM
- Music, Piano Performance, BM
- Music, Percussion Performance, BM
- Music, Guitar Performance, BM
- College
- Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
- School/Department
- School of Performing Arts
Program Contact
- Dr. Todd Gaffke
-
School Director, Professor
330-972-6622
Overview
Whether you’re driven to perform, compose or lead, the Bachelor of Music (BM) gives you the tools to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from specialized tracks in performance, jazz studies or composition and work one-on-one with expert faculty who are active in their fields. Alongside core studies in music theory, history, and keyboard skills, you'll gain real-world experience through private lessons, ensemble performance, and opportunities to collaborate across genres. This professional degree prepares you to build a meaningful career in music or pursue advanced study at the graduate level.
Admissions Requirements
Meet admission requirements for undergraduates Â
To be accepted as a music major, both freshmen and transfer students must successfully complete an audition on their major applied instrument, complete the Undergraduate Placement Examination in Music Theory, and be evaluated in keyboard skills.Â
Click here for audition information.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Bachelor of Music program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the music industry. Many go on to work as solo performers, ensemble musicians, composers, arrangers, music directors, and recording artists. Others pursue opportunities in arts administration, music publishing, film scoring, music production, or live event management. This degree also provides a strong foundation for freelance work and graduate study in performance, composition, or related fields.Â
Let UA Bring Out the Music in You
The University of Akron has a wide variety of opportunities to pursue a career in music. Come let us help you find the music inside of you.
Degree Options
Explore the specialized tracks within the Bachelor of Music degree, each designed for different goals and interests.
Build a career centered on your sound. This performance-focused degree offers intensive private instruction in brass, along with core training in theory, history, and ensemble work. Focus your training on trumpet, trombone, horn, or tuba. Through applied lessons and regular performance opportunities, you’ll sharpen your technique, expand your repertoire, and prepare for a future as a professional performer, private instructor, or graduate student in music.  
Contact: Cynthia Cioffari- Winds, Brass, and Percussion Area Chair
Related programs:
Faculty Profiles :
- Christopher Blaha 
- Jim Johnson 
- Kiirsi Maunula Johnson 
- Lauren Rudzinskas 
Bring your artistry to center stage with a degree focused on string performance on violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Through intensive private instruction, ensemble work, and a strong academic foundation in theory, history, and musicianship, you’ll refine your technique and musical expression. Whether you envision performing professionally, teaching privately, or pursuing graduate study, this program prepares you for a successful career in the world of string music. 
Contact:
- Dr. Laurie Lashbrook- Voice, Strings, and Classical Guitar Area Chair
Related Programs:
Faculty Profiles:
- Marlene Moses
- Hannah Moses
Take your playing to the next level with focused training in classical (and/or) electrical guitar. This performance-based degree includes intensive private lessons, ensemble participation, and core coursework in theory, history, and musicianship. Whether you’re preparing for the concert stage, building a private teaching studio, or planning for graduate study, this program gives you the technical and artistic foundation to succeed. 
Contact:
- Dr. Laurie Lashbrook- Voice, Strings & Classical Guitar Area Chair
Related Programs:
Faculty Profiles:
- Adam Keeler
Master your craft across the full range of percussion instruments including snare, timpani, mallets, drum set, and world percussion. This performance-driven degree combines individualized instruction with immersive ensemble experience and core training in theory, history, and musicianship. You'll study everything from concert snare and timpani to mallet percussion and world rhythms, preparing you for a career as a professional performer, educator, or graduate student in percussion. 
Contact:
- Matt Dudack
Related Programs:
Faculty Profiles:
- Matt Dudack 
Find your voice and take it to new heights. This professional degree focuses on developing your vocal technique, artistry, and stage presence through intensive one-on-one instruction, ensemble singing, and performance experiences. You’ll build a strong foundation in music theory, history, and keyboard skills while gaining the confidence and versatility needed for a career in performance or further study at the graduate level. 
Contact:
- Dr. Laurie Lashbrook- Voice, Strings, Classical Guitar Area Chair
Related Programs:
Faculty Profiles:
- Dr. Laurie Lashbrook
- Dr. Frank Ward
Study flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, or bassoon with individualized guidance and performance in large and small ensembles. Build your skills for a career on stage or in the studio.
Contact:
Cynthia Cioffari- Winds, Brass & Percussion Area Chair
Related Programs:
Music Education, BM
Composition Minor 
Jazz Studies Minor 
Faculty Profiles:
- Justin Evangelist
- Todd Gaffke
- Stanislav Golovin
- Jack Harel
Refine your technique, expand your artistry, and prepare for a life in music. This performance-based degree offers focused, one-on-one piano instruction alongside coursework in music theory, history, and keyboard skills. Through solo recitals, ensemble collaboration, and faculty mentorship, you’ll gain the experience and confidence needed for a career as a performer, private teacher, or graduate student in piano performance. 
Contact:
Dr. Mayumi Kikuchi, Senior Lecturer
Related Programs:
Faculty Profiles:
- Mayumi Kikuchi
- Emilie Hsu
- Theron Brown
The UA Advantage
With over 170 public performances each academic year, there is no shortage of opportunities to hit the stage and apply your skills in the real world.
Performance Opportunities
From jazz combos to full orchestras, our ensembles give you the stage time to grow as a musician.
School of Performing Arts Ensembles
Real-World Experience
Perform, compose, and collaborate beyond the classroom through masterclasses, recitals, productions, and public performances.
School of Performing Arts Calendar
Specialized Technology and Instruments
Learn and perform in dedicated music studios, a tech-equipped lab, 3,000-seat E.J. Thomas Hall, and the intimate Guzzetta Recital Hall, where our Steinway Spirio, one of the world’s most advanced pianos, lets students perform, record, and playback with stunning precision.
Spirio Concert Piano at UAMeet Our Faculty
Learn from experienced educators and musicians who are dedicated to preparing the next generation of musicians.
