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Music (BM): Instrumental Performance

BM On-Campus Main Campus
DEGREE TYPE

Bachelor's Degree

PROGRAM TYPE

Undergraduate

DEPARTMENT
Music
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Hit all the right notes on a campus dedicated to the arts. This is where fearless begins.

As a music instrumental performance major at Southeast, you’ll develop your skills through individual instruction, ensemble experiences and performances that prepare you for a career in music. With opportunities across classical, electronic and contemporary traditions, you’ll refine your artistry while learning from experienced musicians and educators.

Learn by Leading with a Instrumental Performance Degree

In instrumental music performance at SEMO, you'll work in applied music study, music theory and analysis, music history, literature and pedagogy for your chosen instrument, and gain experience through performance ensembles. You'll get to interact with nationally recognized performing artists and educators in a program that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. 

Applied Instruction

Work with accomplished faculty to refine your technique, strengthen your musicianship and develop your own artistic voice through individualized instruction.

Perform 

Build confidence on stage through performance opportunities in ensembles and recitals as you develop your skills in front of live audiences.

Collaborate

Music is built on collaboration. Perform alongside fellow musicians, work with faculty mentors and gain experience in ensemble settings that prepare you for professional performance.

Learn in a Dedicated Arts Environment 

Study on SEMO's River Campus, where performance, rehearsal and instruction take place in spaces designed specifically for the performing arts.

Grow as a Musician 

Develop a strong foundation through coursework in music theory, music history, music literature and pedagogy while preparing for graduate study or a professional career in music.

What Can You Do with a Music Instrumental Performance Degree?

A Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance prepares you for careers in performance, education, collaboration and the broader music industry. You'll graduate with advanced technical skills, professional performance experience and the confidence to continue your education or pursue opportunities in a variety of musical settings. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. Our boldly supportive team will provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time. 

Graduate School Opportunities of Recent Music Performance Instrumental Major Graduates

  • Boston University
  • Colorado State University
  • Indiana University
  • University of Arkansas
  • University of Florida
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Kansas
  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • University of Nevada-Reno
  • University of Northern Colorado
  • University of South Florida
  • Colorado State University
  • Washington State University

Internship Opportunities for Recent Music Performance Instrumental Major Graduates

  • Fort Collins Opera
  • Harrow International School, Beijing, China
  • Paducah (KY) Symphony
  • St. Louis Symphony
  • Youth Excellence on StageMiddle East

Orchestra Position Opportunities of Recent Music Performance Instrumental Major Graduates

  • Kansas City Symphony
  • Paducah (KY) Symphony
  • St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Memphis Symphony

Teaching Position Opportunities of Recent Music Performance Instrumental Major Graduates

  • Belt Valley Public Schools (MT)
  • Cape Girardeau (MO) Public Schools
  • Columbia (MO) Public Schools
  • Ft. Zumwalt School District (MO)
  • O’Fallon (MO) Public Schools
  • Perryville (MO) Public Schools
  • Prescott Unified School District (AZ)
  • Santa Fe (NM) Public Schools
  • Sikeston (MO) Public Schools
  • St. Louis (MO) Public Schools

 

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Music - Instrumental Performance Degree Map

Equipped to Lead. Inspired to Go Further.

Vocal Performance Major Outcomes & Careers

The Knowledge to Fuel Fearless Futures

The instrumental performance curriculum includes core coursework to prepare you for a career in music. Complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

79-83 Hour Major - No minor required

(A grade of ‘C’ or better is required for all courses within the major.)
Required Courses:
  • MH181 The World of Music (3)
  • MH251 History & Literature of Music to 1800 (3)
  • MH252 Evolution of Musical Style Since 1800 (3)
  • MM001 Aural Skills Entry Level Proficiency (0)
  • MM002 Aural Skills Exit Level Proficiency (0)
  • MM100 Music Fundamentals (3)
  • MM102 Intermediate Harmony & Melody (3)
  • MM105 Aural Skills I (1)
  • MM106 Aural Skills II (1)
  • MM203 Advanced Harmony, Melody, & Form (3)
  • MM204 Music Theory through Composition, Arranging, & Orchestration (3)
  • MM207 Aural Skills III (1)
  • MM208 Aural Skills IV (1)
  • MM 312 Approaches to Musical Analysis (3)
  • MP1xx Applied Music: Instrumental (2+2)
  • MP2xx Applied Music: Instrumental (2+2)
  • MP3xx Applied Music: Instrumental (2+2)
  • MP4xx Applied Music: Instrumental (2+2)
  • MU001 Piano Proficiency (0)
  • MU002 Sophomore Review (0)
  • MU003 Major Field Assessment Test (0)
  • MU110 Recitals & Concerts (8 semesters) (0)
  • MU151 Functional Piano I (1)
  • MU152 Functional Piano II (1)
  • MU253 Functional Piano III (1)
  • MU254 Functional Piano IV (1)
  • MU300 Junior Recital (0)
  • MU330 Music Business: Career Development (2)
  • MU341 Basic Conducting (2)
  • MU400 Senior Recital (0)
  • MU3xx Major Ensemble (8 semesters) (1)
  • MU378 Chamber Music (1+1)
Choose 15 hours: (3 credits must be MH, 3 must be MM)
  • MH310 Popular Music in America and Beyond (3)
  • MH320 A History of Music in Films and Video Games (3)
  • MH327 Jazz History (3)
  • MH340 Gender and Music (3)
  • MH350 Special Topics in Music History and Literature (2-3)
  • MH392 The Age of Romanticism (3)
  • MH393 Age of Modernism (3)
  • MH402 Music in World Cultures (3)
  • MM310 Music Creation Technology I (2)
  • MM324 Jazz Theory and Analysis (3)
  • MM325 Songwriting (2)
  • MM410 Music Creation Technology II (2)
  • MU251 Jazz Improv I (3)
  • MU3xx Ensemble (3 credits maximum) (1)
  • MU320 Jazz Improvisation II (3)
  • MU430 Pedagogy: Applied Area (string, piano only) (2)
  • MU432 Literature: Applied Area (vocal, string, piano only) (2)
  • TH286 Audio Production I (3)
  • TH491 Music Theatre History I (3)
Additional requirement:
  • xx xxx 6 hours any foreign language

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

First Year 

Fall Semester (17-18 Hours) 
  • UI100 (1) 
  • EN100 (3) 
  • MH181 (3)
  • MM001 (0)  
  • MM100 (3) 
  • MM105 (1) 
  • MP1xx (1) 
  • MU110 (0) 
  • MU151 (or proficiency) (1) 
  • MU3xx (major ensemble) (1) 
  • General Education (3)  
Spring Semester (16-17 Hours) 
  • MM102 (3) 
  • MM106 (1) 
  • MP1xx (1) 
  • MU110 (0) 
  • MU152 (or proficiency) (1) 
  • MU3xx (major ensemble) (1) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 

Milestone: Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in major courses

Second Year 

Fall Semester (16-17 Hours) 
  • MH251 (3) 
  • MM203 (3) 
  • MM207 (1) 
  • MP2xx (2) 
  • MU110 (0) 
  • MU253 (or proficiency) (0-1) 
  • MU3xx (large ensemble) (1) 
  • Foreign Language (3)
  • General Education (3)
Spring Semester (13-14 Hours) 
  • MH252 (3) 
  • MM002 (0) 
  • MM204 (3) 
  • MM208 (1) 
  • MP2xx (1) 
  • MU001 (0) 
  • MU002 (0) 
  • MU110 (0) 
  • MU254 (or proficiency) (0-1) 
  • MU3xx (major ensemble) (1) 
  • General Education (3)

Milestone: Maintain 3.0 GPA in major courses

Third Year 

Fall Semester (17 Hours)
  • MP3xx (2)
  • MU110 (0)
  • MU341 (2)
  • MU3xx (major ensemble) (1)
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)
Spring Semester (16 Hours) 
  • MM312 (3)
  • MP3xx (3)
  • MU110 (0)
  • MU300 (0)
  • MU378 (1)
  • MU3xx (large ensemble) (1)
  • Music Elective (3)
  • Music Elective (3)
  • General Education (3)

Milestone: Passing score Mo Content Exam

Fourth Year 

Fall Semester (14 Hours)
  • MP4xx (2)
  • MU110 (0)
  • MU330 (2)
  • MU3xx (major ensemble) (1)
  • MU378 (1)
  • MU432(2)
  • Foreign Language (3)
  • Music Elective (3)
Spring Semester (12 Hours) 
  • MP4xx (2) 
  • MU003 (0)
  • MU110 (0)
  • MU400 (0)
  • MU3xx (major ensemble) (1)
  • Music Elective (3)
  • Music Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)

A “Milestone” signifies a significant stage for a student in the completion of a degree.
A minimum of 3.0 GPA in the major and overall are required to graduate with a BM degree.

“Critical Courses” are italicized and bold. Data shows that students who have completed this course in the first two years and have earned the noted grade are most likely to complete this program of study.

 

Opportunities in Music at SEMO

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Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

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Location

River Campus Seminary, 254

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 7800
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701