Music—Performance

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Music in Performance at Shorelight University of Illinois Chicago is your pathway to becoming a highly skilled and accomplished musician, ready to make your mark on the professional stage. This undergraduate degree is crafted for dedicated instrumentalists and vocalists eager to refine their technique and artistic expression through intensive private study, master classes, and diverse ensemble work. You will engage deeply with music theory, history, and performance practices, developing the critical ear and comprehensive musicianship essential for a successful career in music performance.

This full-time, on-campus program unfolds over four years, immersing you in a vibrant musical community. Your journey will include regular private instrumental lessons, participation in various ensembles from concert bands to jazz groups, and advanced keyboard skills training. You will also explore music technology and historical contexts, culminating in a master class series and advanced performance studies. Upon graduation, you will possess a polished portfolio of performance experience and a strong theoretical foundation, preparing you for careers as a professional musician, educator, or further graduate study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive curriculum in music performance, covering private instrumental lessons, music theory, ear training, and ensemble participation. Students will also engage with music history, keyboard skills, and academic writing, alongside general education requirements. Advanced coursework includes master classes, counterpoint, analytic techniques, and specialized studies in composition, conducting, or orchestration, preparing students for diverse musical careers.

1 Fall Semester

Private Instrumental Lessons Compulsory
Music Theory I Compulsory
Ear Training I Compulsory
Ensemble Compulsory
Convocation/Recital Compulsory
Keyboard Skills I Compulsory
Academic Writing I: Writing in Academic and Public Contexts Compulsory
General Education Core course Compulsory

2 Spring Semester

Private Instrumental Lessons Compulsory
Music Theory II Compulsory
Ear Training II Compulsory
Convocation/Recital Compulsory
Ensemble Compulsory
Keyboard Skills II Compulsory
Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research Compulsory
General Education Core course Compulsory
UIC First-Year Dialogue Seminar (Required of new freshmen only) Compulsory

3 Fall Semester

Private Instrumental Lessons Compulsory
Convocation/Recital Compulsory
Ensemble Compulsory
Theory of Music III Compulsory
Ear Training III Compulsory
Keyboard Skills III Compulsory
Music Technology Compulsory
General Education Core course Compulsory

4 Spring Semester

Private Instrumental Lessons Compulsory
Convocation/Recital Compulsory
Theory of Music IV Compulsory
Ear Training IV Compulsory
Keyboard Skills IV Compulsory
History of Western Music I: Music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance Compulsory
Ensemble Compulsory
Elective Compulsory

5 Fall Semester

Master Class in Performance Compulsory
History of Western Music II: Music of the Baroque and Classical Periods Compulsory
Counterpoint Compulsory
Select one of the following: Compulsory
Ensemble Compulsory
Composition, Conducting, or Orchestration: Select one of the following: Compulsory
Elective Compulsory

6 Spring Semester

Master Class in Performance Compulsory
History of Western Music III: Music from Romanticism through the Present Compulsory
Analytic Techniques Compulsory
Ensemble Compulsory
One additional course chosen from Composition, Conducting, or Orchestration Compulsory
Electives Compulsory

7 Fall Semester

Master Class in Performance Compulsory
Advanced Private Instrumental Lessons Compulsory
Ensemble Compulsory
General Education Core course Compulsory
General Education Core course Compulsory
Music Cultures of the World Compulsory
Elective Compulsory

8 Spring Semester

Master Class in Performance Compulsory
Advanced Private Instrumental Lessons Compulsory
Ensemble Compulsory
Select one of the following: Compulsory
Electives Compulsory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,996.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,996.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,996.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,996.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 127,984.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,430.00 - USD 1,788.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Chicago Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesCurriculum & Instructional DesignEducation Policy & AdministrationFilm & Television ProductionHigher Education & UniversitiesLive Events & ConcertsMusic & Performing ArtsSports & AthleticsTalent & Artist ManagementVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

NBCUniversal

School of Rock

Why Study Music—Performance at University of Illinois Chicago

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

University of Illinois Chicago typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Illinois Chicago in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Music—Performance at University of Illinois Chicago

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the term and full-time during breaks. On-campus work doesn’t require a separate permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

TOEFL requires a minimum overall score of 80 with specific section scores, while IELTS mandates an overall score of 6.5. PTE requires an overall score of 54 with particular minimum scores as well.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Performance Artist, Music Educator, Orchestra Musician, Vocal Coach, Accompanist.

What will I actually study in this course?

Are you motivated to pursue advanced study in piano, voice, orchestral or band instruments? The BMus in Performance allows you to study with Chicago's most outstanding artist-teachers, with access to regular

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Music—Performance program has three intakes each year: January, May, and August. Choose the intake that best fits your schedule to start your studies.
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