group of violinist

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

Music students must pass a qualifying examination specific to their concentration during their fourth semester of study. The rising junior jury determines whether the student has made adequate progress to qualify for entry to the 3000-level of applied music study. (4 years)

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: June 1 (All concentrations)
  • Spring: November 15 (All concentrations except Conducting)
  • Summer: March 1 (Music Education concentration and non-degree programs only)

Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Music Performance, B.Mu.

Music Performance (Bachelor of Music) prepares students for careers as performing musicians or studio teachers. A strong background in music reading and performance (including participation in school bands, choirs, or orchestras, performance experience in small groups and as a soloist and private study) is required. Many students in this concentration have excelled in community groups such as youth orchestras and have performed in public concerts and recitals. Graduates in performance from Georgia State have gone on to have major careers in some of the world’s most prestigious venues.

An audition is required for admission.

The mission of the School of Music is to preserve, promote and advance humanity’s rich and expanding tradition of artistic music-making through performance, composition, education and research in accordance with the urban and global initiatives of the university. Students have the opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed faculty of 40 full-time and 24 part-time faculty in concentrations such as performance, pedagogy, music education, conducting, composition and jazz studies.

Program Highlights
  • Concentration in Performance
    • Emphasis in Piano
    • Emphasis in Orchestral Instrument or Guitar
    • Emphasis in Organ
    • Emphasis in Voice
  • Leads to prestigious careers in performance, teaching and/or placement in doctoral programs,
  • Provides performance opportunities at professional conferences, conventions and competitions such as GMEA, the Percussive Arts International Convention, North American Saxophone Alliance, International Navy Band Symposium, International Double Reed Society, International Clarinet Association, National Trumpet Conference, American Trombone Workshop, International Euphonium Tuba Festival, as well as at regional and national MTNA Competitions, etc.
  • Provides professional performance opportunities with local and regional orchestras, contemporary chamber ensembles, church organizations and other professional groups as well as numerous teaching opportunities in the metropolitan Atlanta region.
  • Georgia State hosts internationally acclaimed guest artists every year, including recent guests George Lewis, Caroline Shaw, John Luther Adams, Eric Whitacre, and is host to many guest artists and participants from across the U.S. at events such as Double Reed Day, Trumpet and Trombone Day, Brass Day and Atlanta Saxophone Day.

Program Details

A separate application to the School of Music is required. Students must submit any required pre-screening audition materials or portfolios and must complete in-person auditions to be accepted. These deadlines and audition dates can be found on the School of Music website, https://music.gsu.edu/academics/application-and-audition-information/

Prospective students applying for any Bachelor of Music degree program in any concentration (Performance, Composition, Jazz Studies, Music Education, or Music Technology) must perform a live audition before beginning first-year coursework in music. Audition requirements are explained here.

Applicants to the School of Music are automatically considered for talent-based scholarships. Program fees include locker, laboratory and recital expenses associated with certain programs, classes and degree requirements. Students registering for an Applied Music course will be charged an Applied Music fee. For each 1000-level Applied Music course, a $200.00 fee will be charged. For other Applied Music courses, a $350.00 fee will be charged.

The School of Music provides unparalleled opportunities to study and work among an inspiring community of musicians in one of America’s most vibrant urban centers. Students receive exceptional training, are provided with meaningful opportunities and begin serious careers no matter what type of music drives their passion.

  • Ensuring comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various faculty approaches to music performance, music history, music theory and teaching styles.
  • Honoring the continuing traditions of music-making and pedagogy while exploring new forms and contemporary issues within the various musical fields.
  • Preparing students for a professional career in music through rigorous performance preparation, exposure to the repertoire and attention to practical business aspects of various musical careers.

Description

Careers

Music Performance (Bachelor of Music) prepares students for careers as performing musicians or studio teachers. A strong background in music reading and performance (including participation in school bands, choirs, or orchestras, performance experience in small groups and as a soloist and private study) is required. Many students in this concentration have excelled in community groups such as youth orchestras and have performed in public concerts and recitals. Graduates in performance from Georgia State have gone on to have major careers in some of the world’s most prestigious venues.

The mission of the School of Music is to preserve, promote and advance humanity’s rich and expanding tradition of artistic music-making through performance, composition, education and research in accordance with the urban and global initiatives of the university. Students have the opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed faculty of 40 full-time and 24 part-time faculty in concentrations such as performance, pedagogy, music education, conducting, composition and jazz studies.

Contacts

Admissions
[email protected]

Undergraduate Admissions
404-413-2500
[email protected]
Sparks Hall
Suite 200
33 Gilmer St. SE
Atlanta, GA 30303

School of Music
75 Poplar St, 5th floor
Atlanta, GA 30303

35 Broad St., 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.