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    Study music performance abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying music performance as an international student.

    Find music performance programs

    Explore music performance programs abroad

    See other programs in music performance

    Music performance degrees abroad

    Music performance programs are designed to equip students with the tools, confidence, and experience they’ll need to become successful professional musicians.

    You’ll study the art of performance and work towards mastering your instrument. Alongside developing a detailed understanding of topics including composition, musicology, songwriting, and audio production, you’ll get to grips with industry-standard recording equipment and top-notch music software.

    Studying abroad is a great opportunity to explore a range of musical styles, genres, and cultures in their original environments. You’ll see first-hand how the music industry operates across the globe, sharpen your performance skills, and make lasting friendships and memories.

    Music performance program structure

    At the undergraduate level, you can study music performance as either a BA or a BMus. A BA lasts for a minimum of three years and includes a wide variety of music-related topics. A BMus is a more specialized four-year program that is highly structured around performance-focused modules.

    If you’ve always wanted to study in the US, you’ll probably select music performance as your undergraduate major. In the US educational system, you must spend the first two years of your degree taking general education classes, before focusing on music-specific courses for the remaining half of the program.

    Those wanting to pursue a postgraduate qualification can enroll in a master’s program. An MA is normally studied on a full-time basis over one year. By contrast, an MMus requires two years of full-time study because students are expected to complete an additional year-long research project.

    If you’re aiming to get the highest qualification possible, you can follow a doctorate program. A research-based PhD typically takes between four and seven years to complete.

    Teaching methods on music performance degrees include lectures, seminars, tutorials, ensemble rehearsals, performance classes, and hands-on studio sessions. You’ll likely be assessed through a combination of exams, essays, reports, independent research projects, practical assessments, and live performances.

    Music performance is a highly flexible program and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to tailor your degree to reflect your strengths and interests. While program content will differ between students and universities, most institutions will cover these core areas:

    • Understanding music
    • Performance skills and techniques
    • Composition
    • Sound, technology, and music
    • Music in context
    • Improvisation in performance
    • Ensemble performance
    • Music research skills

    Best countries to study music performance

    Best universities to study music performance

    See all universities offering music performance programs

    How to study music performance abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Music performance study abroad programs

    Music performance undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in music performance

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      Music - Performance Piano - BMus William Paterson University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,768 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,768 USD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Music - Performance Piano
    • false

      Music Performance - BM University of Dayton, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      44,890 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 44,890 USD

      Start date
      January, May, August
      Show program overview about Music Performance
    • false

      Music Performance - BA Hope College, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      36,400 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 36,400 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Music Performance
    • false

      Music Performance - Strings - BM University of South Carolina, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      33,928 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 33,928 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Music Performance - Strings
    • false

      Music Performance - BMus University of the Incarnate Word, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,900 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,900 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Music Performance
    See all bachelor's degrees in music performance

    Associate in music performance

    • false

      Music Performance - AA Hesston College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      28,992 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,992 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Music Performance
    See all associate degrees in music performance

    Pathway in music performance

    • false

      Music Performance & Production (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,069 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,900 GBP

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Music Performance & Production (Foundation)
    See all undergraduate pathways in music performance

    Music performance graduate programs

    Master's in music performance

    • false

      Classical String Performance - MA University of Limerick, Ireland

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,192 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 11,173 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Classical String Performance
    • false

      Music (Performance) - MA Long Island University Post, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      44,100 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 44,100 USD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Music (Performance)
    • false

      Music - Choral Conducting - MMus Texas State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,034 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,034 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Music - Choral Conducting
    • false

      Music Performance - MM DePaul University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,320 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 24,320 USD

      Start date
      January, March, September
      Show program overview about Music Performance
    • false

      Music Performance - MM Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      25,118 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 25,118 USD

      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about Music Performance
    See all master's degrees in music performance

    Future music performance careers

    As a music performance graduate, you’ll be poised to start a successful career within the music industry and beyond. Your communication, collaboration, and technical skills will be transferable across a wide range of sectors and roles, including:

    • Professional musician
    • Music producer
    • Music therapist
    • Music teacher
    • Studio manager
    • Composer
    • Sound engineer
    • Conductor

    Securing some work experience during the university holidays is helpful for those looking to take their employability to the next level. Getting involved in your university’s music societies, radio show, or bands will also demonstrate your passion and talent to potential employers.