USD
Study music performance abroad
An in-depth guide to studying music performance as an international student.
Explore music performance programs abroad
-
PhD programs in
music performanceNo programs listed
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
Alternative music degrees
Best universities to study music performance
How to study music performance abroad
-
University & program search
Find the right program for you and your career aspirations -
Application guidance
We'll get you to the right place to start your application -
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.
Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.
Music performance study abroad programs
Music performance undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in music performance
-
Music Performance: Vocal Specialization - BM Central Washington University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,551 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,551 USD
- Start date
- September, January
-
Music - Performance - BM Alma College, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
42,352 USD
Fee in university's local currency 42,352 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Music Performance - BM University of the Pacific, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
50,370 USD
Fee in university's local currency 50,370 USD
- Start date
- January, March, July, October
-
Music Performance - Piano - BMus Auburn University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
32,220 USD
Fee in university's local currency 32,220 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
-
Music Performance - Keyboard - BMus Texas State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,929 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,929 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Associate in music performance
-
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
Pathway in music performance
-
Music Performance & Production (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,819 USD
Fee in university's local currency 10,900 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
Music performance graduate programs
Master's in music performance
-
Music Performance - Piano Performance - MM Duquesne University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
24,000 USD
Fee in university's local currency 24,000 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
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
-
Classical String Performance - MA University of Limerick, Ireland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,498 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,173 EUR
- Start date
- September
-
Music Performance - MMus University of Southern Mississippi, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
10,770 USD
Fee in university's local currency 10,770 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
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
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.
