200,000+
Alumni from our Global Campuses
Build a Lasting Career as a Working Musician with a BM in Performance
Today's music world values strong technical skills, knowledge of different styles and the ability to adapt. The Bachelor of Music (BM) in Performance at Webster University prepares you for a career as a performing artist, private teacher or creative leader.
At Webster, you will combine intensive private lessons and ensemble experience with core classes in music theory, analysis and history. Our program connects your hours in the practice room with real-world professional success. You can focus on your exact career goals by choosing one of five concentrations based on your instrument.
Choose Your Path with a Tailored Concentration
Instrumental Studies
Designed for orchestral wind, brass, string and percussion players. This pathway includes eight semesters of private lessons along with classes in orchestration, conducting and orchestral music. You will also perform in chamber groups and the university orchestra.
Jazz
Immerse yourself in small-group performances. Beyond private lessons, you will play in student ensembles like the Jazz Collective, Jazz Combos and Jazz Singers while mastering improvisation, jazz theory, scoring, arranging and historical perspectives.
Music Direction for Musical Theatre
A unique concentration for musicians who want to lead theatrical productions. Using piano or voice as your main instrument, you will study conducting, vocal coaching and four semesters of hands-on music directing practicums with campus or regional shows.
Piano
Develop into a versatile solo and collaborative keyboardist. You will pair private studio lessons with classes in piano literature, teaching methods, keyboard skills and classical counterpoint to prepare for a flexible career.
Voice
Built for aspiring classical vocalists, opera singers or voice educators. Your training combines weekly private lessons and masterclasses with vocal teaching methods and language classes in English, Italian, German, French and Spanish. You will also gain stage experience in the Webster University Opera Studio.
Ready to Audition?
To enter the program as a music major, you must complete a performance audition and interview with the faculty, as well as basic music exams. View our Audition Requirements to check the specific repertoire guidelines for your instrument, learn about audition dates and download prep materials.
Why Choose Webster for Your Performance Degree?
Deep Cultural Connections in St. Louis
You will learn, practice and perform in the heart of the thriving St. Louis arts scene. Our students benefit from master classes, networking and performance opportunities with top local arts groups. As a performance major, you can build career connections with:
- The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
- Jazz St. Louis
- The Muny (the country's largest outdoor musical theatre)
- Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (located on our campus)
- The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (located on our campus)
Direct Guidance from Active Professionals
At Webster, your private studio teacher is your mentor. Our music faculty includes active symphony players, international opera stars, touring jazz artists and award-winning musical directors. You will get personal feedback designed to improve your technique, expand your stylistic range and guide your career development.
The Collaborative Performance Advantage
Professional musicians rarely work completely alone. That is why Webster builds real-world production experience directly into your degree. For your junior or senior recital, you will perform at least one piece with another instrumentalist or singer. This project goes beyond standard piano accompaniment to mirror professional settings.
Study and Perform in Vienna
True to Webster’s global mission, you can take your training worldwide. Student musicians can spend the spring semester of their junior year studying abroad at our Vienna campus. You will live and learn in one of Europe’s historic musical capitals, completing your core degree requirements while taking private studio lessons with European performance artists.
Accreditation
Webster Holds Longtime NASM Membership
Webster University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), which is an important marker of standing among music programs in the U.S. This means that your bachelor's degree from the Department of Music will be respected by professionals and graduate committees for reaching some of the highest standards for academic excellence and career readiness.
70+
Years as Member of NASM
“I have learned a valuable lesson from many incredible mentors and teachers: You should always give 100% in every performance because you never know what someone in the audience might be going through.”
Kaitlyn George
BM in Performance: Vocal, ’23
Bachelor of Music in Performance
Find out more about the overall curriculum, electives, learning outcomes and more for the Music Performance bachelor's degree.
What Can You Do with a BM in Performance?
A degree in Performance prepares you for a flexible career in the creative industries rather than forcing you into a single professional box. Our alumni successfully use their technical skills, musical style and entrepreneurial business skills to help them thrive in music and music-related positions around the world.
Some of the careers that our Performance students have pursued include:
- Orchestral or Chamber Musician
- Solo Concert or Recording Artist
- Professional Jazz Performer or Band Leader
- Theatrical Music Director or Conductor
- Opera Studio Artist or Vocalist
- Private Studio Music Teacher
- Music Entrepreneur, Booking Agent or Contractor
- Symphony Administrator or Arts Manager
- Music Scholar, Historian or College Professor
Career Outlook and Alumni Success
A performance degree from Webster gives you the competitive edge needed to win auditions and get jobs. Recent graduates have moved directly into major professional music networks or gone on to top graduate schools, including Boston University, Northwestern, Rice, New England Conservatory, Indiana and North Texas universities.
Webster alumna Jennifer Johnson Cano is an internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano, and graduate Samantha Schmid won the American Prize for Women in Art Song.
Explore Related Webster Bachelor Degrees
Get Started on Your Bachelor of Music in Performance
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Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More
If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.
Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to admit@webster.edu.