Performance

As the first degree-granting music program in the U.S., BU has trained generations of musicians, earning a global reputation for excellence.

The Performance program at Boston University School of Music is comprised of academically and artistically extraordinary musicians. With the highest artistic and professional standards in performance, this program is designed for students with the strongest commitment to music training. Located within a major research university located in a city known for music, students experience a highly personalized interaction with expert faculty and cultural opportunities that are nearly limitless.

Built on legacy as the oldest degree-granting music school in the country, BU School of Music focuses on exceptional learning and performance opportunities for students. Our faculty is drawn from the ranks of some of the world’s most distinguished musicians and institutions and includes 20 members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. With a broad array of performance degrees available, the program offers distinct and rigorous preparation for musicians at each level of training.

TAKE CENTER STAGE

The BU School of Music Performance program offers distinct and rigorous preparation at all degree levels in the following areas:

VOICE
STRINGS
KEYBOARD
WOODWINDS
BRASS
PERCUSSION

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Dream Big: Our experience at The International Women’s Brass Conference in Japan

What’s the only thing better than one CFA student excelling in the world of fine arts? A whole septet of them! The driven and talented Boston University Women’s Brass group, consisting of School of Music students Cassandra McDonald (CFA’25), trumpet performance; Yeonjo Oh (CFA’27), horn performance; Misa Womack (CFA’25), trombone performance; Nyla Mawire (CFA’25), tuba performance; Aysel DeBakey (CFA’25), trumpet performance; Sarah Brustin (BUTI’21, CFA’27), trumpet performance; and Tori Gervais (CFA’27), trumpet performance and music education, proudly represented BU at the well-renowned 2024 International Women’s Brass Conference.

With help from the School of Music Director, CFA Dean, and a GoFundMe post, the brass septet was able to make this dream a reality, making it to competition finals, participating in masterclasses, playing in a concert with real legends, and learning along the way that risks always pay off!

Between making connections at school and now especially making international connections, I feel like my world has expanded, and I think the others in our group would say the same. The people we met at this conference will most definitely help us in the future.
-Cassandra McDonald (CFA’25) DMA Trumpet Performance

read Q&A in cfa news

Degrees Offered

BM Performance
Degree Type

Undergraduate
The Bachelor of Music (BM) in Performance at BU School of Music is a degree program for undergraduates committed to intensive training and performance at the highest level. With expert faculty including 20 members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the BM in Performance provides a distinct experience for students to study with professional musicians. The […]
Formats

In-Person

Location

On-Campus
BM/MM (4+1) Music Education
Degree Type

Undergraduate
Please note: BU’s Music Ed 4+1 program is being revised during the 2024-25 academic year. Details on the changes will be available once approved by the University. Students are welcome to contact Professor Jackie Smith as they plan their degree journey. Students admitted to the 4+1 program have the opportunity to complete all requirements for […]
Formats

In-Person

Location

On-Campus
MM Performance
Degree Type

Graduate
The Master of Music (MM) in Performance at BU School of Music is a degree program for graduate students committed to the highest artistic and professional standards in performance. With expert faculty including 20 members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, BU School of Music is a community of academically and artistically extraordinary musicians within a […]
Formats

In-Person

Location

On-Campus
DMA Performance
Degree Type

Doctorate
The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Performance at BU School of Music is a advanced degree program for graduate students committed to reaching the highest professional standards in performance practice as well academic studies. The DMA in Performance is offered in two tracks: dissertation track and recital track. With expert faculty including 20 members […]
Formats

In-Person

Location

On-Campus
Performance Diploma
Degree Type

Graduate
The Performance Diploma at BU School of Music is a nondegree program for the specialized training of vocalists and performers of orchestral and keyboard instruments who seek advanced musical training. The program is narrow in focus, selective in nature, and specifically tailored to the student who desires intensive, performance-oriented training. With expert faculty including 20 […]
Formats

In-Person

Location

On-Campus
Artist Diploma in Performance
Degree Type

Graduate
The Artist Diploma in Performance at BU School of Music is the highest performance degree awarded at Boston University and offers specialized training of the unusually gifted and accomplished performer. The program is highly selective and is designed for the superior musician. The Artist Diploma is not an academic degree, rather all activities are performance-based […]
Formats

In-Person

Location

On-Campus
Minor in Music Performance
Degree Type

Undergraduate
The Minor in Music Performance at BU School of Music is a degree program for undergraduates with high-level training in instrumental or vocal performance. Students receive individual instruction, engage in multiple semesters of ensemble participation, and complete required coursework in music theory and music history. This minor is intended for student musicians with previously substantive […]
Formats

In-Person

Location

On-Campus