B.M. in Music Performance
B.M. in Music Performance


Program at a Glance
Format
On Campus
Total Credits
120
Standard Completion Time
4 years
Accreditation
WSCUC / NASM
The Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Performance at Biola's Conservatory of Music is designed to help you develop your skills to the highest level possible within a four year degree, all within a supportive community of musicians dedicated to helping you grow.
In addition to its strong curriculum, expert faculty members and biblical integration, Biola’s music performance program offers several key advantages:
- Biola University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music
- Highly respected, experienced faculty
- Strong academic preparation for graduate school
- Over 20 performance ensembles
- Active chamber music program
- Weekly studio classes
- On-campus performance competitions
- Master classes by world-renowned artists
- Supportive community of dedicated Christian musicians
- Close proximity to Los Angeles and access to performances by world-renowned artists in music genres from classical to pop, jazz and world music
- Special scholarships and awards available to performers
Concentrations
- Instrumental
- Instrumental and Voice
- Piano/Organ
- Piano/Organ and Instrumental
- Piano/Organ and Voice
- Voice
Yes! Tell Me More!
Courses
What will I study as a music performance major?
As a music performance major, you are assured a comprehensive and enriching musical education through a broad range of onstage opportunities and in-depth classes. Graduate with a wide-array of solo, chamber and large ensemble performance experience. Concentrations offered for this degree are in the areas of Voice, Instrumental, Piano and Organ performance.
Some of your courses include:
Performing Arts Forum (MUSC 200)
A significant element in any musician's growth is that they should be continually exposed to and be given the opportunity to interact with high-quality performers and thinkers. This class requires attendance at a certain number of concerts and seminars each semester; reflection papers will be assigned and participation in discussions is expected.
Basic Conducting (MUSC 323)
Music Cultures of the World (MUSC 410)
An introductory study of the interrelationships between music and culture through the examination of the music of varying cultures. Basic elements of music as they are found in world cultures will be studied. Grade Mode: A.
Bible and Theology Coursework
As part of Biola’s commitment to a biblically centered education, most undergraduate students complete 30 credits of biblical and theological studies as a part of their degree program. Learn more about our Bible and theology core.
Career Outlook and Preparation
What can you do with a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance?
Biola music performance majors have gone on to top graduate schools and a wide range of professional careers, including:
- Performing artists in professional orchestras and opera houses
- University and K-12 educators
- Private studio instructors
- Session and solo singers and instrumentalists and recording artists
- Choral and instrumental conductors
- Recording engineers and producers
- Creative business entrepreneurs
Our alumni have performed in organizations and companies such as:
- Baltimore Symphony
- Atlanta Opera
- Tuscany Symphony Orchestra
- Ahmanson Theatre Orchestra
- Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles
- Elaine Wolf Theatre, Denver
- Tri-Cities Opera, New York
- Disneyland Parks
- Carnegie Hall
- Major Los Angeles Recording Studios
- Houston Grand Opera
- Royal Opera House, London
- America's Got Talent, as a member of "Vox," the classically-trained vocal quartet specializing in opera, musical theatre and crossover music

Attending Biola as both a nursing and music performance student allowed me to glean from a host of professors and peers that have lived out their faith in a variety of professions. The personal and spiritual growth that I experienced from my time at Biola has empowered me to share Christ’s love with others regardless of whether I am giving medications to a patient in the ER, playing my viola in church or assisting in compiling the district reports of teenage pregnancy and newly acquired HIV infections in an African village.
Performance (Viola) '10, B.M. and Nursing, B.S. '10

The guides placed in my life, in the form of teachers and mentors, helped to ready me technically, spiritually and mentally, as they pushed me to ask better questions and to practice my instrument with a daily faithfulness which was separate from musical "passion."
Music Performance, B.M. '14

Even though I did not enter into the field of music therapy until after my years at Biola, the knowledge I gained was immensely important. I received a high-quality music education, which allowed me to enter into the field of music therapy with confidence and ease. Now, I get an opportunity to serve marginalized individuals with music every day. I am able to walk alongside people, using music to decrease their anxiety, help them express their emotions, or simply give them a voice to be heard.
Performance (Cello), B.M. ‘13

Everything we do should bring glory to God and Biola's Conservatory has allowed me to do that through my music with the violin, either in orchestra, chamber groups and individual practice.

Biola's gifted professors and loving community met me where I was at, helped to foster my growth, and inspired me to become the best musician I could be. Numerous ensembles and performance opportunities provided me with priceless experiences to work with many other musicians in different settings that prepared me for the professional world. After graduation I have been blessed to continue my relationship with the people I met at Biola (both faculty and students) who continually support me and show me what it means to truly trust God with my music career.
Performance (Drums and Percussion), B.M. '14

Attending Biola as both a nursing and music performance student allowed me to glean from a host of professors and peers that have lived out their faith in a variety of professions. The personal and spiritual growth that I experienced from my time at Biola has empowered me to share Christ’s love with others regardless of whether I am giving medications to a patient in the ER, playing my viola in church or assisting in compiling the district reports of teenage pregnancy and newly acquired HIV infections in an African village.
Performance (Viola) '10, B.M. and Nursing, B.S. '10

The guides placed in my life, in the form of teachers and mentors, helped to ready me technically, spiritually and mentally, as they pushed me to ask better questions and to practice my instrument with a daily faithfulness which was separate from musical "passion."
Music Performance, B.M. '14

Even though I did not enter into the field of music therapy until after my years at Biola, the knowledge I gained was immensely important. I received a high-quality music education, which allowed me to enter into the field of music therapy with confidence and ease. Now, I get an opportunity to serve marginalized individuals with music every day. I am able to walk alongside people, using music to decrease their anxiety, help them express their emotions, or simply give them a voice to be heard.
Performance (Cello), B.M. ‘13

Everything we do should bring glory to God and Biola's Conservatory has allowed me to do that through my music with the violin, either in orchestra, chamber groups and individual practice.

Biola's gifted professors and loving community met me where I was at, helped to foster my growth, and inspired me to become the best musician I could be. Numerous ensembles and performance opportunities provided me with priceless experiences to work with many other musicians in different settings that prepared me for the professional world. After graduation I have been blessed to continue my relationship with the people I met at Biola (both faculty and students) who continually support me and show me what it means to truly trust God with my music career.
Performance (Drums and Percussion), B.M. '14

Attending Biola as both a nursing and music performance student allowed me to glean from a host of professors and peers that have lived out their faith in a variety of professions. The personal and spiritual growth that I experienced from my time at Biola has empowered me to share Christ’s love with others regardless of whether I am giving medications to a patient in the ER, playing my viola in church or assisting in compiling the district reports of teenage pregnancy and newly acquired HIV infections in an African village.
Performance (Viola) '10, B.M. and Nursing, B.S. '10
Admissions
Admissions Process
Learn about Biola’s admissions requirements, steps to apply, application deadlines and more at our Undergraduate Admissions page.
Program-Specific Admissions Requirements
Students interested in majoring in B.M. in Music Performance are required to complete a Conservatory application and audition.
Schedule a Visit
Learn more about this program by attending an upcoming event for prospective students and parents, or by scheduling a personalized visit.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Attaining a degree from Biola is more affordable than you might think — dramatically lower than the “sticker price” in most cases — with 100% of incoming undergraduate students receiving some form of financial aid.
Faculty

John Tebay
Adjunct Professor, University Chorus

Karl Meyers
Assistant Professor, Music and Symphonic Winds Director
- DMA, University of Cincinnati
- M.M., Arizona State University
- BME, The University of Northwestern
- B.A., The University of Northwestern

Daniel Brier
Assistant Professor, Music and Orchestra Director
- M.M., University of Michigan
- M.M., University of Michigan

John Tebay
Adjunct Professor, University Chorus

Karl Meyers
Assistant Professor, Music and Symphonic Winds Director
- DMA, University of Cincinnati
- M.M., Arizona State University
- BME, The University of Northwestern
- B.A., The University of Northwestern

Daniel Brier
Assistant Professor, Music and Orchestra Director
- M.M., University of Michigan
- M.M., University of Michigan

John Tebay
Adjunct Professor, University Chorus