Music Performance
Discover more about the performance programs in the Conservatory of Music that lead to a Bachelor of Music (Mus.B.) degree and find out about program requirements, courses and the program faculty.
Performance–Instrumental:
Areas of concentration:
- Strings (includes harp)
- Piano (includes organ and harpsichord)
- Brass
- Percussion
- Woodwinds
- Classical Guitar
Performance: Jazz Studies
Performance: Voice and Opera Studies
Career Possibilities
The following is a list of some career possibilities that students in this major might find rewarding. Remember, that your major does not necessarily determine your career. Graduates use their academic majors in a variety of professional fields. The options below can be used as a starting point to explore potential career paths, however, you may also want to investigate more using recommended resources to gain a more comprehensive list of careers. Keep in mind that additional education, training, and experiential education beyond your major may be needed to pursue these possibilities.
Acquired Skills
- Musical expression
- Ability to analyze musical works
- Ability to concentrate intensely
- Ability to listen introspectively
- Time management skills
- Ability to perform solo/group recitals
- Ability to identify cords by sight and ear
- Ability to read musical traditions worldwide
- Ability to be flexible/adaptable
- Ability to accept criticism
- Ability to attract the attention of others
- Interpersonal skills
- Self-motivation
- Creativity
- Patience
- Problem-solving skills
Career Titles
- Arranger
- Arts Administrator/Manager
- Artist & Repertoire Person
- Booking Agent/Manager
- Choir Director
- Choral Director
- Disc Jockey
- Composer
- Concert Promoter
- Conductor
- Instrument Design/Restoration
- Instrumentalist
- Music Attorney
- Music Publisher
- Music Shop Manager
- Music Teacher
- Music Therapist
- Musician
- Opera Singer
- Recording Studio Manager
- Religious Service Musician
- Section Member/Leader
- Session Musician
- Singer/Performer
- Studio Musician
- Talent Agent
- Teacher/Professor
- Writer/Music Journalist
- Voice Teacher
- Voice Over Artist
Types of Organizations that Hire
- Entertainment venues
- Performing arts organizations
- Production companies
- Record companies
- Recording Studios
- Television/radio/film
- Media/Entertainment companies
- Colleges/universities/schools
- Entertainment law firms
- Magazines and newspapers
- Music publishers
- Music stores (retail)
- Theaters
- Computer Hardware/Software Companies
Career Information and Professional Association Links
COVID-19 Resources for Artists
Buzzfile -Employers of Music majors
American Federation of Musicians of the U.S. and Canada
League of American Orchestras
Broadcast Music Inc.
American Music Conference
American Guild of Musical Artists
Artistshouse Music- Helping musicians and music entrepreneurs create sustainable careers
American Music Therapy Association
Musical America Worldwide - Subscriber-based and free information industry news and resources
Classical Singer Music - Listings of auditions, competitions, news and more
Bakitone International - Music competitions
The Film Music Society
Self Employment in the Arts (SEA) - Resources and connections for the self-employed artists
ArtsWestchester – A guide to arts in Westchester - events
Occupational Outlook Handbook Online - Job descriptions, growth forecasts & salary
Job Search Links
Career Development Center - Select Purchase JobScore to access jobs posted for Purchase students and alumni
Get That Gig- internships and job searches; interviews and career advice from working musicians
Career in Music – Music business solutions
Entertainment Careers –Internships and jobs
Music Jobs - Job search
MusicStaff - Advertise yourself as a music teacher. Subscriber-based and free services
Musical Chairs - Orchestral jobs and more vacancies world wide
Musical America Worldwide - Jobs in music/performing arts
Additional Resources Available at the CDC