Bringing Music to Life.
Intrumental Performance
The instrumental performance major at Anderson University prepares students with basic knowledge and performance skills needed to pursue graduate-level study and a career in performance. In addition to basic music, music education, and performance classes, instrumental performance majors must also complete 24 hours of private study in their primary performance area, 7 hours of major ensembles, and 2 hours of ensembles.
Tomorrow's Performers are getting prepared right here.
- Anderson University’s music program is known around the world. Alumni perform at the La Scala opera house in Italy, the Met, Carnegie Hall, at the Academy Awards, and at other international venues.
- Guest artists and artists-in-residence visit the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance each year. Artists visiting AU include Canadian Brass, Van Cliburn gold medal pianist Jon Nakamatsu, Thodos Dance Chicago, and Indianapolis Baroque Ensemble.
- Alumni successfully pursue graduate work at Indiana University, St. Thomas University, the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Boston University, and Vanderbilt University. Additionally, alumni Lawrence Brownlee, Sandi Patty, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jon McLaughlin, and the Sidewalk Prophets enjoy extremely successful careers in their genres.
- Instrumental performance majors can join music ensembles, such as the wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, symphony orchestra, and more. Students in these three ensembles will perform in Anderson University’s Candles and Carols concert in the fall semester. Instrumental performance majors will also have private lessons and recitals.
EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES
An Instrumental Performance major hones technical skill and musical expression, preparing students for careers as professional musicians or educators. It also develops discipline, creativity, and collaboration, all of which are valuable in both performance and a wide range of other fields.
Careers
- Play Professionally in orchestras, cruise ships, and theater touring companies.
- Teach Private Instrument Lessons
- Accompainists for dance studios, church, synogogues.
- Music Education
Classes
Among the classes in the 80 hour major are:
- Music Theory
- Music History
- Introduction to Conducting
- Piano Pedagogy
- Aural Comprehension
View the complete curriculum for the instrumental performance major.
Alumni
Alumni successfully pursue graduate work. They have attended:
- Indiana University
- St. Thomas University
- Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
- Boston University
Program Options
Major – Complete the 80-hour Bachelor of Music at AU’s School of Music, Theatre, & Dance.
Minors – Music (18 hours): The music minor includes music theory, aural comprehension, and music literature. Students also complete 4 hours of piano, 2 hours of applied study, and 2 hours of music ensembles.
Music performance: For students whose major is music business (15-16 hours), they must audition on their primary instrument to be admitted into this program and to ensure adequate performance level. Courses include Applied Study, Introduction to Conducting, and specialized courses for singers, pianists, and instrumentalists.
For students whose major is not in music (18 hours), they must also audition on their primary instrument to be admitted into this program and to ensure adequate performance level. Courses include Music Theory, Aural Comprehension, Piano, and Private Study.
Meet our Instrumental Performance faculty during your campus visit.
Instrumental Performance
Rebecca Edie
Staff Accompanist; Accompanying Coordinator; Piano Area Coordinator
Dr. Heaven Fan
Harp
Loy Hetrick
Trombone
Alistair Howlett
Flute
Jamie Johnson
Guitar
Amy Kniffen
Viola
Dr. Suzanne Rice
Horn
Leonid Sirotkin
Oboe
Dr. Adam Waller
Associate Professor of Instrumental Music Education: Director of Bands
The Anderson You
You have unique interests and skills that set you apart. Explore the free My College Career Quiz to receive a personalized list of majors selected just for you. We’ve taken out the guessing work. Come find the Anderson you.