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
Buzzfile -Employers of Music majors
American Federation of Musicians of the U.S. and Canada
League of American Orchestras
Broadcast Music Inc.
Society for American Music
American Guild of Musical Artists
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
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
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
Artist Opportunities from ArtsWestchester
Additional Resources Available at the CDC