The program trains students for careers as professional musicians -- performers in classical or jazz music, and composers. After completing the basic curriculum, the student chooses an area of specialization. Students may specialize in composition, jazz, a keyboard instrument, string/harp, guitar, voice, wind instrument, or percussion. They train in solo performance, coached ensemble, and conducted ensemble.

The Performance major in the Bassoon concentration provides students with coursework in music theory, literature, history, and pedagogy, as well as intensive practice in orchestration; solo, coached, and conducted ensemble; and preparation for a capstone recital. In addition to pursuing bassoon performance as a live performance or recording artist, graduates may find work in education, music direction, arts promotion, or talent management. Performance, like many majors, teaches content and skills that can be applied to a wide variety of career fields. This major does not restrict you to a specific field. The career fields most closely related to this major are competitive. Many individuals who graduate with bachelor’s degrees in this major establish paying careers in other fields.