The Performance major in the Composition concentration provides students with coursework in music theory, literature, and history, as well as intensive practice in piano, compositional technique, orchestration, and preparation for a capstone recital. In addition to pursuing music composition for performing arts companies and recording artists, graduates may find work in education, music direction, arts promotion, advertising 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.

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.