Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance | School of Music

The University of Missouri is home to a first-class School of Music with undergraduate degrees in piano performance and music education.

Instruments set up for an esnemble performance with a piano in the foreground

The MU Piano Area offers exciting opportunities for piano majors at the School of Music:

Piano lessons with actively performing concert pianists
Weekly performance classes in Whitmore Recital Hall
Guest artist recitals and master classes with renowned pianists. Recent guests have included Alessio Bax, Sergei Babayan, Boris Berman, Malcom Bilson, Frederic Chiu, Claude Frank, and Peter Frankl, among many others.
Annual solo concerto competition with winners performing with the University Philharmonic Orchestra
Performances on our historical instruments including a fortepiano built by Paul McNulty and two harpsichords
Chamber music performance opportunities
Teaching experience through our Community Music Program for qualified majors

A full-time piano technician maintains our keyboard instruments, including Steinway and Yamaha studio grand pianos reserved for piano majors, two Steinway concert grand pianos, one Bösendorder Imperial Grand, one historic fortepiano (ca. 1800 Walter reproduction), and two harpsichords.

Talented pianists are awarded undergraduate music scholarships in addition to academic scholarships.

Program Outcomes

Develop proficiency in identifying the elements of music and apply this knowledge in composition, education, performance, and research.
Examine and evaluate the historical, cultural, and social contexts that shape music and its impact.
Articulate musical ideas through composition, performance, and research.
Demonstrate technical proficiency, expressive interpretation, and artistic creativity in solo and ensemble performances on voice or instrument, showcasing mastery of repertoire from diverse musical genres and styles.
Collaborate within rehearsals and performances, exhibiting effective communication, ensemble skills, and teamwork in achieving musical excellence and artistic expression.
Prepare for professional performance opportunities, auditions, competitions, and career pathways in music performance, including developing promotional materials, audition repertoire, and networking strategies.
Develop pedagogical expertise to effectively teach music across diverse learning environments.