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About the BM in Performance Degree

Why Study Music Performance at Cedarville?

Discover how Cedarville's Bachelor of Music in Performance degree can equip you for a fulfilling career as a performer. You'll study music and the art of performing through a biblical worldview on a truly Christ-centered campus. Beyond working to master your performance skills in world-class facilities, you'll form deep personal connections that will last a lifetime, preparing you for success in your career.

At Cedarville, Bach’s famous phrase “Soli Deo Gloria” — for the glory of God alone — is more than a slogan; it's a mission that will become your own. You'll learn to use your creativity and hone your talents to honor the Creator. Accomplished professors will come alongside you, mentoring and inspiring you as both a Christ-follower and a musician. By studying music performance at Cedarville, you'll be fully prepared for a rewarding career as a performer who brings glory to Christ through your work.

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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

Program Overview

Program Highlights

Specialized – You will choose an instrumental, piano, or vocal concentration.

Expert Faculty – Faculty members will provide you with the highest level of studio instruction and mentoring. Excellent

Preparation – You will be equipped with general knowledge of the music literature in your performance area.

Students playing in the orchestra

Soli Deo Gloria Music Scholarships

Cedarville University offers music scholarships of up to $6,000 per year for students majoring in music. You can combine your music scholarship with Cedarville’s other generous academic and need-based scholarships.

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Placement Success

We’re proud of our successful graduates! 95.65% of recent graduates from the Department of Music and Worship were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Check out Cedarville's other placement rates.

Cedarville's Placement Rates

What Can You Do With a Music Performance Degree?

Most of our performance majors pursue a graduate education after Cedarville. Their graduate school placement is exemplary with recent; performance majors being offered admission — often with paid assistantships — to prestigious schools such as:

  • Carnegie Mellon
  • Cleveland Institute of Music
  • Notre Dame
  • University of Oklahoma

Graduate and professional programs and employers welcome Cedarville University graduates each year. It is important to note that most professional career fields you may pursue require additional education, experience, and/or licensure beyond the completion of your Cedarville University undergraduate degree.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

You'll have many opportunities to use and develop your gifts in the Department of Music and Worship, from general and solo recitals to masterclasses and accompaniments. Explore the range of music and worship ensembles that you can get involved with:

Program Curriculum

Building on your general education liberal arts and Bible minor courses, you will experience four years of intensive, one-on-one private lessons with a professor and take courses in chamber music and the literature of your instrument.

Sample courses:

  • Introduction to Music Literature
  • Music Philosophy and Aesthetics

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers graduate and undergraduate programs with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you choose the degree or program that is the best fit for you.

Related Programs

Program Level and Format

  • Undergraduate
  • 4-Year
  • Residential
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From Our Students:

  • The faculty is one of the biggest blessings of studying music at Cedarville. They are all godly men and women who lead by example for their students in all that they do. Whether they are developing our skills musically or guiding us spiritually, the willingness of the faculty to disciple us and care for us personally is evident in every lesson, class, and concert. I have learned how to humbly pursue excellence, discipline, and creativity for God's glory.
    Antonio Muñoz '21
    Antonio Munoz
Job and Grad School Placement

Program Faculty

Photo of Beth Porter

Beth Porter, MA

Chair, Associate Professor of Vocal Music

Contact

Photo of Carlos Elias

Carlos Elias, MM

Professor of Music; Director of University Orchestra

Contact

Photo of John Mortensen

John Mortensen, DMA

Professor of Music

Contact

Department of Music and Worship
School of Arts and Humanities

Program News

  • Dr. Lou Lilite sits at the piano in his office with bookshelves in the background.

    Beyond Politics: A Haitian Immigrant’s Call To See People

    Cedarville music professor Dr. Lou Lilite, a Haitian immigrant and U.S. citizen, urges neighbors to see immigrants as people, not labels. Visiting Springfield Haitians, he listens, explains systems, and shares hope amid parole uncertainty.
  • Renee Leanne sitting in blue and cream contemporary room.

    Transforming the Journey of Motherhood Into Music

    Late-night rocking-chair prayers after her fourth child sparked Renee (O’Neal) Sallee’s songwriting. Now the Cedarville alum, performing as Renee Leanne, is sharing her debut worship album “Lift Your Eyes” (Nov. 2024) on Spotify and Apple Music.

Student Perspectives