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Performance: Keyboard
The School of Music offers both a BM and MM in keyboard performance that covers a wide array of both scholarly work and technical training in piano technique, repertoire and style. The commitment to excellence and passion for piano at SIU enables artists to build upon their existing skillset in a supportive community of musicians.
Students gain experience in both solo and collaborative piano performance as led by our knowledgeable and dedicated faculty members. Both the classroom curriculum and performance opportunities at SIU allow pianists to prepare for successful careers on stage and in professional studios or to work towards a graduate degree.
Bachelor of Music (Performance: Keyboard)
The undergraduate major can be accomplished by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Music (B.M.) degree.
- Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
- University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
- Theory: 8 credit hours
- History-Literature: (3) + 5 credit hours
- MUS 011, MUS 366 A-F: 8 credit hours
- Applied MUS 140 A-X - MUS A-X: 8 credit hours
- Specialization Requirements: 52 credit hours
Check out the B.M. Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years. View all related undergraduate courses.
Master of Music (Performance: Piano)
- Total Degree Requirements: 36 credit hours
- Music Bibliography and Research: 3 credit hours
- Analytic Techniques A and B: 4 credit hours
- Applied Music (440): 0-3 credit hours
- Applied Music (540): 6-9 credit hours
- Research Paper: 1 credit hour
- Graduate Recital: 3 credit hours
- Accompanying Lab, Chamber Music with Keyboard: 1,1 credit hours
- Chamber Music or Ensemble: 1,1 credit hours
- Music History: 3 credit hours
- Applied Music Pedagogy: 3 credit hours
- Approved Graduate Music Electives: 6 credit hours
The graduate major can be accomplished by fulfilling the requirements for the Master of Music (M.M.) degree. View all related graduate courses.
Ensembles
Music majors are required to participate in major musical ensembles throughout the academic year, such as SIU's Concert Choir, Marching Salukis, Southern Illinois Symphony or Wind Ensemble. Additionally, The Outside the Box music festival is produced each year, providing opportunities for composition students to attend master classes, seminars, workshops and to perform in the Emerging Composers recital during the event.
Visit the School of Music for a full list of participation opportunities.
Scholarships
The SIU School of Music has more than 30 scholarships available. A large variety of criteria exist for these awards and are listed below outlining the eligibility requirements.
Admissions and Auditions
To apply to the SIU music program, prospective students are required to submit both a University application as well as a School of Music application. In addition to these applications, you will be required to complete an in-person audition at Altgeld Hall on campus, or a live online audition if traveling is not possible. Our undergraduate and graduate Admissions and Auditions pages will give you all of the details necessary to begin early preparation for your applications and an audition for each specific instrument.
Facilities
At SIU, rehearsals and performances take place in the oldest currently occupied building on campus, Altgeld Hall. With state of the art spaces for choral performers and musicians of every kind, this majestic building is a second home to many students of the music program and a place to enhance their experience as a burgeoning artist.
Contact Information
Karen Wolf
Academic Advisor
Communications Building 1121
1100 Lincoln Dr.
618-453-3388
kwolf@siu.edu
Chris Butler
Assistant Director
Altgeld 104E
1000 S Normal Ave
618-453-5810
cbutler@siu.edu