Male performance major plays the violin in an orchestra

Bachelor of Music in Performance

About the B.M. in Performance Degree

Cedarville’s distinctly Christian B.M. in performance degree will prepare you for a rewarding career as a performer.

At Cedarville University, Bach’s famous phrase “Soli Deo Gloria” — for the glory of God alone — is more than a slogan. It is the mission that drives all that we do to honor the Master Creator through our creativity. Study in our music program and learn from accomplished professors who will mentor and inspire you. Master your skills in our world-class facilities. Experience the preparation you need for your career or graduate school. Cedarville music graduates serve as teachers, composers, studio musicians, and more. Pursue your passion while worshipping the Master Composer at Cedarville University.

Performance 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.

Selective (audition required) — You will be accepted into the music program — and be eligible for a department scholarship — based on a successful audition with music faculty.

What Can I Do With Performance?

Most of our performance majors pursue to 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

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

You will have many opportunities to use and develop your gifts within the Department of Music and Worship. You can choose from choral, instrumental, chamber, and worship ensembles with performance opportunities both on and off campus.

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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Music and Worship

Cedarville’s music and worship program builds a strong artistic, intellectual, and practical foundation for professional careers and graduate studies.

Watch Video »
Cedarville University orchestra and choirs perform

Cedarville University celebrates Easter with Handel's "Messiah"

Orchestra and choirs will combine for Masterworks concert, performing portions of Handel’s Messiah on March 27.

Read Article »

Placement Success

We’re proud of our successful graduates! 96% of 2017 graduates from the Department of Music and Worship were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Cedarville's Placement Rates »

Program Faculty

Photo of John Mortensen

John Mortensen, D.M.A.

Professor of Music

  • Location DMC 112
  • Phone 937-766-7734
  • Email Email
Photo of Beth Porter

Beth Porter, M.A.

Chair, Associate Professor of Vocal Music

  • Location DMC 106
  • Phone 937-766-7728
  • Email Email
Department of Music and Worship

Performance 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
View Curriculum Plan and Catalog