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 Bachelor of Music 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.

Why Study Music Performance at Cedarville?

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 You Do With a Music Performance Degree?

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.

Learn More »

Placement Success

We’re proud of our successful graduates! 100% of 2020 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 »
Dr. Lyle Anderson and Professor Connie Anderson

Family Ties: Connie and Lyle Anderson Scholarship

The new scholarship will help fund expenses for future music students pursuing programs in keyboard pedagogy or voice as primary performance disciplines.
Read Article »
Wind Symphony

Wind Symphony in Concert on November 21

Dixon Ministry Center in the Jeremiah Chapel is the location for this free event, which is open to the public and follows COVID protocols.
Read Article »
Jazz Band practicing outdoors

Jazz Band Performing in Concert November 16

The Jazz Band at Cedarville University will perform in concert on Monday at 5 p.m. in the Dixon Ministry Center Jeremiah Chapel. This event is free and open to the public and will be held according to COVID protocols.
Read Article »
Professor Charlie Pagnard performs during a recital

"Cracked Pot" Trumpets for God's Glory

Charlie Pagnard has taught students in trumpet and music, and influenced them for Christ, for the last 43 years. But he knows his path could have gone a very different direction.
Read Article »

Program Faculty

Photo of Beth Porter

Beth Porter, M.A.

Chair, Associate Professor of Vocal Music

  • Location DMC 106
  • Phone 937-766-7728
  • Email Email
Photo of John Mortensen

John Mortensen, D.M.A.

Professor of Music

  • Location DMC 112
  • Phone 937-766-7734
  • 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.


CUinClass

Our CUinClass video project gives you the opportunity to sit in on a class, hear from our professors, and experience academics at Cedarville via in-demand video. View a class that interests you now!

Sample courses:

  • Introduction to Music Literature
  • Music Philosophy and Aesthetics

View Curriculum Plan and Catalog