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About The Program

Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in Keyboard Concentration are offered from the College of Performing and Visual Arts through the School of Music. Students will benefit from the regular schedule of recitals and master classes by internationally acclaimed guest artists such as Frank Weinstock, Marina Lomazov, Anton Nel, Robert Weirich, Stanislav Khristenko and Douglas Humpherys. Additional opportunities are available for competing to perform with the UNC Symphony Orchestra along with other national and international music events and stages.

Students will acquire hands-on training in private applied study, experience performance opportunities in orchestra, band, brass, and jazz ensembles. Keyboard students will receive regular coachings in  chamber music ensembles, participate in interdisciplinary collaborations, and receive mentorship from seasoned faculty. Our graduates are prepared to pursue both higher education and successful music careers.

 

  • Degree Overview

    Undergraduate Studies

    The Bachelor of Music in Piano Concentration offers opportunities for applied private lessons, exposure to both music business and technology and a strong musical foundation. Students will be able to perform in a wide array of ensembles including the UNC Symphony Orchestra, small chamber ensemble settings and vocal collaboration in addition to performing individual recitals.

    Graduate Studies

    The Master of Music in Collaborative Piano provides exceptional preparation for graduate studies and careers in performance and education. It offers one-on-one coaching and mentorship with UNC’s world-renowned faculty to refine your technical skill and artistic fluency.  The Doctor of Arts in Music Performance, Piano Concentration will allow you to work with faculty to design a unique plan of study tailored to your artistic strengths, academic interests and career objectives. You will receive one-on-one guidance and support from UNC faculty who combine professional success with academic expertise.

    Meet the Faculty

  • Beyond the Classroom

    UNC Southard Music Competition

    The UNC Southard Music Competition has traditionally been one of the school’s premier showcase events, highlighting the breadth and depth of the musical talent of students as soloists and chamber players.

    Learn more about the UNC Southard Music Competition

  • Curriculum

    Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance

    The Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance, Piano Concentration, requires 120 credit hours. It includes foundational music coursework such as music theory, aural skills, class piano, history of music, orchestral excerpts, individual applied lessons and the opportunity to attend recitals and concerts by other students and faculty.

    Learn more about the Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance

    Master of Music in Collaborative Piano/Keyboard Performance

    The Master of Music in Collaborative Piano/Keyboard Performance requires 30-31 credit hours of coursework. It includes an introduction to music scholarship and research, individualized applied lessons, seminars in music history and music theory, pedagogy studies with faculty-mentors, and a culminating recital performance.

    Learn more about the Master of Music in Collaborative Piano

    Learn more about the Master of Music in Keyboard Performance

    Doctor of Arts in Collaborative Piano/Keyboard Performance

    The Doctor of Arts in Collaborative Piano/Instrumental Performance requires 67-71 credit hours of coursework. Through creating a plan of study, students will be able to pursue academic interests in preparation for comprehensive exams, continue individualized applied lessons, participate in a supervised practicum in college teaching, and give recitals and complete dissertation research credits. Doctoral students will also choose a secondary concentration and complete appropriate graduate-level coursework.

    Learn more about the Doctor of Arts in Collaborative Piano/Keyboard Performance

    Music Performance Certificate

    The Graduate Certificate in Performance is a two-semester post-baccalaureate course of study designed for advanced, non-degree seeking students wishing to pursue intense and concentrated musical study in piano performance at the graduate level.

    Learn More about the Music Performance Certificate

    Performance Opportunities

    Performance opportunities will be available for the UNC Symphony Orchestra, UNC Bands and Wind Ensemble and UNC Jazz Bands. Through these ensembles, students will be able to perform in interdisciplinary collaborations and experience artistry outside of their own areas. Smaller chamber music groups will be available for more individualized and concentrated music-making experiences.

  • Auditions and Scholarships

    Auditions

    In addition to completing the UNC Undergraduate  or Graduate Application, students will be asked to submit more information and audition on a primary instrument in the complete application process. To learn more about the audition process visit the keyboard auditions page to find audition requirements.

    Keyboard Audition Requirements

    Collaborative Piano Audition Requirements

    Scholarships

    The College of Performing and Visual Arts awards over $1.8 million in scholarships annually to undergraduate and graduate students in the arts. There are multiple scholarship types offered to students, including talent scholarships and foundation scholarships. To learn more, visit the PVA Scholarship page.

    PVA Scholarships

Questions? Get In Touch!

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Application Dates
  • Fall semesterAugust 1*
  • Spring semesterJanuary 1*
  • Summer semesterMay 1*
*Note: Application dates may vary depending on student status. Learn more.

All-Steinway Initiative

With the help of many incredible donors, UNC embarked on our mission to become an All-Steinway School in 2018. This meaningful distinction demonstrates our commitment to excellence in music education by providing our students and faculty with the best instruments possible for the study of music. In February of 2021, the University of Northern Colorado became the first public university in Colorado to receive this meaningful distinction thanks to the generosity of our donors.

LEARN  MORE ABOUT UNC'S ALL-STEINWAY DESIGNATION