Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance

Music Performance

Who is this program for?

A Bachelor of Music in Performance is perfect for students who are dedicated to mastering their instrument or voice and pursuing a professional career in music. This program prepares graduates for careers as solo performers, orchestral musicians, ensemble members, or music producers, offering opportunities in live performance, recording, and teaching music.

Program Overview

Music Performance students are trained as professional musicians with a strong foundation in music theory and history. Students will perform with various ensembles and benefit from private lessons with our renowned faculty throughout all years of study.

Our Accreditation

The University of Kentucky is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Visit the NASM website for more information.

Offered by the College of Fine Arts
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Credit Hours
120
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Credential
BM
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Admission Requirements

  • Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
  • Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.

Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.

Application Requirements

Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).

Program Specific Requirements

Students apply and enter this program as "Pre-Music Performance" majors. Students are fully admitted to the program when they complete the pre-major requirements. View specifics in the Academic Catalog.

Admission to the music performance program is granted only after the successful completion of an audition in the student’s chosen instrument.

Application Deadlines

Freshman

  • Early Action
    • 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
  • Regular Decision
    • 02/15/2026

Transfer

  • Fall Scholarship
    • 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
  • Fall
    • 08/01/2025
  • Spring
    • 11/15/2025
  • Summer
    • 04/15/2026
Calendars & Deadlines

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What You'll Learn

Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

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These events are designed to answer your questions and give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a part of our program.

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"I knew I wanted to study with Dr. Everett McCorvey because he is one the best voice teachers in America and runs one of the best opera programs in America, too. His students and many other UK Opera Theatre alumni are singing all over the world."

Reginald "Reggie" Smith, Jr.

Music Performance, Grand Finals Winner of the 2015 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions
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Live with and learn from other creative-minded students at UK! Plus, gain access to dedicated practice spaces and studios right where you live.  

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Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
Gatton College of Business and Economics
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