Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)

The Instrumental Performance Degree

As a student in the Instrumental Performance degree program, you can choose to learn one or many types of musical instruments such as brass, including trumpet, trombone and tuba; woodwinds, including saxophone, clarinet and flute; percussion, including drums and vibes/vibraphone; guitar and bass; and piano. If you consider your instrument to be a true extension of yourself and your personality, if jazz or contemporary musical performance is what you want to do for a living, and if you’re a creative and critical thinker, then the bachelor of music in Instrumental Performance is a good fit for you. UArts will help put you on track to become a professional touring and recording musician, arranger, producer or music director. Find out more about our programs by visiting the School of Music

Skills and Experience

While pursuing a degree in Instrumental Performance, you will sharpen your technical and improvisation skills on your instrument. You will master your overall musicianship during core study subjects of arranging and orchestration, music business, music history, music theory and technology. UArts features 19 ensembles of varying genres, including the premiere "Z" Big Band ensemble. Through private lessons and ensembles, you will increase your command of diverse repertoire and styles. Find more information on our ensembles in the Facilities tab below.

Awards and Accolades

  • In 2020, the School of Music was ranked #2 in The 10 Best “Hidden Gem” Music Schools by Music School Central.

  • Z Big Band tied for first place at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival in 2017.

  • Henry Tirfe BM ’17 won best soloist award at Monterey Next Generation Festival in 2016 and 2017.

  • Z Big Band won the Downbeat Magazine Award for Best Undergraduate Big Band in 2023 and 2016.

Meet Adam Blackstone: musician, producer and UArts alum

Why Ravi Seenarine chose UArts

Listen to UArts students, faculty and alumni on Spotify and Apple Music.

"Z" Big Band Holiday Performance

Vocal Performance students contribute their voices to the "Z" Big Band holiday performance. 

Faculty Spotlight

At UArts, you’ll develop your individual musical voice as you learn the fundamentals through hands-on education and private lessons with our professional performing and recording artist faculty. You’ll get exposure to all styles and genres of music while having the flexibility to focus on your particular niche. There are plenty of opportunities to collaborate with other Instrumental Performance students; students in Vocal Performance, Dance and Theater programs; and guest performers.

A portrait of Kevin Haden, the new dean of the school of music
Kevin Haden

Dean, School of Music

Dean, educator, musician, composer and lyricist
portrait of Micah Jones against a background of theater seats in shadow. Micah is wearing a checkered pale blue collared shirt with a black suit jacket over it.
Micah Jones

Instrumental Performance Program Director

Bassist and producer who has performed with Terence Blanchard, Randy Brecker, Patti LaBelle, Tiffany Jones, Patti LaBelle and others
A black-and-white, slanted image of Chris Farr holding a sax.
Chris Farr

Associate Professor, Saxophone Faculty

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Sax player who has performed with Eminem, John Legend, Rihanna and the Roots
Allen_Mark_headshot
Mark Allen

Saxophone/Woodwind Department Chair

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Saxophonist and woodwind doubler who has performed with Tony Bennett, Orrin Evans, Lady Gaga, and the Philly Pops, among others
Steve Beskrone in a black suit holding a bass guitar and standing in front of a dark gray background
Steve Beskrone

Bass Department Coordinator

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Performer who has worked with Ray Charles, Pat Martino, Horace Silver, the Philly Pops and many others
Matt Davis playing guitar outside in the evening
Matt Davis

Guitar Department Chair

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Guitarist and composer who has performed with diverse artists such as the New York Pops, Odean Pope and the Silk Road Ensemble
SHot of Matt Gallagher playing trumpet, dressed in all black.
Matt Gallagher

Trumpet Department Chair

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Director of “Z” Big Band; principal trumpet for the Philly Pops Orchestra and Broadway Philadelphia
A black and white image of Nick Lombardelli playing trombone in front of a standup bass player with a brick wall behind them
Nick Lombardelli

Instrumental Coordinator

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Trombone instrumental coordinator; has written and arranged for Adam Blackstone, Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, and many others
Tony Miceli wearing black in front of a black background and holding a black vibraphone and wooden mallets
Tony Miceli

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Internationally renowned jazz vibraphonist
Tony Salicandro wearing a blue suit jacket and a black shirt and holding a saxophone in front of a white background
Tony Salicandro

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Director, The Conservatory of Musical Arts, and saxophone, flute, and clarinet player

Curriculum

The Instrumental Performance curriculum provides a direct and practical education for students interested in establishing careers in jazz and/or contemporary music. The core of this curriculum includes theory and musicianship, piano, improvisation, technology, and music business. Additional study topics include acoustics, arranging, orchestration, recording, and an array of music history and literature courses. 

Students have weekly, one-hour private lessons in their major with renowned teaching artists. Ensemble and performance opportunities play a critical part in students’ education by sharpening technical and improvisation skills and increasing students’ command of repertoire and styles.

Areas of Concentration: Cello, Clarinet, Drums, Electric and/or Upright Bass, Flute, Guitar, Hand Drums, Percussion, Piano, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Vibraphone, Violin and Woodwinds
        
Woodwind majors may elect to enroll in a woodwind specialist program that includes the study of various woodwind instruments.

Students successfully completing the Instrumental Performance program will demonstrate

  • strong technique and artistry through the study of varied repertoire and technique exercises;

  • knowledge and understanding of contemporary and traditional music theory;

  • knowledge of fundamental aural skills through singing, sight-reading, dictation and solo transcription;

  • understanding of jazz forms, improvisational concepts, and how to apply them to a broad range of musical styles;

  • ability to collaborate artistically with other performers, both vocal and instrumental, as a performer, arranger, creator and leader;

  • ability to compose, orchestrate and create musical arrangements; and 

  • knowledge of current technological applications to assist in the creation of one’s art.

Beginning your first year, coursework in the Instrumental Performance program is sequential. Each year you will have a midyear performance review, a jury performance, ensemble concerts and final exams or projects. As a senior, you will give a senior recital during spring semester.

In the School of Music at UArts, you’ll be able to take classes outside your major, including Audio Electronics, Intro to Ableton, Intro to Logic, Intro to ProTools, Live Sound I and Recording I and II. As a UArts student, you can take courses in other areas of study, such as Art History, Dance (for non-majors), Photography and Yoga. We also encourage students to take advantage of the many minors we offer, like a Musical Theater minor.

Sample Curriculum

Total Credits: 120
Duration: 4 years, full time
 
Major requirements: 69 credits
Critical Studies: 33 credits
Discipline history: 9 credits
Free electives: 9 credits

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First Year

Fall: 15 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Ensemble (1c)
Music Theory I (3c)
Musicianship I (3c)
Class Piano (1c)
Comp I (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (1c)

Spring: 15 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Music Theory II (3c)
Musicianship II (3c)
Freshman Improvisation (2c)
Music Technology Survey (1c)
Comp II (3c)

Second Year

Fall: 16 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Jazz Theory I (3c)
Jazz Musicianship I (3c)
Class Jazz Piano I (1c)
Jazz Improvisation I (2c)
Science (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (1c)

Spring: 16 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Jazz Theory II (3c)
Jazz Musicianship II (3c)
Class Jazz Piano II (1c)
Jazz Improvisation II (2c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (1c)

Third Year

Fall: 16 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Comprehensive Musicianship (3c)
Chorus (1c)
Discipline history (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)

Spring: 15 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Chorus (1c)
Discipline history (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (2c)

Fourth Year

Fall: 15 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Ensemble (1c)
Ensemble (1c)
Business of Music (2c)
Discipline history (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (2c)

Spring: 12 credits
Senior Recital (0c)
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Ensemble (1c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (2c)

Explore the Full Curriculum

Areas of Concentration

Our Instrumental Performance program focuses on the following instruments.

Image
three people in a row playing trombones, seen from the side. They are facing left. the background is a deep blue curtain

Brass


Brass Instrumental Performance majors study with renowned trumpet and trombone faculty, including Matt Gallagher, John Swana, and Nick Lombardelli. Brass students at UArts have opportunities to perform in the Brass ensemble, numerous large and small ensembles, including the award winning Z Big Band.

  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Tuba

Matt Gallagher: Trumpet Department Chair

Image
five seated people wearing black, all playing saxophones. another person stands along the wall at the back of the room wearing a black suit.

Woodwinds


Woodwind Instrumental Performance majors study with renowned saxophone and woodwind faculty, including Mark Allen, Chris Farr, Greg Riley, and Tony Salicandro. Woodwind students at UArts have opportunities to perform in the Saxophone quartets, numerous large and small ensembles, including the award winning Z Big Band.

  • Saxophone
  • Clarinet
  • Flute

Mark Allen: Saxophone Department Chair

Chris Farr: Associate Professor, Saxophone Faculty

Image
A person in a red shirt, with glasses and a beard, playing a drum kit under a warm stage light in a dark room

Percussion


Percussion Instrumental Performance majors study with renowned drum set and vibraphone faculty, including Sherrie Maricle, Tony Miceli, and Marc Dicciani. Percussion students at UArts have opportunities to perform in the Salsa, Transfusion, and numerous large and small ensembles, including the award winning Z Big Band.

Marc Dicciani: Percussion Department Co-Chair

Sherrie Maricle: Percussion Department Co-Chair

Image
two people play guitars against a background of a blue curtain. the person in front has long teal hair, the person in the back has round glasses and a mustache. both are looking downward toward the right of the image.

Guitar and Bass


Guitar and Bass Instrumental Performance majors study with renowned faculty, including Matt Davis, Steve Beskrone, Ben O’Neill, Micah Jones, Kevin Hanson, Madison Rast, and Ross Bellenoit. Guitar and Bass students at UArts have opportunities to perform in the Transfusion, Rock, Soul, and numerous large and small jazz and contemporary ensembles, including the award winning Z Big Band.

Steve Beskrone: Bass Department Chair

Matt Davis: Guitar Department Chair

Image
a low angle image of a person playing an electric keyboard, taken from the level of the keyboard. in the background are two people playing guitars

Piano


Piano Instrumental Performance majors study with renowned faculty, including Don Glanden, AJ Luca, Tim Brey, and Tom Lawton. Piano students at UArts have opportunities to perform in the numerous large and small jazz and contemporary ensembles, including the award winning Z Big Band and Transfusion Ensemble.

Don Glanden: Piano Department Chair

 

 

“The interdisciplinary opportunities I’ve had have been some of the best benefits of this school. Animation majors are always looking for music and Dance majors have open jam events.”
— Raphael Krause-Palit ’21

Facilities


The School of Music offers a robust set of performance spaces, recording studios, rehearsal rooms and music labs.

  • two state-of-the-art recording studios
  • seven production suites
  • eight rehearsal rooms
  • 16 individual practice rooms
  • two dedicated drum practice rooms
  • four smart classrooms that double as rehearsal spaces
  • one circuitry lab
  • one electronic music lab featuring the 4th Moog analog synthesizer, built specifically for the School of Music at UArts
  • two computer labs with keyboard controllers and audio interfaces
  • two drum teaching and practice studios

Laurie Wagman Recording Studios

In November 2019, UArts celebrated the grand opening of the Laurie Wagman Music Studios on the 11th floor of Terra Hall. The two recording studios are equipped with state-of-the-art, 24-channel API consoles and Antelope interfaces. There is a surround sound system in Studio A, while Studio B has a pair of Adam reference monitors. Both studios have a number of outboard compressors, equalizers and other effects processors. Studio A will also function as a fully analog space equipped with a 16-track tape machine.

 

Performance Spaces

In addition to our performance and recording spaces, students have access to facilities around campus including the Arts Bank Cabaret Theater, Black Box, dance studios, film and animation studios, photography labs and the woodshop.

 

Ensembles

UArts features premier ensembles known nationwide, such as the Z Big Band. The styles of music in our ensembles range from jazz to hip hop and ambient to rock and include original compositions. Students can perform in the following groups. 

  • Ambient Ensemble
  • Big Band
  • Brass Ensemble
  • Chorus
  • Femme Ensemble: an instrumental ensemble for women, non-binary and gender-neutral students
  • Great American Songbook
  • Handbells
  • Hip Hop
  • Jazz Composers
  • Jazz Singers
  • Motown
  • Original Music Ensemble
  • Rick Kerber Tribute Ensemble: an 18–20 piece Lab Band
  • Rock Ensemble
  • Saxophone Quartets
  • Soul
  • Stax Records Ensemble
  • Transfusion Ensemble
  • Vocal Session Ensemble for rhythm sections and individual vocalists

Rehearsals, Performances & Tours

Each ensemble rehearses weekly, culminating in an end of the semester performance. Some ensembles record live in the performance hall or in the recording studios. Many groups perform at regional high schools or notable events such as the Jazz Appreciation Month at Philadelphia City Hall, the Key of She Festival, the Philadelphia Jazz Summit and the Washington Women in Jazz Festival.

Awards & Accolades

  • Z Big Band tied for first place at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival in 2017.
  • Henry Tirfe BM ’17 won best soloist award at Monterey Next Generation Festival in 2016 and 2017.
  • Z Big Band won the Downbeat Magazine Award for Best Undergraduate Big Band in 2016.

 

Events

Femme Ensemble will be playing in the Washington Women in Jazz Festival September 2020.

UArts concerts and events at the Ellen and Ronald Caplan Center for the Performing Arts are live streamed.

See upcoming events.

Profiles & Careers

Careers & Internships

Throughout your studies in the Instrumental Performance program, you’ll have opportunities to shadow and substitute for faculty in professional rehearsals, performances and recordings. In some cases, you may be contracted through the School of Music to perform for outside events and organizations like social functions, jazz clubs and occasional high profile TV opportunities. 

Internships ranging from administrative to teaching positions are available in a variety of professional music organizations. Companies who have hired UArts students include the Academy of Music, Bellevue Hotel, Comcast, DoubleTree by Hilton, FS Investments, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, Philly POPS, Ritz-Carlton and the Walnut Street Theatre.

Common careers students could obtain after graduation include:

  • Artist manager
  • Arranger
  • Composer
  • Concert band member or director
  • Entertainment booker
  • K–12 music educator
  • Military ensemble member
  • Music copyist
  • Music director
  • Orchestral musician in a major ensemble
  • Private event entertainer
  • Private music teacher
  • Producer
  • Publicist
  • Recording engineer
  • Studio musician
  • Touring musician
     

Featured Alumni

Jake Sommers playing for Luke Combs on SNL
Jake Sommers

BM '13

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Drummer for Luke Combs who's played at the CMA Awards, CMT Music Awards and SNL
Head shot of Dan Berkery
Dan Berkery

BM ’11 (Instrumental Performance), MM ’12 (Jazz Studies)

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Drummer for Broadway shows Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked, Avenue Q
Nick Bockrath playing guitar with Cage the Elephant
Nick Bockrath

BM '10

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Lead guitarist for Grammy-winning band Cage the Elephant
Jon Smith BM '09
Jon Smith

BM '09

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Bassist who's played with artists like Eric Wortham, Luke Carlos O'Reilly, George “Spanky” McCurdy and Rick Tate
Adam Blackstone playing bass guitar in studio, wearing black baseball cap, black shirt and jeans
Adam Blackstone

'04

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Bassist, music director for Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5
A headshot of Todd Groves
Todd Groves

BM '99

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
NYC-based performer and composer who's played in Broadway musicals, the New York Philharmonic and more
Dan Zank Headshot
Dan Zank

BM '95

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Award winning composer and arranger whose work has been recorded in famed studios worldwide

Featured Students

Scott Blanke headshot
Scott Blanke

'21

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Montgomeryville, PA
Raphael Krause-Palit headshot
Raphael Krause-Palit

'21

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Sparta, NJ
Cat Madewell
Catherine Madewell

'20

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Medford, NJ
Morgan Walbridge Headshot
Morgan Walbridge

'20

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Peter Frank headshot
Peter Frank

'19

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
Kevin Blanke headshot
Kevin Blanke

'18

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Montgomeryville, PA
Edward Castillo headshot
Edward Castillo

'18

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Dominican Republic
Alex Delcourt headshot
Alex Delcourt

'18

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Versailles, France
Dallas Taylor headshot
Dallas Taylor

'18

Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Mount Laurel, NJ

Scholarships & Aid

UArts recognizes the extraordinary talent of our students through a range of merit-based scholarships. All applicants are automatically considered for such scholarships—no special application is necessary.

Nearly 80 percent of UArts’ undergraduate students enrolled on a full-time basis are eligible for some type of need-based aid. Additionally, some scholarship opportunities take need-based criteria into account. All students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and are enrolled in a degree program are encouraged to apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

We encourage students to complete the FAFSA by March 15, if possible.
Many students and families have encountered technical challenges while trying to complete the FAFSA this year. If this is the case for you, continue to utilize the FAFSA support resources until your issue is resolved. UArts will ensure that all admitted students who file the FAFSA are eligible for the same institutional funding to support your costs.

How to Apply

UArts offers recommended priority deadlines; students who apply and submit all required materials by the priority deadline will receive first consideration for scholarship aid from UArts. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis. 

International students requiring an F-1 visa for study in the U.S. might be subject to earlier deadlines to provide time for completion of the visa process. Contact Admissions for guidance if you are an international student who wishes to apply after the priority deadline.

Spring 2024 priority deadline: Oct. 15, 2023

Fall 2024 priority deadline: Feb 15, 2024

We cannot accept spring 2024 applications after Jan. 8, 2024, and cannot accept fall 2024 applications after Aug. 16, 2024.

The following materials are required for your application.

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A completed application for admission

Start or resume your application. 

  • The application includes two required short-answer questions: What excites you about UArts? What inspires you?

A nonrefundable $60 application fee
  • If you qualify for a fee waiver from NACAC, CollegeBoard, UArts or another source, indicate that on your application. If the cost of the application fee is a barrier, contact Admissions to request a fee waiver code.

Official high school transcript

  • Official transcripts must be sent directly from your school by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service. 

  • International transcript requirements 

  • Transfer student transcript requirements

    • High school transcripts may be waived for transfer applicants who have completed a minimum of 24 credits of college-level coursework, including a minimum of 18 academic, non-studio credits.

    • Official college transcript(s)

      • Official transcripts must be sent directly from all the colleges you have attended by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service. 

      • If you’ve attended college outside the U.S., you are required to have an official course-by-course evaluation of your college coursework sent to UArts. Additional guidelines for international transcripts are available

Your audition
International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency.
Optional letters of recommendation
  • Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors are optional and may be submitted by the recommender via email to undergradcredentials@uarts.edu or by your high school through a secure electronic document-delivery service. 

Apply now

About the School of Music


The School of Music at University of the Arts is dedicated to the preparation and training of musicians for careers in music performance, production, recording, all aspects of the music business, composition and music education. Your growth as a musician is the primary goal of the program. In 2020, the School of Music was ranked #2 in The 10 Best “Hidden Gem” Music Schools by Music School Central.

The school trains you to be a professional of the highest caliber through a comprehensive curriculum that includes private lessons with an actively performing faculty, an abundance and diversity of ensembles and performance experiences, and a focus on information literacy and critical thinking.

Performance opportunities sharpen your technical and improvisation skills and increase your knowledge of repertoire and styles. The school’s numerous performance ensembles represent a wide range of styles and categories of classical, hip-hop, jazz, R&B and world music. You’ll be involved in a rigorous schedule of performances: UArts produces over 150 concerts and recitals each year.

Learn more about the School of Music.


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