Piano Performance, BM
The piano is one of the most popular and versatile instruments, played in almost every genre. In CBU's piano performance bachelor's program, students will expand their repertoire, mastering many different pieces of music.
Program Intro
Students in CBU's piano performance bachelor's program receive one-on-one piano instruction from seasoned faculty and will have abundant opportunities to perform in front of audiences both solo and as an accompaniment to choral singing, chamber music and more. The Collinsworth School of Performing Arts can help you reach the top of your game to succeed in the modern musical culture.
Why Study Piano Performance at CBU?
Aim for excellence
In every class, every rehearsal, every performance, students are held to higher standards that will encourage them to develop and expand their God-given gifts and ultimately share them with others.
Practice a contemporary conservatory style
CBU's music classroom style is often referred to as conservatory—intimate, challenging and rigorous—but unlike typical music conservatories that preserve the past with a traditional repertoire, CBU's music is forward-looking to engage both musicians and audiences in the contemporary enjoyment of the art.
Use state-of-the-art technology
CBU music students work hands-on with the latest music technology on both their personal Macbook Pro computers and in computer labs and classrooms located within the state-of-the-art Hawkins Music Building. Software for professional and audio production, sequencing and publishing quality notation are used each day in many of the core music courses.
What You'll Learn
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in performance and theoretical musical skills that will enable them to be successful musicians.
- Students will demonstrate a grasp of historical/cultural perspectives on the world of music.
- Students will develop critical thinking about music (i.e. analysis, critical listening, and performance evaluation.)
- Students will exemplify professional excellence in their areas of focus (i.e. education, performance, composition) that will make them attractive to employers in the sacred/secular market place.
- Piano performance students will demonstrate proficiency in keyboard technique, sight-reading, and repertoire utilizing keyboard music representative of various stylistic periods with attention to period performance practice.
Program Details
MUS 256: Basics of Accompanying
Introduction to piano accompanying with emphasis on basic skills needed to accompany solo voice, choral singing, congregational singing, solo instruments, chamber music, and musicals.
MUS 335: Piano Literature II
A survey of the piano literature of the Romantic, Impressionistic and Contemporary periods. Stylistic analysis of individual works through recordings and live performances.
MUS 418: Piano Pedagogy I
A survey of the methods and materials available to the private piano teacher. Private studio procedures will be explored.
- Jazz Studies Concentration
- Keyboard Collaborative Arts Concentration
- Live Music Production Concentration
- Piano Pedagogy Concentration
- Songwriting Concentration
- Studio Production Concentration
- Worship Arts Concentration
- Worship Tech Concentration
Jennifer Cruz, D.M.A.
Associate Professor of Music
Director of Keyboard Studies
Instructor - Applied Piano, Piano Pedagogy, and Keyboard Collaborative Arts
Office Phone: 951-343-4253
E-mail: jcruz@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Hawkins Building 201
I chose to major in music because it's something I really love to do and I realized I'd like to keep doing it for the rest of my life. I like the program at CBU because I have so many opportunities to perform. It's helped me get used to performing a lot.
Mayu Fukasawa '19
I grew up in a musical family and always knew I wanted to participate in music in some capacity. The professors here are really great people who want to be more than just someone who grades you. They really care about your education.
Braden Sapp '19
Career Possibilities
Piano performance majors can apply their field of study to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.
- Performer
- Pianist
- Studio Pianist
- Piano Tuner
- Piano Teacher
- Musician
- Composer
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.