instrument

Instrumental Performance, B.M.

CBU can help you turn your love of a musical instrument into a career. Practice with inspiring faculty in state-of-the-art facilities and gain experience performing in front of audiences.

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Program Intro

In CBU's instrumental performance major, students will learn a multitude of musical styles and receive constant opportunities to work with industry professionals. The Collinsworth School of Performing Arts can provide you with an environment of excellence in which to nurture your gifts into something the world will pay to experience.

86 Units

*84-86 units

7 Concentrations
51 Grand Pianos on Campus

Why Study Instrumental 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 in CBU's instrumental performance bachelor's program will learn to:

Program Details

MUS 096: Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble provides musicians with opportunities to learn a variety of jazz styles in a "big band" setting, as well as to enhance individual improvisational skills.

MUS 345: Orchestral and Band Literature

A survey of orchestral and band literature from a historical and educative perspective. 

MUS 419: Instrumental Pedagogy

Students study the methods and materials used in teaching brass, woodwind, string, or percussion instruments.

View All Courses

  • Jazz Studies Concentration 
  • Keyboard Collaborative Arts Concentration 
  • Live Music Production Concentration
  • Songwriting Concentration
  • Studio Production Concentration
  • Worship Arts Concentration
  • Worship Tech Concentration

Guy Holliday, D.M.A.

Associate Professor of Music
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Director of Bands

Office Phone: 951-343-4260
E-mail: gholliday@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: HMUS 218

Mayu Fukasawa

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

Braden Sapp

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

McKenna Sessions

I love music and am passionate about it. The program here helps you not only strengthen your skills but also helps with your spiritual walk.

McKenna Sessions '21

Career Possibilities

Instrumental performance majors can apply their field of study to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.

  • Arranger
  • Music Director
  • Musician
  • Composer
  • Music Teacher
  • Performer

Related Programs

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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.