What you will study
As a Piano major at UCM, you’ll build on your practical skills, enhance your performance
capabilities and discover how to market yourself for success. In addition to music
theory and history, you’ll study essential performance topics in private applied lessons
and piano teaching methods in optional small-class piano pedagogy courses. You can
also take courses in music technology, composition or other aspects of music to develop
your interests.
The bachelor’s degree in Piano is a multifaceted program offering a diverse range
of courses, including:
- Piano Pedagogy: Explore musical learning processes and improve your skills in teaching piano with
the latest instructional techniques.
- Piano Literature Through Beethoven: Learn the history of music for the piano in the Baroque and Classical eras.
- Music Business Practices: Position yourself for a successful music career by learning to book gigs, develop
your web presence and understand elements of entrepreneurship such as copyright, taxes
and more.
Excellence in Piano
- One of the first universities in Missouri to be designated an All-Steinway School. We are also a Conn-Selmer school, with a large collection of high-quality instruments
from that premier company.
- Top 15%: Best Value Bachelor's Degree Colleges for General Music (College Factual, 2022)
- A Most Focused College for General Music (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 8%: Most Popular Colleges for General Music (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 15%: Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for General Music (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in piano and piano pedagogy
At the University of Central Missouri, we provide our Piano majors with a variety
of hands-on learning opportunities and real-life performance experiences to improve
your playing and professional networking skills.
- Enrichment: Piano-focused Performance students enjoy access to on-campus piano clinics and performances
with world-class renowned educators and guest artists such as Nelita True, Thomas
Schumacher, Alan Chow and Natalya Antonova.
- Teaching: Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Piano who take the Piano Pedagogy course
sequence benefit from piano teaching practicum placements that include faculty observation
and feedback. In later semesters, you’ll teach private lessons in your own mini-studio
and through UCM’s community music program.
- Volunteering: You’ll use your skills in teaching piano to benefit your community and gain valuable
in-person experience with music students of all ages. Students in UCM’s Piano degree
program volunteer in community service activities through the Missouri Federation
of Music Clubs and the Missouri Music Teachers Association.
- Career-building: UCM ensures that our Piano and Piano Pedagogy majors graduate with polished skills
in self-promotion via social media, digital distribution of recordings, creating a
personal website and other business techniques that will benefit your career.
What can you do with a bachelor's degree in Piano from UCM
Graduates of excellent piano schools like UCM possess the skills to make a living
as a musician. No matter your performance or career aspirations, UCM is here to help
you prepare for a successful future.
Many UCM Piano majors earn advanced degrees in performance or music education in order
to pursue a career as a college-level piano professor. Our bachelor’s degree in Piano
program also prepares you with the performance skills, practical know-how and technical
savvy you need for a career as a freelance pianist, private instructor or touring
musician.
What’s next for graduates from piano schools?
Use the interactive tool below to learn more about exciting careers, earning potential
and job growth.
Financial assistance options for your Piano degree
The University of Central Missouri offers you a variety of opportunities to make your Piano degree more affordable. You may qualify for one of our multiple sources of financial aid, including scholarships,
grants and work-study positions that can help offset the cost of your education.
UCM’s general need- and merit-based scholarships are open to future freshmen, current
undergraduates, transfer students and out-of-state students. When you enroll in one
of our Piano programs, you can also apply for UCM scholarships reserved for Piano
majors, such as:
- Dr. Richard B. Smith Piano Scholarship
- Marion B. Davies Memorial Scholarship
- Joan Hubbel Scholarship in Music
Learn more about scholarships for students enrolled in Piano programs by using the
UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Caeley C.
BM Music ’18, MA ’20
“UCM Music is filled with students and teachers that want to help you reach your goals
and pursue what you’re passionate about. It’s the most supportive group of people
I have ever met.”
Meet Dr. Mia Kim
Professor of Piano and Piano area coordinator
Dr. Kim has been a performing pianist since the age of 12. She holds a doctorate from
the Eastman School of Music and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music from Indiana
University. In addition to teaching piano, Dr. Kim also offers unique insights into
historical performance practice, emotional regulation in the studio/on stage and physiology.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Hana O.
BM Music ’20
“Studying music at UCM will help you become a strong performer and a well-rounded
musician. You will gain practical knowledge of the business side of music through
courses (Music Business Practices, Piano Pedagogy), lessons and as an accompanist.
The more work you put into your studies and instrument, the better a musician you
will become. Your peers and professors will help you on this path.”
All-Steinway School
In 2006, UCM became an All-Steinway school. Among our 61 Steinway and Steinway-designed
Boston pianos are three 9-foot concert grand pianos. Students in UCM’s Piano Pedagogy
degree program have full access to UCM’s world-class Steinway collection for use on
our concert stages and in our teaching studios, practice rooms and classrooms.
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Expand Your Experience with Piano Pedagogy Skills
UCM can take your piano degree further by helping you develop piano teaching skills
in addition to musicianship and performance expertise. By honing competencies in teaching
piano, you’ll diversify your professional abilities while becoming a better musician.
Don’t just get a degree – get resume-worthy experience too. Your optional Piano Pedagogy
coursework at UCM will include hands-on learning through practicums and even your
own mini-studio where you’ll teach private lessons through UCM’s community music program.
You’ll have access to instruction in music education and teaching theory that is usually
reserved for graduate students. Whether you want to be a piano teacher or performer,
pursue a graduate degree in music or use your piano skills to support a portfolio
career in music, this multifaceted degree will prepare you for your future.
