Pfeiffer University

What you'll study

The curriculum balances applied performance, ensemble participation and academic study in music, with complementary coursework in theatre and musical theatre. Students normally follow a sequence of core modules in musicianship and theory alongside applied lessons and ensemble work.

• Applied Lessons: weekly private instruction on voice or instrument with periodic juries and a senior recital or capstone performance.
• Ensembles: choir, chamber groups, musical theatre productions and instrumental ensembles that provide regular performance experience.
• Music Theory and Aural Skills: progressive study in harmony, counterpoint, sight-singing and ear training to build analytical and practical musicianship.
• Music History and Literature: survey courses covering Western art music, popular music studies and musical theatre history.
• Theatre and Performance: acting for singers, stagecraft, movement, directing fundamentals and rehearsal techniques specific to musical theatre.
• Music Technology and Composition: instruction in notation software, recording basics, arranging and introductory composition.
• Pedagogy and Methods: methods courses for those considering music teaching, including lesson planning and classroom management; students intending to pursue certification take additional education-methods coursework.
• Capstone/Recital: a culminating project such as a senior recital, directed production or portfolio demonstrating readiness for professional work or graduate study.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor in Music typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and submission of academic transcripts. In addition to general university admission, applicants are asked to demonstrate musical or theatrical ability.

• Audition or portfolio: a live or recorded audition for performers (prepared works, sight-reading where requested) or a portfolio of theatre work for applicants focused on acting/production.
• Academic standards: satisfactory high school grades and a completed application; transfer applicants submit college transcripts and transfer credit is assessed.
• References: one or more academic or professional references commenting on the applicant’s readiness for university-level music or theatre study.
• English language: international applicants must meet the university’s language proficiency requirements.
• Placement testing: incoming students may take placement exams in theory and aural skills to determine appropriate course levels.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with versatile skills applicable across the creative sector. Career paths include professional performance, musical theatre, classroom teaching (with additional certification where required), arts administration and technical roles.

• Performer: solo or ensemble singer/musician in concerts, musical theatre, touring productions or studio work.
• Music educator: private lesson teacher, community music leader or, after completing state certification, K–12 school music teacher.
• Production and technical roles: stage management, production crew, sound engineering and recording technician positions in theatres and venues.
• Arts administration and programming: roles in venue management, community arts organisations, festival programming and marketing.
• Music technology and composition: work in recording studios, media production, composing for stage and screen or freelance arranging.
• Further study: many graduates progress to graduate degrees in performance, education, conducting, composition or theatre practice.

Why study at Pfeiffer University

Pfeiffer offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which benefits applied musicians and theatre students who need regular one-to-one instruction. The university emphasises experiential learning through frequent performance opportunities, productions and community partnerships.

• Personalised instruction: regular private lessons and faculty feedback to support technical and artistic growth.
• Performance-focused: abundant ensemble and production experiences, including musicals and recitals, that build stagecraft and collaborative skills.
• Integrated Music & Theatre approach: cross-disciplinary training that prepares students for careers in musical theatre and multidisciplinary projects.
• Facilities and community engagement: access to rehearsal spaces, performance venues and local partnerships for internships and community-based projects.
• Support for career development: advising, audition preparation, and networking opportunities to help graduates move into professional work or further study.