Why Study Keyboard Performance
Students who wish to develop their potential as pianists and on keyboard instruments will benefit from the rich training and the myriad of performance opportunities offered at APSU.
The Keyboard Performance Concentration prepares students for careers as soloists or collaborative musicians in concert halls, churches, musical theaters, jazz clubs, recording studios, theme parks, cruise ships, with touring companies, military ensembles, chamber ensembles, and in symphony orchestras or opera houses. Performers might also teach private lessons in schools, private studios, music stores, or at the collegiate level. Finally, many performance alumni pursue graduate degrees or develop portfolio careers that include conducting, composing, arranging, music theory, pedagogy, or arts management.
Austin Peay's applied faculty and ensemble directors are second to none. Our department is host to world-class performers including premier soloists, chamber musicians, Nashville's top recording studio session players, symphony musicians, leading opera singers, and world-renowned clinicians. Our ensemble directors have established a tradition of excellence in large and small ensembles. And all Music Department faculty are committed to serving our students as educators and mentors.
What Will I Learn
- Technique: Students will demonstrate technical abilities on their primary instrument as appropriate to their major.
- Musicianship: Students will demonstrate an informed artistic approach that is evident in their performance.
- Repertoire: Students will engage with a broad range of musical performances through attendance at events such as recitals, concerts, opera, and music theater productions.
- Piano Competence: Students will develop career appropriate piano competencies.
- Theory and Ear Training: Students will demonstrate their ability to analyze and interpret music in notated and aural formats.
- History & Culture: Students will categorize and interpret the music of diverse genres, styles, periods, and cultures.
- Synthesis: Students will communicate musical ideas, concepts, and requirements to professionals and laypersons related to the practice of the major field.