B.S. Music Performance
Study your passion alongside passionate professors in the College of Fine Arts
Why study music performance at North Central University?
North Central’s Music Performance major will prepare students to follow their calling and pursue their dreams to become a professional musician and performer. Students will gain a strong foundation in music theory in courses taught by expert professors while perfecting their musical craft through participation in performance groups and ongoing private lessons. Plus, North Central’s state-of-the-art facilities will give students opportunities to gain hands-on experience with the latest performance and recording technology.
Performance at the Highest Level
North Central’s music program prepares students to perform their chosen instrument with excellence. Students will also apply written and aural music theory, compose and arrange music, and be able to teach their specific instrument to others. Along with becoming a professional performer, our graduates go on to become private instructors, composers, music educators, and much more.
Our position in the city of Minneapolis allows for exposure to all different kinds of music as well as various ways to get connected with many in the music industry. North Central’s music professors have vast knowledge and experience to help students fulfill their calling. We also recognize the importance of well-rounded education which is why we have a range of supporting programs including media production, intercultural studies, and music education. See the full list of minors and supporting programs.
Program Highlights
Scholarships
We offer Music Scholarships worth up to $3,000 per year for Music Majors.
The College of Fine Arts awards Music Scholarships up to $3,000 per year for students interested in pursuing their calling as a musician. Scholarships are awarded based on your audition and interview with faculty. These awards aren’t need-based and are renewable for up to four years, provided students continue to meet the scholarship requirements.
Visit our financial aid site to learn more about Music Scholarships and how to apply.
Performance groups and ensembles
Students can pursue their passions in one of our world-class performance groups.
North Central’s performance groups and ensembles are the real deal. From premiere touring performance group Worship Live, led by renowned singer/songwriter Jeff Deyo, to the multifaceted Mixed Choir, we offer opportunities for students of all interests and skill levels to get involved.
Here are some of the highlights:
Worship Live: North Central’s premiere touring performance group, Worship Live is composed of current students under the direction of singer/songwriter Jeff Deyo. This group also serves as the primary worship team for our daily chapel services.
Concert Chorale: The Concert Chorale is an ensemble of fifty singers and instrumentalists. The Chorale has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, singing in churches, schools, and concert halls.
Mixed Choir: The Mixed Choir is a large ensemble made up of students with a range of experience levels and from a number of different majors.
Women’s Choir: This chorus consists of selected female vocalists that minister in a variety of university and community events. This group is open to students by audition only.
Jazz Workshop: Jazz Workshop is designed to facilitate instrumental improvisation through the study of various forms of jazz, popular, and world genres in a combo setting. The ensembles of Jazz Workshop perform at the Jazz at the Clay performance series, the NCU Jazz Concert, Songs of the Season, Partners for Progress, and a variety of city-wide opportunities. Our ensemble has been featured at the Eau Claire Jazz Festival.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our McPherson Studios feature the latest technology and recording spaces.
McPherson Studios is North Central’s state-of-the-art recording facility, featuring the latest equipment and technology including a Pro Tools HD system (loaded featuring McDSP and Antares plug-ins) with a Digidesign Control 24 interface, Genelec and Westlake monitors, and a wide selection of microphones and outboard equipment. Our Control Room is a great place to work with comfortable leather sofas and a warm atmosphere. The Studio A recording room is over 1200 square feet with enough room to record a choir, a big band, or an orchestra. Studio A also features a Yamaha grand piano with full MIDI capability. There are two additional rooms when isolation is needed for the session.
Artists who have recorded with us:
- Sara Groves
- Ben Gowell
- Kristi Northrup
- David Pedde
- David Juve
- Sovereign Grace Music Kids Project
- Jeff Kerr and River Valley Worship Team
- David Santisteven
- Emmanuel Christian Center Youth Worship Team
Return on Your Investment
College of Fine Arts students receive hands-on experience and peer mentoring from the first day of class to graduation right in the heart of Minneapolis, a city known for its music and music connections. On top of that, North Central is one of the most affordable accredited Christian colleges in the nation, making it an easy choice to commit to NCU.
financial aid
Traditional undergraduate students receive financial aid
internships
Completed an internship in their chosen field (our students have resumes that reflect someone that has been in their career field for 3+ years at graduation)
Recent Jobs after Graduation:
- Music Educator
- Conductor
- Recording Artist
- Worship Leader
- Composer
- Private Instructor
- Recording Artist
- Manager
- Booking Agent
- Recording and Sound Engineer
- Music Critic
- Professional Performer
- Actor
- Scriptwriter
- Producer
- Stage Technician
- Designer
- Worship Pastor
- Audio Editor
The COFA faculty are intentional and dedicated to every student. No matter the classroom size, professors make themselves available to invest in us. I’ve not only grown in my musicianship, but have grown in my character and leadership through COFA!
Abbie, ’24
