About the Major
PURSUE YOUR PASSION + PREPARE FOR YOUR CAREER
The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Performance provides exceptional individualized applied studio instruction and offers comprehensive study in areas necessary to prepare for careers as performers, educators, arrangers, producers, and more. B.M. in Music Performance students work closely with a world-class faculty of performers, composers, and scholars who support their students’ personal aspirations through the development of strategic experiences, thus enabling them to pursue a variety of professional opportunities in multiple contexts. The curriculum includes diverse ensemble offerings, including large and chamber performance experiences and solo and collaborative opportunities, as well as avenues for students to diversify their studies with elective classes and professional skills that are relevant to their areas of interest, such as audio and music production, composition and songwriting, and career development in music.
Our B.M. in Music Performance focuses on the professional development and unique career goals of each student. The curriculum goes beyond traditional artistic training—incorporating a strong emphasis on innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset—and includes certificates or minors such as Non-Profit Leadership and Digital Market Strategy within the degree program. The dynamic and innovative B.M. in Music Performance at Youngstown State prepares students for careers in a myriad of fields and is dedicated to the success of our graduates in a competitive and diverse professional landscape.
Our alumni are Grammy® Award winning artists and routinely perform in various professional settings, including with national and international ensembles and companies, recording in Nashville and Hollywood studios, touring globally with diverse acts, and performing with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Graduates also pursue other career opportunities, including those as composers, arrangers, and audio engineers and as academic faculty and administrators around the country and across the globe. Our students earn degrees in areas about which they are passionate, and their skills are applicable to careers in numerous professions. A degree from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University positions our graduates to define future professional goals and equips them with exceptional skills for a successful career.
Contact Information
To learn more about our degree programs, audition information, scholarships, professional development and careers, performances, faculty, and students, visit Dana School of Music or contact us at 330.941.3635.
To schedule a personalized campus visit, contact the Cliffe College of Creative Arts Program Coordinator of Admissions and Recruitment at 330.941.2346 or sawaltman@ysu.edu. We would love to hear about your interests, show you our school, and become an important part of your future.
BRASS
Christopher Krummel, D.M.A., Trumpet
Bliss Hall 1248
330.941.1838
clkrummel@ysu.edu
Andrew Mitchell, D.M.A., Trombone
Bliss Hall 3053
330.941.1842
Yukitada Onitsuka, D.M.A., Tuba/Euphonium
Bliss Hall 3146
330.941.3635
yonitsuka@ysu.edu
JAZZ
Kent Engelhardt, Ph.D.
Professor
Bliss Hall 2212
330.941.1542
kjengelhardt@ysu.edu
Dave Kana, M.M.
Part-time Faculty
Bliss Hall 3151
330.941.3635
djkana@ysu.edu
PERCUSSION
Glenn Schaft, D.M.A.
Bliss Hall 2234
330.941.2643
geschaft@ysu.edu
PIANO
Caroline Oltmanns, D.M.A.
Professor
Bliss Hall 1240
330.941.1826
cmoltmanns@ysu.edu
STRINGS
François Fowler, D.M.A., Guitar
Bliss Hall 3043
330.941.3479
fpfowler@ysu.edu
David Morgan, D.M.A., String Bass
Bliss Hall 3041
330.941.1930
dsmorgan@ysu.edu
Michael Strauss, M.M., Viola
Bliss Hall 3145
330.941.3635
mistrauss@ysu.edu
VOICE
Susan Foster
Bliss Hall 3147
330.941.3635
srfoster@ysu.edu
Misook Yun, D.M.A.
Bliss Hall 3159
330.941.3644
myun@ysu.edu
Jennifer Jones Mosher
Bliss Hall 3147
330.941.3635
jdjones@ysu.edu
WOODWINDS
Christine Carucci, Ph.D., Bassoon
Bliss Hall 3077
330.941.3635
cacarucci@ysu.edu
Shawn Reynolds, M.M., Oboe
Bliss Hall 3051
330.941.3635
srreynolds@ysu.edu
James Umble, D.M.A., Saxophone
Bliss Hall 3033
330.941.1828
jcumble@ysu.edu
Alice Wang, D.M.A., Clarinet
Bliss Hall 3049
330.941.1827
amwang@ysu.edu
Learning Outcomes
The student learning outcomes for the major in music performance are as follows:
- Students will perform a public recital in their applied area.
- Students will analyze music, discriminate pitch, harmony, and rhythm and perform harmonic progressions at the piano.
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking about the various historical periods, cultural contexts, and social forces that influence musical activity.
- Students will demonstrate basic keyboard proficiency including scales, arpeggios, harmonization, repertoire, transpositions, and score reading.