Student singing
  • Program Type
    Major
  • Degrees Offered
    B.M.
  • School
    School of Arts & Sciences

Develop your performance skills in a rigorous, supportive environment. Grow professionally in a collaborative community of learners, teachers, and artists.

What You’ll Learn

You will develop performance and pedagogy skills in your area of vocal or instrumental focus through lessons, courses, ensembles, studio classes, and performances.

Refine Your Craft Under the Guidance of Master Teachers

Experience intensive study in your primary performance area, including lessons with renowned faculty who are dedicated to your success and master classes with internationally recognized guest artists.

Grow Artistically by Doing

Participate in a variety of performance opportunities, including solo performances, large ensembles and chamber groups on campus, and community groups such as the Youth Orchestra, Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus, Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra, and the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra.

Prepare for Graduate Study at Mary

Continue your musical education with Mary’s Master of Arts in Music, offered in a blended online format.

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

University of Mary Vocal Jazz performs "Mary, Did You Know" by Mark Lowry & Buddy Greene, arr. Pentatonix. Dr. Tom Porter, director. Setting is on the Missouri River bluffs on the west side of the University of Mary.

Careers & Outcomes

Employment Trends

Graduates of the music performance program pursue careers in performance, education, and various arts-related fields, often establishing themselves in more than one area.

Career Paths

  • Professional Performer
  • College Professor
  • Church Choir Director
  • Community Arts Director
  • Private Teacher
Isaac Schwartz playing drums

Studying music at the University of Mary greatly strengthened my musical abilities and provided me with invaluable educational skills that have certainly been a large reason for my success as a professional musician. There are few other schools, if any, that offer as many performing and teaching opportunities as the University of Mary. Students are encouraged to branch out and explore many different ensembles and classes that are outside of their previous experience. University of Mary is the place where I began learning how to be a true leader.

Isaac Schwartz, ’18

Featured Faculty

Melissa McCann, DMA

Assistant Professor in Music

As a vocal pedagogue, I have presented guest masterclasses and coached ensembles at universities and high schools across the United States. I have taught private lessons for over a decade to students from beginner to professional levels. Student successes include solo performances with the Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus in Gulfport, MS and the SFY Philharmonic Orchestra in Israel. My students have also won leading roles with the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and the Kraine Theatre off-Broadway.

Brian Lydeen, DMA

Associate Professor of Music, Director of Woodwind and Jazz Studies

At the University of Mary, I teach applied lessons for saxophone, clarinet, and flute, as well as coach chamber groups in those areas. I remain active as a performer and enjoy working with students of all levels and abilities. In addition to woodwind studies, I am also the director for the jazz studies offerings at Mary, including directing the jazz ensembles and combos, teaching jazz improvisation, and coordinating our annual UMary Jazz Festival.

Take Your Next Step in Music Performance