Bachelor of Arts

Piano Performance Degree

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The Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance will empower you with the musical development and keyboard skills required of a modern musician in today’s industry. The program incorporates coursework in three areas critical to advancing a career as a piano/keyboard player: technique, performance, and technology. You will strengthen your piano and performance skills, practicing technique, music theory, and performance, all while developing your unique style. You’ll also study piano/keyboard technology, which will allow you to record, edit, mix, and master your tracks using a digital audio workstation and supporting hardware and software.

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Additionally, you’ll receive private instruction in a one-to-one weekly lesson with a Berklee Online instructor. The core curriculum is supported by coursework in other disciplines, such as songwriting, music production, music business, music theory, and other instruments, to strengthen your knowledge and skills in alignment with your educational and career goals.

Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:

  • Develop piano technique in a variety of musical genres, finding your unique style while learning to play healthily and sustainably
  • Develop your own personal performance technique, becoming a compelling performer in live, recorded, and streamed settings
  • Apply a working knowledge of music theory to be a more effective piano/keyboard player in professional settings
  • Develop recording technology skills specific for keyboard/piano players, including recording and mixing tracks and file sharing protocols
  • Create a sustainable career as a working pianist/keyboardist
  • Compile an expansive repertoire
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Curriculum

(120 Credits)

  • Elective Courses (30 credits, 10 courses)
  • Complete any five courses coded with OPIAN (15 credits)

  • Complete any five courses, except Liberal Arts courses coded with OLART, OLSOC, or OLMSC, in your area of interest and professional development (e.g., music business, songwriting, arranging, orchestration, etc.). (15 credits)



How should I set up my schedule, based on the above requirements?

Check out this handy planning guide to help you understand which courses you should take during which semester.

View Sample Schedule

Private Lessons


Piano majors in the Bachelor of Arts degree program complete nine levels of private piano lessons. Each level of private lessons is 12 weeks in duration and involves a weekly, one-hour, live webcam session with a faculty member of your choosing. The lessons provide the opportunity to expand your musical vocabulary, improve technique, and gain valuable insight into your own strengths and areas of development.

Private lesson instructors will share their practical knowledge and coach you through lesson material at a pace individually tailored to your needs. You’ll receive one-on-one weekly feedback on your progress and get new practice instructions and guidance through each lesson.


When / How to Enroll in Your Private Lessons

When course registration opens for the semester, you will be able to register for the appropriate private lesson course level, and then select a day, time, and instructor. Private majors in the Bachelor of Arts degree will earn two credits for the successful completion of each level of private lessons, for a total of 18 credits.

  1. Fill out the online application (15 minutes)
  2. Create a 500-750 word essay, or a 3-5 minute video essay
  3. Prepare a recorded audition
  4. Attach your official transcripts
  5. Ask for two letters of recommendation

Read full undergraduate admissions requirement details .



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Online undergraduate degree tuition vs. campus tuition

Affordable Tuition

Online undergraduate degree tuition is $66,650 for 120 credits (includes associated fees). To get started, this degree program includes a non-refundable $75 application fee.

Read full tuition and associated program fee details for this, and all other undergraduate programs here.



Available Financial Aid

Ready to Return to Berklee or Transfer in Credits from Another Institution to Complete Your Degree?

Students transferring in from an accredited institution can carry over up to 60 credits, and students with previous Berklee experience may be able to transfer even more.

Learn about our different transfer options: