Founded in 2020 and based in the School of Culture and Creativity, BNBU’s Music Performance major aims to train versatile musicians and provide them with opportunities to develop a wide range of professional musical skills. The programme is designed to support students’ growth across performance, music theory, musicianship, creative practice, interdisciplinary exploration, and professional development.
Through BNBU’s comprehensive four-year programme, students receive advanced training and in-depth knowledge of music performance. The curriculum helps students build strong foundations in principal study performance, ensemble practice, music theory and ear training, music harmony and analysis, music history, and final-year artistic presentation. It also encourages students to explore areas such as music technology, music production, film music, popular music, music business management, Chinese music, jazz, and interdisciplinary creative practice.
BNBU’s Music Department follows a liberal arts approach that combines Chinese and Western cultural perspectives, professional training, and creative practice. The programme grounds students in traditional Chinese culture while fostering the cross-cultural thinking vital for today’s global music industry.
The Music Department brings together an international faculty of dedicated teachers and active practitioners. They support students’ musical development across performance, critical understanding, academic research, and professional preparation. The Music Performance programme reflects BNBU’s liberal arts ethos, which holds that broad intellectual curiosity and thorough musical training reinforce each other.
The programme nurtures future professionals and leaders in the cultural and creative industries in China and around the world. Through coursework, performance opportunities, masterclasses, lectures, interdisciplinary collaborations, and community cultural activities, students gain practical experience, broaden their artistic perspectives, and gradually develop their individual professional pathways.
Programme Features
English-Medium Instruction and an International Learning Environment
The core programme is taught in English and includes essential courses found in reputable universities and music institutions worldwide. This prepares students for further studies abroad and for international artistic practice. The BNBU English Learning Centre also supports students in strengthening their English proficiency in an international academic environment.
Solid Professional Training and a Diverse Curriculum
Students receive systematic professional training throughout the four-year programme. Core areas include private instruction, ensemble practice, music theory and ear training, music harmony and analysis, music history, principles of music education, and final-year artistic presentation. Students may also choose major elective courses according to their interests, including music business management, film music, studio recording techniques, popular music, songwriting, jazz harmony, Chinese music, musical theatre, music for new media, and other areas of creative practice.
Rich Performance Opportunities and Artistic Practice
The Music Department provides students with a wide range of performance opportunities, including choir, orchestra, chamber music ensemble, jazz ensemble, lunchtime concerts, musical theatre, dance performance, fashion show, and rock band. Through continuous stage practice, students develop musical expression, collaboration skills, stage confidence, and project execution abilities.
Modern Music Facilities and Creative Environment
The BNBU Music Department provides students with modern teaching, rehearsal, and performance facilities, equipped with top-quality pianos, including Steinway, Boston, and Yamaha. The music technology lab features high-quality digital audio workstations, leading audio and notation software, premium audio interfaces, and keyboard instruments. The professional recording studio is outfitted with industry-leading audio recording and processing equipment and high-end microphone systems, supporting music production, sound design, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Career Pathways for the Future
BNBU’s Music Performance programme prepares students for various careers and for postgraduate studies. Graduates may pursue further study or enter fields related to performance, creation, production, education, arts administration, music business, new media, and other interdisciplinary areas.
Programme Vision
BNBU’s Music Performance programme believes that musicians today need not only strong professional skills, but also broad cultural understanding, interdisciplinary thinking, creativity, communication skills, and social awareness.
By combining professional training, liberal arts education, artistic practice, and cross-cultural learning, the programme helps students develop their own artistic voices, understand the demands of the contemporary music industry, and explore future pathways in a global context.
The Music Department will continue to enhance its curriculum, expand international exchange and industry collaboration, and nurture a new generation of music professionals with artistic insight, creativity, and industry adaptability.
