Bachelor of Music in Performance - Historical Performance
The Historical Performance program at Johns Hopkins University offers a specialized track for students who wish to immerse themselves in the music, instruments, and stylistic practices of earlier eras, from the Medieval period through the Baroque and Classical eras. Combining performance excellence with scholarly inquiry, this program focuses on historically informed interpretation, enabling students to engage deeply with original sources, period instruments, and musicological research. With access to expert faculty and ensembles dedicated to early music, students refine their technical and expressive skills while cultivating a historically grounded understanding of musical aesthetics.
Through applied lessons, chamber music, and academic coursework, students explore the evolution of performance practice, ornamentation, articulation, and tuning systems. The curriculum supports intensive study on period instruments such as harpsichord, viola da gamba, or Baroque flute, and encourages cross-disciplinary engagement with history, literature, and philosophy. Located within the prestigious Peabody Institute, the program offers abundant performance opportunities in historically inspired settings. This dynamic approach equips students with stylistic fluency, performance confidence, and academic rigor as they prepare for diverse careers in the field of early music and beyond.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Bachelor of Music in Performance - Historical Performance
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 December 2026
- Location: Johns Hopkins University, United States
- Field of Study: History
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of Technique and History
- Applied Study on Period Instrument
- Introduction to Music Theory and Ear Training
- History of Western Music I
- Ensemble: Collegium Musicum or Early Music Workshop
Year 2 – Style, Repertoire, and Interpretation
- Intermediate Lessons in Historical Repertoire
- Ornamentation and Improvisation Techniques
- History of Western Music II
- Continuo Realization and Figured Bass
Year 3 – Advanced Practice and Performance
- Advanced Historical Performance Seminar
- Chamber Music for Early Instruments
- Performance Practice: Renaissance to Baroque
- Elective: Historical Notation or Music Editing
Year 4 – Capstone and Artistic Development
- Senior Recital Preparation
- Research Project in Performance Practice
- Seminar in Historical Musicology
- Professional Development for Musicians
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are uniquely prepared to pursue specialized careers in historical performance, chamber music, ensemble direction, and music education, with many becoming members of early music ensembles, opera companies, or academic institutions. Others find roles in archival research, instrument restoration, or music publishing. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies in performance, musicology, or conducting. With their combination of technical mastery and historical insight, alumni are equipped to make meaningful contributions to the preservation and renewal of early music traditions in both artistic and scholarly contexts.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who are passionate about music history and aspire to bring early music to life through authentic performance. At Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute, students benefit from world-class mentorship, access to rare instruments, and a rich network of professional collaborations. The curriculum emphasizes historical accuracy, artistic integrity, and creative expression—preparing students to perform with both stylistic precision and interpretive depth. With opportunities for solo and ensemble performance, academic research, and international study, the program fosters a unique blend of scholarship and artistry in a supportive and intellectually vibrant environment.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 410 516 8000
Email: admissions@jhu.edu
Address: Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
