Historical Performance Indiana University Bloomington

Overview

The Historical Performance programme at Indiana University Bloomington provides an immersive environment where the musical past is brought to life through rigorous academic and practical training. Students engage with a field-leading curriculum designed to foster expertise in period-specific techniques and historical contexts.

This course is situated within the prestigious Jacobs School of Music, offering a unique blend of conservatory-style training and the vast resources of a major research institution. The department has spent over four decades refining its approach, creating a global network of successful alumni who lead the profession today.

Why Historical Performance at Indiana University Bloomington?

The Historical Performance Institute was established in 1980 and remains a pioneering force in the United States. Students learn from a distinguished faculty of six full-time and nine part-time experts who have a defining influence on the global music profession and historical research.

The university provides exceptional interdisciplinary opportunities through partnerships with the Medieval Studies Institute and the Center for Eighteenth-Century Studies. These connections allow performers to gain deep historical insights that inform their artistic practice and broaden their academic perspectives.

Facilities at the Jacobs School of Music are world-class, supporting a wide range of instrumental specialities. Students have access to specialised keyboard collections and period instruments, ensuring they can practice and perform on authentic equipment that meets professional standards.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 27271 per year
• National fee: USD 27271 per year
• Local fee: USD 27271 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum offers a broad range of emphases across various period instruments and vocal studies. Students receive intensive private tuition and participate in diverse ensemble settings to master their craft.

Modules may include:

• Baroque Cello
• Viola da gamba
• Fortepiano
• Harpsichord
• Historical bassoons
• Voice
• Recorder
• Natural Trumpet
• Cornetto
• Historical Trombones
• Baroque Violin
• Historical Clarinets
• Historical Keyboards
• Historical oboes
• Natural Horn
• Lute and theorbo
• Historical guitars
• Traverso

Performance is a central component of the study experience, with regular opportunities to join official ensembles. These include the Baroque/Classical Orchestra, Concentus, the Recorder Consort, and the Viol Consort, alongside various student-led ad-hoc groups.

Careers with Historical Performance

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after in the global early music scene, often securing roles in professional period-instrument orchestras and chamber ensembles. The international network of alumni provides a strong foundation for career development and professional collaboration.

Beyond performance, students are prepared for careers in musicology, instrument curation, and specialist teaching. The rigorous training at Indiana University Bloomington ensures that graduates possess the versatility to succeed in diverse roles within the arts, education, and cultural heritage sectors.