Master of Music in Performance

This is a two-year program of study at the post-baccalaureate level for students of piano, collaborative piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, bass trombone, tuba or percussion, with primary focus on advanced performance and the preparation of students for the professional world. Students will hone their technical skills, expand their repertoire, acquire performance experience, and develop the ability to communicate an artistic vision. Each student will have the opportunity to bring his/her talent to fruition through extensive performance experiences and through expanded theoretical and historical knowledge. Academic and practical training will provide comprehension, application and synthesis of knowledge.

The Master of Music degree in Performance is designed to prepare each candidate for a variety of music and music-related professions. Its purpose is to train the graduate student and to provide this student with the tools needed to attain professional competence and specialization in the area of performance.

Graduate Admission Standards for MM in Music
Students are required to meet the following prerequisites for admission to the program:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. Official undergraduate transcripts.
3. Two Conservatory recommendation form.
4. An audition for performance and instrumental collaborative piano majors; a portfolio of three original compositions and, if available, recordings for composition majors.
5. For international students who have not graduated from an accredited undergraduate institution in the United States, a satisfactory TOEFL score (550 paper-based, 213 computer-based or 80 internet-based) along with an International Transcript Evaluation and a course equivalency report must be provided.

M.M. Degree Completion Requirements

1. Complete the degree in four calendar years from the date on a student’s initial registration or may be held to any new degree requirements.
2. Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA and achieve a C (2.0) grade or higher in each course.
3. Complete 36 credits of music courses, including four semesters of applied music study (16 credits, 20 credits for pianists), four academic music courses (12 credits), four semesters of Performance Forum (0 credit), various performance requirements (a full recital, a concerto performance, a chamber work performance – each 0 credit), participate in two January Terms (0 credit) and pass a comprehensive exam (0 credit) given near the conclusion of degree study. String, wind, brass and percussion students are required to complete four semesters of large ensemble (4 credits), four semesters of small ensemble (4 credits) and perform a mock audition (0 credit). Piano students are required to complete four semesters of small ensemble (4 credits) and perform a sight reading jury for pianists (0 credit).
4. Pass proficiency exams in music history and music theory

*For pianists only: MUG 529 or MUP 525 may be substituted for MUG 580