The Master of Music degree combines advanced studies in an applied area of specialization with graduate-level academic study in bibliographic research, musicology, and music history. The degree prepares students to be professional performers, conductors, composers, teachers, and researchers, according to their area of specialization. The master of music degree is often required as the minimum teaching credential for university, college, and conservatory instrumental or vocal teaching positions, and in some areas of specialization are considered a terminal degree.

Concentrations (Required) and Options Available

• Thesis
  • Music Composition
  • Music Theory
  • Music Education
  • Musicology
• Project (Recital)
  • Choral Conducting
  • Collaborative Piano
  • Instrumental Conducting
  • Jazz
  • Music Education
  • Pedagogy
  • Performance (Organ, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Voice, or Winds)

Thesis Option

• Music Composition. This concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in music composition. Graduates of this program are qualified to pursue careers as teachers of music composition-related subjects on the college level and to pursue doctoral study in music composition.
• Music Education. This concentration is designed for persons who hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music or Music Education and certification to teach music in the public schools. Students seeking initial certification should consult with the coordinator of music education about additional requirements.
• Music Theory. This concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in music theory. Graduates of this program are qualified to pursue careers as teachers of music theory-related subjects on the college level and to pursue doctoral study in music theory
• Musicology. This concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in historical musicology and ethnomusicology. Graduates of this program would be qualified to pursue careers as teachers and researchers of musicology-related subjects at the college level and to pursue doctoral study in historical musicology or ethnomusicology.

Project (Recital) Option

• Choral Conducting. This program is designed for students who intend to pursue careers as conductors of school, church, or community choral ensembles. Graduates of this program would also be qualified to pursue doctoral work in choral conducting.
• Collaborative Piano. This program is designed for accomplished pianists who intend to pursue careers in vocal coaching or accompanying.
• Instrumental Conducting. This program is designed for students who intend to pursue careers as conductors of school or civic instrumental ensembles. Candidates for this degree may focus on either band or orchestral conducting. Graduates of this program are qualified to pursue doctoral work in conducting.
• Jazz. This program is designed for accomplished jazz musicians who intend to pursue careers as performers or teachers in the field of jazz.
• Music Education. This concentration is designed for persons who hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music or Music Education and certification to teach music in the public schools. Students seeking initial certification should consult with the coordinator of music education about additional requirements.
• Pedagogy (Piano or Vocal)
• Performance. This program is designed for accomplished musicians who intend to pursue careers as performers or teachers.

• Music Education
• Woodwind and Percussion Instruments