Houghton music performance graduate student playing the trombone.

Performance, M.M.

For those with a passion to further their God-given talents and hard-won accomplishment, the Master of Music degree in performance offers the opportunity to develop musicianship and performance skills to a deeper level.

Whatever the goal – eventually pursuing doctoral studies or active performance, or simply extending the discipline, knowledge, and skills used in the studio or the classroom – an experienced, active faculty stands ready to work with students in this exciting yet demanding endeavor. Holding earned doctorates or equivalent professional experience at a high level in opera, symphony, or as solo artists, the performance faculty challenge students to performance excellence.

Large and small ensembles, ample solo performance opportunities, and excellent supporting academic courses all work together for the total growth of the performer.

The ideal student interested in performance should be an accomplished performer who has a passion for furthering performing skills in a full synthesis of talent, discipline, study, and experience. Applicants will normally hold an undergraduate Bachelor of Music degree in performance or music education and should demonstrate outstanding accomplishment and talent in their audition.

Specialize Your Music Degree

Brass, Winds, or Percussion Performance

Objectives

To produce graduates who are prepared for any or all of the following, depending on their accomplishments and goals:
  • service as teachers and performers within their local and regional communities
  • undertaking the establishment of a professional career via auditions, competitions, and further performance experiences
  • beginning doctoral studies in performance and/or pedagogy

String Performance

Objectives

To produce graduates who are prepared for any or all of the following, depending on their accomplishments and goals:
  • service as teachers and performers within their local and regional communities.
  • undertaking the establishment of a professional career via auditions, competitions, and further performance experiences.
  • beginning doctoral studies in performance and/or pedagogy.

Degree Requirements

Major Area

Major Area

Other Studies in Music

Choose from among the following for a total of 6 credits:
Choose one music history course and one theory course.

Other Studies in Music

Choose from among the following for a total of 6 credits:
Choose one music history course and one theory course.

Humanities

Humanities

Electives

Electives

Organ Performance

Objectives

To produce graduates who are prepared for any or all of the following, depending on their accomplishments and goals:
  • service as organists and/or music directors in respected church music programs
  • service as teachers and performers within their local and regional communities
  • undertaking the establishment of a professional career via competitions and further performance experiences
  • beginning doctoral studies in organ performance or sacred music

Piano Performance

Objectives

To produce graduates who are prepared for any or all of the following, depending on their accomplishments and goals:
  • service as teachers and performers within their local and regional communities
  • undertaking the establishment of a professional career via auditions, competitions, and further performance experiences
  • beginning doctoral studies in performance and/or pedagogy

Degree Requirements

Major Area

Major Area

Other Studies in Music

Choose from the following for a total of 2 credits:
Choose from among the following for a total of 6 credits:
Choose one music history course and one theory course.

Other Studies in Music

Choose from the following for a total of 2 credits:
Choose from among the following for a total of 6 credits:
Choose one music history course and one theory course.

Humanities

Humanities

Electives

Electives

Voice Performance

Objectives

To produce graduates who are prepared for any or all of the following, depending on their accomplishments and goals:
  • service as teachers and performers within their local and regional communities
  • undertaking the establishment of a professional career via auditions, competitions, and further performance experiences
  • beginning doctoral studies in performance and/or pedagogy

Degree Requirements

Major Areas

Choose from among the following for a total of 2-3 credits:
Students who have not taken both vocal literature and vocal pedagogy at the undergraduate level are strongly advised to elect both courses.

Other Studies in Music

Choose from among the following for a total of 6 credits:
Choose one music history course and one theory course.

Humanities

Electives

Discover if a Graduate Assistantship is right for you.

Graduate assistantships are available each year to MA and MM students in the Greatbatch School of Music. Generally, these positions are awarded to students within their major field of study or for services in which they hold special expertise.

Learn More About Graduate Assistantships