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Music Performance, MM

Music Performance, MM

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Music Performance, MM

Brass, Cello, Guitar, Horn, Keyboard, Percussion, Violin, Woodwind, arts, voice

Be immersed in a musical environment that showcases your creativity and passion through numerous performance experiences both on and off campus. Work closely with a faculty mentor, collaborate with your colleagues and enhance your opportunities for musical growth with visiting guest artists.

Program description
Degree awarded: MM  Performance (Performance)

The MM program in performance concentrates on the performance and teaching of music.

Students work with faculty mentors to achieve a professional level of performance through individual recitals; chamber music; and choral, wind band, orchestra, jazz, music theatre and operatic ensembles, depending on their area of emphasis. Performance opportunities both on and off campus further develop the student's knowledge and abilities necessary to become leaders in a musical community through teaching, performing or art advocacy. The opportunity to collaborate with music scholars, theorists, composers, educators, dancers and theatre artists provides students with a broad and well-rounded foundation for advanced careers in music or continued study at the doctoral level.

Additionally, students learn the skills needed to be a highly successful working musician including audition preparation, networking, learning organizational strategies, opportunity creation and developing an entrepreneurial mindset.

At a glance
Degree requirements

32 credit hours and a written comprehensive exam

Required Core (4 credit hours)
MUP 527 Studio Instruction (4)

Concentration (6 credit hours)
MUP 527 Studio Instruction (4)
MUP 596 Solo Performance (1)
MUP 597 Solo Performance (1)

Area of Emphasis (10--11 credit hours)

Other Studies in Music (11--12 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (0 credit hours)
written comprehensive exam (0)

Additional Curriculum Requirements
Students select an area of emphasis from the following: instrumental performance, jazz performance, keyboard performance or multiple woodwinds performance. Students should see the academic unit for specific requirements for the selected area of emphasis.

The Other Studies in Music requirement includes six credit hours of MHL coursework and five to six credit hours of MTC coursework. Students should see the academic unit for specific requirements.

Area of Emphasis credit hours may include electives depending on course selections.

Completion of diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory is required of all new graduate music students prior to enrollment in courses for these programs through the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre. This is tracked internally within the academic unit.

Additional information on degree requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum check sheet located at the bottom of the school's program page.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a U.S. bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an institution in another country that is officially recognized by that country.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. School of Music, Dance and Theatre application (including a resume, personal statement and repertoire list)
  3. official transcripts
  4. prescreening video (voice applicants)
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The School of Music, Dance and Theatre does not offer conditional admission under any circumstances.

Applicants must perform an audition for admission. Auditions are scheduled following receipt of completed application materials and, when applicable, a favorable review of prescreening materials. Information about the audition may be found at the school website.

A bachelor's degree in music is not required for admission to a master's program. However, all applicants without a bachelor's degree in music should contact MDTAdmissions@asu.edu for information on potential remedial courses. Remedial courses may be taken at ASU, another accredited university or a community college before or after admission to this program, but they must be completed prior to starting graduate-level course requirements in music history and music theory.

Voice Applicants: Students should see the program website for application deadlines. After receipt of the completed application, including recommendation letters, transcripts and proof of English proficiency, and review of prescreening materials, an applicant may be invited for an audition.

Instrumental and Keyboard Applicants: Students should see the program website for application deadlines. After an applicant's complete application materials have been received, including recommendation letters, transcripts and proof of English proficiency, the applicant is confirmed for an audition.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 12/01Final
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Develop performance practices in the context of diverse musical settings and genres, demonstrating familiarity with the literature of one's instrument.
  • Evaluate an instrument’s repertoire and pedagogy to develop a unique musical style.
  • Produce a research study focusing on musical elements, social uses of music, and interplay among performers, composers, and institutions.
Career opportunities

The School of Music, Dance and Theatre graduate programs inspire and empower students to become creative leaders who transform society through music.

Musicians with expertise in performing, composing, teaching, researching and arts advocacy are in high demand across many sectors and industries, including performing arts organizations, educational institutions, entertainment companies, health and wellness industries, and community arts organizations. Skills such as creativity, collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship and the focused discipline needed for success as musicians are all highly valued by a wide range of companies and professions.

Career examples include:

  • arts administrator
  • community arts advocate
  • composers for film, video games, television
  • performing musician
  • public or community school teacher
  • university professor
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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