Performance (Performance Pedagogy), MM
Pedagogy, Teach, arts, music, piano, solo, voice
Advance your performance techniques and teaching skills in this rigorous program designed for dedicated performers and educators.
The Master of Music program in performance with a concentration in performance pedagogy focuses on performing and teaching music, with an emphasis on pedagogy.
You work on your own performance skills while you develop the knowledge and abilities necessary to be an outstanding teacher in your area through pedagogy classes, observation, and teaching in private and group settings.
The opportunity to collaborate with music scholars, theorists, composers, educators, dancers and theatre artists provides you with a foundation for a career as a performer, teacher and musician of the highest level. You may also engage with local and state professional organizations and have the opportunity to present scholarly research or creative activities through workshops or publications.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
32 credit hours and a written comprehensive exam
Required Core (4 credit hours) Concentration (6 credit hours) Area of Emphasis (10-11 credit hours) Other Studies in Music (11-12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (0 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Requirements Area of Emphasis credit hours may include electives, depending on course selections. The Other Studies in Music requirement consists of six credit hours of MHL coursework and five to six credit hours of MTC coursework. All new graduate music students must complete diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory before enrolling in courses for this program through the 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 checksheet located on the Music, Dance and Theatre graduate degree page.
MUP 527 Studio Instruction (4)
MUP 527 Studio Instruction (4)
MUP 596 Solo Performance (1)
MUP 597 Solo Performance (1)
Music history (6)
Music theory (5-6)
Written comprehensive exam (0)
Students select an area of emphasis from the following: instrumental pedagogy, piano pedagogy or voice pedagogy. Students should see the academic unit for specific requirements for the selected area of emphasis.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants must 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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- School of Music, Dance and Theatre application, including a resume, personal statement and repertoire list
- official transcripts
- three letters of recommendation
- voice applicants: a prescreening video
- piano applicants: a teaching demonstration video
- 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 complete application materials and, when applicable, favorable review of prescreening materials. Information about the audition may be found on the school website.
A bachelor's degree in music is not required for admission to this program. However, all applicants without a bachelor's degree in music should contact MDTAdmissions@asu.edu for information on potential courses to complete. Additional courses may be taken at ASU, another accredited university or a community college before or after admission to this program, but students must complete these courses before starting graduate-level required courses in music history and music theory.
Voice applicants: Students should see the program website for application deadlines. After complete application materials, including recommendation letters, transcripts and proof of English proficiency, are received and prescreening materials are reviewed, the applicant may be invited for an audition.
Instrumental and keyboard applicants: Students should see the program website for application deadlines. Applicants are confirmed for an audition after complete application materials have been received, including recommendation letters, transcripts and proof of English proficiency.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Develop performance practices in the context of diverse musical settings and genres, demonstrating familiarity with the literature of one's instrument.
- Think critically and practically about 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.
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 and researching; arts advocacy; and music therapy are in high demand in many sectors and industries. Potential employers include performing arts organizations, educational institutions, entertainment companies, health and wellness industries, and community arts organizations. Skills such as creativity, collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as the focused discipline needed for success as a musician, are all highly valued by a variety of companies and professions.
Career examples include:
- arts administrator
- community arts advocate
- composer for film, video games or television
- music therapist
- performing musician
- public or community school teacher
- university professor
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
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MUSIC E167
mdtadmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Admission deadlines
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
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.

