The Master of Music Program is offered with five options. The Composition option is designed for students desiring advanced study in acoustic or electronic composition. The Commercial Music option is designed for students who wish to acquire the requisite skills for writing, arranging and performing in the commercial music business. Two tracks are offered in the Commercial Music option: Performance and Composition and Arranging. The Conducting option provides advanced training in conducting and research into performance practice. The Performance option is designed to improve individual performance skills through the study of pedagogy and the study and performance of appropriate literature. The Afro-Latin Music option will prepare the students for a professional career in the performance of Afro-Latin Music and related genres. The curriculum includes study in performance practices, rehearsal techniques and historical background.

Admission to the Program

In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants must have a baccalaureate in music from an accredited college or university. All applicants must take a graduate placement examination in music history and music theory. Applicants for the Composition option must present a portfolio of their work to the composition area for consideration before acceptance to the program. Applicants for the Commercial Music options must either present an audition of appropriate material or present a portfolio of compositions or arrangements for consideration by the Jazz Studies/ Commercial Music area. Students in the Conducting option must present a conducting audition for the appropriate area.  Students desiring entrance into this option may also be required to have additional conducting experience or additional outside conducting responsibilities prior to admission to the program. Students in the Performance option must present an audition to the appropriate area committee for admission to the program.