Master of Music (M.M.) in Performance

 

Enhance Your Music Career with a Performance Master's

As a performer, music is more than just a profession. It's your vocation; your mission; your passion. It's the driving force behind all you do.

If you're looking for a master's degree from a school as passionate about your craft as you are, end your search with West Chester University.

West Chester University's Wells School of Music offers an unparalleled master's degree in music performance to provide you with advanced training in traditional and contemporary performance techniques and methodologies. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the program allows you to focus on one of seven areas:

1. Instrumental performance (brass, woodwind, strings, percussion)
2. Organ Performance
3. Piano Performance
4. Vocal Performance
5. Piano Pedagogy
6. Instrumental Conducting
7. Choral conducting

Regardless of the track you choose, our Master of Music Performance is a total of 30 credits (34 for Piano Pedagogy) and offers you the flexibility to tailor the program to meet your individual interests and career goals. You can earn your performance master's full- or part-time in as few as two years through in-person classes.

As a Master of Music in Performance student, you'll gain hands-on experience and coaching during weekly studio master classes, lessons, and performance opportunities with many of WCU’s renowned ensembles and faculty.

If you are a serious musician, our performance master's is for you.

 

Options in the Master's in Music Performance Program

Instrumental Conducting

In the MM Conducting program students develop mastery of conducting ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in instrumental conducting, analytical studies, score study techniques, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire, and rehearsal techniques. Students develop advanced knowledge of the repertoire through experiences with the WCU conductors and instrumental ensembles.

Choral Conducting

In the MM Conducting program students develop mastery of conducting ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in choral conducting, analytical studies, score study techniques, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire and rehearsal techniques. Students develop an advanced knowledge of the repertoire through experiences with the WCU conductors and choral ensembles.

Instrumental Performance

The MM in Instrumental Performance focuses on building and enhancing technical proficiency, musical and stylistic skills, and artistry. Students take classes in literature and pedagogy, music history and theory to prepare them to be performers, teachers, and to enter doctoral programs.

Piano Performance

The MM in Piano Performance focuses on building and enhancing technical proficiency, musical and stylistic skills, and artistry. Students take classes in piano literature and pedagogy, music history and theory to prepare them to be performers, teachers, and to enter doctoral programs.

Organ Performance

The MM in Organ Performance emphasizes advanced organ literature and performance techniques, organ design and construction, and the historical and philosophical precepts of sacred music. Additional focus is placed on hymn improvisation to better prepare for a career in the field of sacred music.

Vocal Performance

The MM in Vocal Performance is designed to prepare a singer for a career in classical vocal performance, doctoral studies, or as a professional voice teacher. Students take classes in foreign language dictions, art song, and vocal pedagogy, as well as advanced level voice lessons to further their mastery of vocal style, technique, and artistry.

Piano Pedagogy

The MM in Piano Pedagogy prepares students to teach piano at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels (pre-collegiate through collegiate). Additional emphasis is placed on building piano performance skills, techniques, and musicianship, as well as building theoretical and historical knowledge.

 

Benefits of Earning Your Master of Music (M.M.) in Performance at West Chester University

Faculty members are masters of their craft

In addition to teaching, our Wells School of Music professors compose, conduct, perform, and record internationally. They have performed with groups such as The Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Russian Philharmonic.

The faculty of the master's in music performance program is exceptionally prepared to ensure your academic and artistic success. With an average class size of 11, professors are dedicated to helping you complete your performance master's and pursue your personal goals.

Experiential Learning

Wells School of Music offers our master's degree students ongoing opportunities to learn from, perform for, and work alongside world-class guest artists such as principal players from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

As a Master of Music in Performance student, you'll work with local public school programs and lead sectional rehearsals with peers. Many of our graduate students are hired to perform at events on and off campus.

Outstanding Facilities

The arts are a priority at West Chester University, and we have the facilities to prove it. All our M.M. programs are housed within the Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center. Just steps from the heart of campus, Swope offers:

• Private instructional spaces
• Three large rehearsal halls
• State-of-the-art classrooms
• 56 practice rooms
• Instrumental rental office
• Center for Music and Technology
• Presser Music Library
• Partnership with the Philadelphia Orchestra
• Hundreds of performances each year

Major performances at University take place in the 125-seat Ware Family Recital Hall, the 385-seat Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre (both housed in the Center) or the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall—a stalwart on campus since its opening in 1927 with a capacity of over 1,200.

Paid Graduate Assistantships

The Wells School of Music offers up to 10 fully-funded graduate assistantships each year. These assistantships help our students pay for their education while providing even more hands-on opportunities with faculty.

Community

The Wells School of Music is a welcoming, tight-knit community full of talented musicians at every level. You'll build relationships with your classmates and faculty as you move through your program and will have opportunities for performance and even international travel.

In addition to our internal community, West Chester University is within driving distance to three major cities rich with performing arts. Enjoy a night out—and find inspiration—by attending the opera in D.C., hearing The Philadelphia Orchestra, or taking in a Broadway show in New York City.

 

What Can You Do with a Master of Music (M.M.) in Performance Degree?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the field of music, including singers and musicians, will grow 4% through 2031.

Beyond preparing you for a successful career as a vocalist, conductor, or musician, a master's in music performance prepares you for other opportunities such as:

• Music director
• Composer
• Music educator
• Private instructor
• Disc jockey
• Music producer or agent
• Broadcast engineer

You'll also be prepared to apply to Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs.

Recent graduates with their Master of Music from WCU enjoy successful careers in a dynamic industry. Positions include professors at U.S. and international universities, performers and musicians on Broadway and in the United States military bands, and conductors of professional ensembles.

Others with their performance master's are completing doctoral programs and Artist Diplomas at exceptional institutions such as Indiana University, the Peabody Conservatory, and Juilliard.

Where are our graduates?

 

What Will You Study as a Master of Music (M.M.) in Performance Degree Student?

In the process of earning your master's in music performance, you'll complete four semesters of applied private lessons, three instrumental literature courses, and two recital performances.

The remainder of your courses will be selected in consultation with your advisors, and with consideration to your specific goals, abilities, needs, and interests.