String row in full orchestra

Music Master's

Master of Music (M.M.)

Advance your skills as a musician and prepare for a successful career in any area of the music industry.

Harness the power of music to express what it means to be human and forge connections among diverse people. A Music master's degree prepares you to pursue your passions wherever they lead.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
32

What earn a music master's degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Pursue your passion and master the skills you need to build a rewarding career as a performer, teacher, composer, conductor or administrator. UND's graduate program in music helps you achieve mastery in any area of music.

Music Master's Specializations

The M.M. program offers specializations in:

  • Composition
  • Conducting
  • Music Education
  • Performance
  • Pedagogy
  • Collaborative Piano

All specializations combine intense study in your area of interest with a broad foundation in music theory, history and performance. All graduate students in music are invited to participate in our acclaimed ensembles ranging from jazz ensembles to choir to orchestra and band.

Music Master's at UND

  • Travel the world for music performances in destinations such as China, Japan, Brazil or Cuba.

  • Perform in world-class facilities such as the 2,300-seat Chester Fritz Auditorium.

  • Choose a course of study to match your music interests.

  • Apply for a teaching assistantship to qualify for a stipend and/or tuition waiver.

  • The University of North Dakota is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

What can I do with a music master's degree?

62K

Median annual salary for high school teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

4%

Anticipated job growth for musicians and singers through 2031

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Musicians and Singers

A Master of Music degree prepares you for a rewarding career in any aspect of the music industry.

  • Leadership role as a music teacher at the elementary or secondary level
  • Symphony orchestra musician
  • Singer
  • Church musician
  • Composer
  • Conductor
  • Arts administrator
  • Studio musician

A master's degree in music gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Music Theories
  • Curriculum Development
  • Compositions
  • Strategic Planning
  • Event Planning

Music Master's Jobs

Music alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • American Youth Symphony, Inc.
  • California State University, Long Beach
  • Dunes Summer Theatre

Music Master's Courses

MUSC 508. Perspectives of Music History. 3 Credits.

A course on various topics on the history and literature of music and related musicological fields. This course may require preparation and delivery of a substantial research paper on an appropriate topic. Repeatable when topics vary. Prerequisite: MUSC 500 and MUSC 505, or passing grade on placement examination, or instructor's permission. Repeatable to 15.00 credits. S.

MUSC 503. Psychological Foundations of Music Learning. 3 Credits.

An in-depth study of the psychological processes of music learning. On demand.

MUSC 506. Advanced Composition. 1-4 Credits.

The composition and performance of original works in selected instrumental and vocal media. May be repeated without limitation. Repeatable.

MUSC 581. Graduate Opera Workshop. 1-2 Credits.

Graduate level staged performance of operatic literature: chamber operas, scenes from larger works, and major productions. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Corequisite: Enrollment in graduate level voice lessons. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. S.

MUSC 595. Individual Lessons. 1-2 Credits.

Individual lessons in the major instrument for non-performance music degree programs. In registering for private lessons, "Voice" or the name of the instrument serves as the title of the course. For the final examination (excluding conducting), the student will perform before a faculty committee. May be repeated for credit without limitation. Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor. Repeatable. F,S.

MUSC 596. Individual Lessons. 2-5 Credits.

Individual lessons in the major instrument for the performance major. In registering for private lessons, "Voice" or the name of the instrument serves as the title of the course. For the final examination, the student will perform before a faculty committee. May be repeated for credit without limitation. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. Repeatable to 32.00 credits. F,S.

Leaders in Music

Students are encouraged to be expressive with their art and to participate in the music program's community.

Explore More Options

Connect with the music faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Department Contact
Dr. Christopher Gable
Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.6190
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