The Master of Music degree has three specializations: Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Guitar Performance and Vocal Performance.
Master of Music students have the opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge in their emphasis through research and both classroom and individualized instruction, to develop and practice professional skills and to gain leadership experience.
The primary purpose of the Piano Performance and Pedagogy degree is to integrate instruction in piano pedagogy with high-level piano performance, making it a unique degree, as many MM programs in piano require students to specialize in either pedagogy or performance. The program is designed to fill an increasing demand for piano instructors who not only perform at a high level, but who also hold advanced credentials in teaching. Piano Performance and Pedagogy candidates also receive experiential training through the USU Youth Conservatory, a pre-college piano program providing instruction to students ages 4 through 18.
The Guitar Performance emphasis offers students the opportunity to study with faculty at an advanced level who have established notable careers in a variety of performance styles. The guitar program was recently honored by Jazz Guitar Online as one of the Top 25 Programs in the U.S. for jazz guitar studies. Performance candidates are required to present two, 2-credit recitals in partial fulfillment of this degree.
The Choral Conducting emphasis focuses on ensemble performance, advanced conducting and rehearsal techniques, repertory and literature, and advisor-approved independent study which focuses on the student's career and educational objectives. Individual recital(s) and/or Research and Presentation project(s) are required of Conducting emphasis candidates.
The Voice Performance - Voice emphasis offers students the opportunity to study at an advanced level with nationally known faculty. The MM - Voice Performance degree prepares sudents for careers in performance and pedagogy, and offers exceptional opportunities to perform in USU Opera and Utah Festival Opera. MM students will have the opportunity to work with internationally recognized artists and teachers. Past visiting artists include Kelli O'Hara, Dr. Scott McCoy, and Libby Larsen.View additional information about voice at USU by visiting the pages for Voice Performance and Choral Education.
Specific questions about each emphasis and course of study should be directed to the graduate faculty in the preferred emphasis.
Specialization(s):
- Piano Performance and Pedagogy: The program is designed to fill an increasing demand for piano instructors who not only perform at a high level, but who also hold advanced credentials in teaching.
- Guitar Performance: The Guitar Performance specialization focuses on individual instruction, ensemble performance and advisor-approved independent study which focuses on the students career and educational objectives.
- Choral Conducting: Choral conducting focuses on ensemble performance, advanced conducting and rehearsal techniques, repertory and literature, and independent study based on students career and educational objectives.
- Voice Performance: The Voice Performance specialization focuses on individual applied instruction, in-depth repertoire study through one-on-one coaching, advanced vocal pedagogy, and performance in solo recitals and staged dramatic works through USU Opera Theatre and through partnership with Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre. Graduates of this program will be equipped for a career in performance, high-quality studio teaching, or further graduate study in an Artist Diploma or Doctoral program.