Music Performance, M.Mus.

Matriculation Requirements

Applicants for either concentration must offer at least 36 credits in music courses including courses in analysis, counterpoint, harmony, and history.

Consideration is given to applicants who do not meet course requirements but have unusual talent or experience equivalent to course work. Such applicants should consult the assistant director.

A placement examination is given to all applicants for admission. The test includes writing skills (harmonic and contrapuntal techniques), analysis, history, and literature. Further information about the examination may be obtained from the assistant director.

Applicants for the program in performance must pass an audition at the time of application. A request for an audition appointment may be made by telephone to the conservatory office.

General matriculation and admission requirements of Graduate Studies are in the section “Admission” of the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Requirements (36 Credits)

Thirty-six credits are required for the Master of Music degree in music performance.

Before completing 12 credits, students must pass a test given by the conservatory in French, German, or another language approved by the assistant director. Students who completed their bachelor’s degree using a modern language other than English may be exempted from this language examination by the assistant director.

Students must pass a comprehensive examination. Information about requirements for the comprehensive examination is in the section “Academic Regulations and Procedures.” Courses in the conservatory offered toward the degree must be 7000-level courses. The program of study must be approved by the conservatory.

Students must also complete requirements for the program in music performance as follows. Any remaining credits required for the degree must be in courses chosen in consultation with the assistant director.

All music performance students (25 credits)

• Music U7400G
• One course chosen from Music U7601G–U7606G, U7631G, U7650X, 7651X, U7840X, 7850X, 7860X
• One course chosen from Music U7632G, U7641X, U7642X
• Four courses chosen from Music 7700X–7781X or a decision is needed from the department exempting you from this requirement only if you are a pianist
• Music 7791X, 7792X, 7793X, U7950G

Students must perform a master’s recital.

Students choose from two specializations:

• Instrumental Performance
• Vocal Performance

Additional 7000-level music electives will be required to meet the 36-credit requirement and complete the degree. These electives may be chosen from Music 7000, 7201, 7225, 7226, 7420, 7741,7634, and 7643.

Recommendation

Students are strongly urged to take additional ensembles each semester, including Music 7741X, 7742X, 7743X, 7780X, or 7781X (i.e., Contemporary Music Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, or Small Jazz Ensemble).

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate technical advancement and musical maturity in public performance at a professional level.
• Acquire fluency with a broad range of repertoire for one’s primary instrument.
• Extensive experience with both small and large ensemble performing at an advanced level.
• Demonstrate ability to identify musical styles aurally and/or in notation and discuss music at an advanced level in terms of period, genre, possible composer, and identifying musical traits.
• Demonstrate ability to speak and write substantively and persuasively about the music composed for one’s primary instrument.

Admissions Requirements

• Fall Application Deadline: March 1. Applications after this date may be accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled.
• Spring Application Deadline: November 1. Applications after this date may be accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled.

Supporting Documents for Matriculation

Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation. See Graduate Admissions for more information.
• Two letters of recommendation
• All students who wish to submit an audition virtually or request an in-person audition must fill out the Graduate Audition Request Form.

All applicants are given placement examinations. Audition on campus or submit a CD or DVD if out of town to the Conservatory of Music. To schedule an audition, call 718.951.5954 or 5286.

Required Tests

• F-1 or J-1 international students must submit English Proficiency Exam. TOEFL—79, IELTS—6.5, PTE—58–63, Duolingo—105–160.

Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.

Contact

Alexandra Lewis, Graduate Performance Adviser

401s Whitehead Hall
E:
P: 718.951.5000 ext. 2649

Or contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions

222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: 
P: 718.951.4536

Office Hours

Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Schedule an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor.