Music, MA

What you will study

UCM’s master’s degree in Music program curriculum features a diverse range of core and elective courses. Compared to other schools of music, UCM prides itself on its small class sizes, which ensure that our students get more individualized attention and guidance.

Choose electives based on your focus area and musical interests. With the help of the graduate faculty coordinator, you’ll pick from classes in areas such as conducting, music education, music technology, musicology, composition and performance for your master’s degree in Music. You can even combine electives from different areas to personalize your studies and better prepare you for a range of music careers.

Students pursuing UCM’s master’s degrees in Music choose from exciting electives such as:

• Music in Latin America
• American Music
• Jazz Pedagogy
• Kodály Choral Techniques
• Music Business Practices
• Electronic Music Production Techniques

Kodály Certification

We also offer an integrated and standalone certification in Kodály Education.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in music

UCM offers hands-on, real-world learning opportunities that are rare offerings for many traditional schools of music:

• Performing: Students pursuing master’s degrees in Music at UCM can participate in a variety of performance and accompaniment opportunities. You’ll hone your performance skills, build your professional network and get a glimpse into music careers in performance by participating in student recitals, theatre productions and various gigs on campus and around Missouri.
• Music Technology: Students pursuing a Master of Arts in Music at UCM can also focus on technology. This helps you develop skills in audio production, recording, technology-based performance and electronic music composition. Learn the best of music technology with hands-on assignments in our outstanding studios.
• Music Education and Conducting: Be the best music educator you can be. Whether you want to focus on improving your conducting and interpretation skills or on implementing cutting-edge pedagogy and curriculum techniques in your classroom, UCM’s expert faculty will take you to the next level.
• Kodály Summer Institute: Kodály certification is also available to students through a Summer program. For a full master’s degree, you’ll complete hands-on solfege and conducting classes during three consecutive summer semesters plus five online classes. Kodály certification is open to public and private school music teachers and may satisfy continuing education credits for educators.

 

What can you do with a master’s degree in Music from UCM?

With a master’s degree from our School of Music, UCM graduates go on to rewarding music careers in education, performance, composing, music production and more. You’ll also be prepared to pursue doctoral studies in music at other top-tier music schools.

UCM graduates with a Master of Arts in Music degree can secure mid- to senior-level positions in academic institutions, start their own businesses or become specialized instrumental or vocal instructors. Our alumni have gone on to roles such as:

• Directors of bands or choral programs
• Performing artist
• Composer
• Elementary or high school teacher or college professor
• Film and game composers and sound designers
• Recording studio engineer
• Private lessons teacher

More on careers for graduates with a Master of Arts in Music

Explore additional options for future music careers using the interactive tool below. You’ll gain a better understanding of salaries, job outlooks and more for graduates with music degrees.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your master’s degree in Music

The University of Central Missouri provides graduate students with guidance and opportunities for financial aid. Many students pursuing a Master of Arts in Music qualify for grants, scholarships, work-study positions and more. This includes graduate student assistantships with a stipend and tuition remission.

UCM also has merit- and need-based scholarships that are open to graduate students. You may also qualify for several scholarships that are available for graduate students pursuing music degrees:

• Wind and Percussion Scholarship
• Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Scholarship
• Edith M. Brooks Scholarship
• Marion B. Davies Memorial Scholarship
• Charles G. and Laura Keynon Kuhn Distinguished Musician Scholarship

Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.