Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

What you'll study

The Master of Music at MTSU offers both applied and academic study tailored to a student’s concentration. Typical concentrations include Performance (voice, piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, guitar), Conducting, Composition and Theory, Music Education, and Music History/Musicology. The programme combines individual applied lessons, ensemble participation, coursework in music theory and history, and seminar or research components.

• Applied Lessons: Weekly one-to-one lessons culminating in juries and a final recital or capstone performance.
• Ensemble Participation: Opportunities to participate in large ensembles (symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, choral ensembles) and chamber groups.
• Core Coursework: Advanced music theory, counterpoint, analysis, and a survey of music research methods.
• Historical and Cultural Studies: Courses in music history, historiography, and specialised topics such as opera history, American music, or ethnomusicology.
• Conducting and Pedagogy: Conducting labs and courses in pedagogy for students pursuing education or choral/wind conducting tracks.
• Composition and Technology: Studio composition, orchestration, and music technology, including computer-assisted composition and recording techniques.
• Research or Capstone: Depending on the track, students complete a thesis, lecture-recital, recording project, or final recital as the culminating experience.

The degree typically requires a combination of credit hours in applied study, ensemble work, and graduate-level seminars. Students plan their curriculum with a faculty advisor to meet the requirements of their chosen concentration and to prepare for the final capstone.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in music or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Requirements normally include:

• Academic transcript: Official transcripts demonstrating undergraduate preparation in music or equivalent coursework.
• Performance audition or portfolio: Recorded or live audition for performance and conducting applicants; score submissions and recordings for composition applicants; and writing samples for musicology applicants.
• Letters of recommendation: Academic and/or professional references that speak to the applicant’s musical ability and potential for graduate study.
• Statement of purpose: A clear statement outlining academic and career objectives and the chosen concentration.
• Prerequisites: Demonstrated proficiency in primary instrument or voice, and competency in music theory and aural skills. Applicants without a conventional music degree may be required to take preparatory or remedial coursework.

International applicants must also meet the university’s language proficiency requirements and provide required documentation for admission. Specific audition formats, repertoire lists and portfolio guidelines are provided by the School of Music and should be followed exactly.

Career prospects

Graduates of MTSU’s Master of Music go on to a variety of professional roles in music and related fields. Common career paths include:

• Professional performer in orchestras, ensembles, chamber groups, opera, musical theatre or as solo artists.
• Music educator at the secondary or collegiate level, private studio teacher, or adjudicator.
• Conductors for choral, wind, orchestral or community ensembles.
• Composers and arrangers for concert, media, theatre and commercial contexts.
• Music researchers, librarians, archivists and professionals in arts administration.
• Careers in music technology, recording, production, and multimedia sound design.

The degree also prepares students for doctoral study in performance, composition, music education or musicology for those pursuing academic careers.

Why study at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

MTSU’s School of Music is known for a comprehensive programme that balances high-level performance with strong pedagogical and research training. The university offers access to experienced faculty who are active performers, scholars and educators, a wide range of ensembles, and modern practice, recording and rehearsal facilities. Located in Murfreesboro with proximity to a vibrant regional music scene, students have performance and professional development opportunities across classical, commercial and theatrical music settings. The School of Music also supports collaborative projects across the university’s arts programmes, providing interdisciplinary opportunities for applied learning, community engagement and career preparation.