Master of Music (MMUS)

The Master of Music degree is for students with an undergraduate degree in music who wish to pursue advanced studies in either instrumental or vocal performance or conducting. This degree combines private study with our artist faculty with graduate-level courses in music history, theory, and research. Students perform in large ensembles, chamber music, and present at least one graduate recital as well as a graduate research project or lecture recital, preparing them as performers and scholars. This is a two-year program.

Career Opportunities

  • music performance
  • production
  • studio instruction at the advanced/collegiate level

*The Master of Music in Performance degree title transitioned to Master of Music in Spring 2027. 

Area 1: Performance
Select one of the following:3
MUSA 6231
Graduate Applied Study
MUSA 6251
Graduate Conducting/Score Analysis I
MUSA 6331
Graduate Applied Study
Select one of the following:3
MUSA 6232
Graduate Applied Study
MUSA 6252
Graduate Conducting/Score Analysis II
MUSA 6332
Graduate Applied Study
Select one of the following:3
MUSA 6233
Graduate Applied Study
MUSA 6253
Graduate Conducting/Score Analysis 3
MUSA 6333
Graduate Applied Study
Select one of the following:3
MUSA 6234
Graduate Applied Study
MUSA 6254
Graduate Conducting/Score Analysis 4
MUSA 6334
Graduate Applied Study
MUSA 7105Graduate Recital2
Area 1 Total14
Area 2: Academics
MUSC 6115Bibliography3
MUSC 6740Graduate Theory Seminar3
Select one of the following:3
MUSC 6125
Music of the Romantic Period
MUSC 6126
Music of the Baroque Period
MUSC 6128
Music of the Twentieth Century
MUSC 6129
Music of the Classical Period
Area 2 Total9
Area 3: Concentration Courses
Select a concentration (see below)7
Area 3 Total7
Area 4: Music Electives
Select 4 credits in electives (MUSA, MUSC, MUSE, MUSP) at the graduate level 4
Area 4 Total4
Area 5: Capstone Requirements
MUSC 7000Graduate Oral Examination0
Select one of the following:2
MUSA 7907
Graduate Lecture Recital
MUSC 7999
Graduate Research Project
Area 5 Total2
Total Credit Hours36

Area 3: Concentration Courses 

Choral ConDucting

MUSC 6555Special Topics in Music3
MUSP 7090Vocal Ensemble Activities (take four times)4
Total Credit Hours7

WIND CONDUCTING

MUSC 6555Special Topics in Music3
MUSP 7080Wind Ensemble Activities (take four times)4
Total Credit Hours7

Guitar

Select any 3-credit graduate MUSC or MUSE course3
MUSP 6321Guitar Ensemble (take four times)4
Total Credit Hours7

Piano/Organ

Select any 3-credit graduate MUSC or MUSE course3
MUSA 6211Applied Music (secondary organ/harpsichord)1
MUSP 6305Collaborative Arts: Piano (take three times)3
Total Credit Hours7

Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Harp 

Select any 3-credit graduate MUSC or MUSE course3
Take one of the following courses two times for a total of 2 hours of credit.2
MUSP 7070
Orchestral Ensemble Activities
MUSP 7080
Wind Ensemble Activities
Select any MUSP ensemble1
Select any MUSP ensemble1
Total Credit Hours7

Vocal 

Select any 3-credit graduate MUSC or MUSE course3
MUSP 7090Vocal Ensemble Activities (take two times)2
Select any MUSP ensemble1
Select any MUSP ensemble1
Total Credit Hours7

Admission Requirements

All audition requirements are listed on this page: https://www.columbusstate.edu/music/audition-dates.php.  For more information, or if no information is listed, please contact the individual teacher.

Additional Program Requirements

Proficiency Requirements

Exams in music history, music theory, and ear training will be given just before the start of fall semester each year. Students who do not successfully pass all exams will have the option to re-take the exams once more before the following spring semester before completing remedial coursework where required by the music faculty.

Additional Requirements

Students must consult the Schwob School of Music Handbook for M.M. Performance majors for additional information on requirements for graduation.