Teach with purpose. Perform with passion.
The Master of Music in Piano Performance Pedagogy program provides advanced training in performance practice, teaching methods, pedagogical research, professional development, and entrepreneurial leadership in both individual and group teaching settings. You will be well-trained in innovative teaching tools with marketable teaching experience and solid academic or business career paths.
Who Should Apply
If you hold an undergraduate degree in piano or a related music field or possess a non-music bachelor's degree accompanied by substantial piano training and experience. If you aspire to pursue a career in academia, teaching, entrepreneurship, or other professional pathways centered on piano study and performance then this program is perfect for you!
Why Choose Performance Pedagogy at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ ¹û¶³´«Ã½?
- Innovative Curriculum integrating performance, entrepreneurial training, and teaching experience for diverse music careers in higher education, independent studio teaching, arts leadership, and related professional fields.
- Flexible Degree Pathways supporting candidates' classical, jazz, traditional, and technology-enhanced career goals.
- Graduate Assistantships offering a variety of experiences in collaborative piano, group piano teaching, performance, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities, enhancing competencies for today's evolving music profession.
- Extensive Teaching Experiences with additional studio teaching opportunities available through the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Piano Institute Program under faculty mentorship.
Academic Highlights
Curriculum includes Applied Piano Lessons, Collaborative Piano, Directed Study in Performance Pedagogy, Music History, Music Theory, Graduate Keyboard Literature, and a Graduate Recital. During the program, you are guided in the development of a specialized research topic, with opportunities to present your work at local, state, regional, and national conferences. You are also encouraged to pursue scholarly and pedagogical publication opportunities as part of your professional development.
Financial & Professional Support
- Graduate assistantships include tuition waivers, a monthly stipend, and housing support. Additional funding for professional development activities may also be available.
- Piano graduate assistantships provide opportunities to participate in ensemble and collaborative performances, assist with rehearsals, and support group piano courses and laboratory instruction.
Explore financial aid & assistantship opportunities
Admission & Application Steps
- Complete the application to the Graduate School and submit the School of Music audition form.
- Schedule a live audition in coordination with the candidate and piano faculty based on mutually available dates.
- Recorded auditions are accepted for out-of-state and international applicants.
- An interview with the piano faculty will follow both live and recorded auditions.
- If you complete the audition and interview process by the end of February, you will be automatically considered for graduate assistantship opportunities upon admission to the Piano Performance Pedagogy program.
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Career Pathways
Graduates of the Performance Pedagogy master's program pursue careers such as:
- Independent piano instructors in private studios, group teaching settings, or conservatories
- Faculty members at colleges, universities, community music schools, and arts organizations
- Studio directors, arts education leaders, and administrators who shape music programs and educational initiatives
- Doctoral studies and future faculty members in Piano Pedagogy, Piano Performance, and related disciplines