Overview

The Master of Music degree (M.M.) is available in the areas of Keyboard Performance, and Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy

Individual instruction, ensemble experience, master classes, teaching opportunities, as well as performance opportunities both on and off-campus enhance private study with internationally renowned artist teachers. Supporting academic instruction, now with an additional courses available focusing on artist development, enriches the performance experience, which culminates with a final recital.
The competitive reality of the market for performers and teachers has never been more demanding. We are proud that many of our students have gone on to DMA studies, win awards at piano competitions, have been invited to publish in recognized periodicals, and are currently in teaching positions both in the U.S. and abroad.
Our current and past FSOM piano students have participated and won prizes at competitions such as:

  • Tchaikovsky Competition
  • Queen Elizabeth Competition
  • Van Cliburn Competition
  • Sydney International Piano Competition
  • Paderewski Piano Competition

Our mission at the Frost School of Music is to have you join them!
Visti and Like us on our Facebook page where you will see the latest on our current and past students from the Department of Keyboard Performance.
For admission information and financial support, please click here.

Admission Requirements

All applicants to the Frost School must submit the following items:

·       An online application

·       Application fee

·       Resume

·       Three letters of recommendation

·       Official transcripts from every post-secondary school attended

This graduate degree program also requires submission of certain supplemental materials, including:

·       Prescreen/Performance

·       Live audition (preferred)

·       TOEFL/IELTS score, as applicable

For more detailed information, please visit our Graduate Admission website.

Curriculum Requirements

Major Area
Applied Lessons8
Accompanying3
MKP 812Master's Recital1
Supportive Studies 115
MTC Elective(s)
MCY 626-7 Keyboard Literature I-II/MCY Elective(s)
MKP Keyboard Pedagogy Elective(s)
Keyboard Pedagogy
Intermediate to Advanced Repertoire
Keyboard Pedagogy II:Keyboard Pedagogy Diagnostics
Keyboard Pedagogy III: Practice Strategies
Artist Development course(s)
The Teaching Artist
Arts Leadership
World of the Working Musician
Media Creation
Peak Performance Strategies for Musicians
Communication, Marketing, and Publicity for the Musical Artist
Approved Music Electives (Suggested courses include)3
Seminar in Baroque Performance
Seminar in Classical Performance
Seminar in Romantic Performance
Seminar in Contemporary Music
Accompanying, Level III
Keyboard Pedagogy Research Seminar
Keyboard Pedagogy Internship
Masters Second Recital
Oral Comprehensive Exam 0
Total Credit Hours30
1

 Students are strongly encouraged to choose at least one course from each of the four categories below this section. Exceptions may be made only with Advisor approval.

Plan of Study 

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
MKP PI6 Piano 2
MTC Elective * 3
MCY Elective * 3
Accompanying 1
 Credit Hours9
Spring
MKP PI6 Piano 2
Keyboard Pedagogy Elective 3
Artist Development Course * 3
Accompanying 1
 Credit Hours9
Year Two
Fall
MKP PI6 Piano 2
Approved Elective in Supportive Studies * 3
Approved 1 credit Music Elective (x3) ** 3
Accompanying 1
 Credit Hours9
Spring
MKP PI6 Piano 2
MKP 812 Master's Recital 1
Oral Comprehensive Exam
 Credit Hours3
 Total Credit Hours30

* Select one course from each of the 4 categories listed in the Academic Bulletin: MTC, MCY, MKP, and Artist Development courses. Exceptions may be made only with Advisor approval.

**Refer to Academic Bulletin for suggested 1-credit music electives

*** This is a suggested Plan of Study.  Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings.  Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester to determine the appropriate course selection.

Mission

The mission of the Master of Music degree in Keyboard Performance is to:

  • Provide students the highest quality of education available in the areas of piano performance and musicianship that will provide the foundation for continued academic work, and which could also lead toward a professional performance career as a classical pianist.
  • To stimulate the student's awareness and artistic creativity in the field of piano performance
  • To provide students public performance performance opportunities in a supportive and encouraging environment
  • To provide students performance skills necessary for graduate degree auditions and national/international piano competitions.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will develop musicianship skills and knowledge of a large selection of the piano repertory necessary for acceptance into a variety of graduate study institutions offering a DMA in performance and for fostering a professional career as solo pianists.
  • Students will develop technical pianistic skills necessary for acceptance into a variety of graduate study institutions offering a DMA in performance and for fostering a professional career as solo pianists.
  • Students will be able to develop performance and artistic presentation skills necessary for acceptance into a variety of graduate study institutions offering a DMA in performance and for fostering a professional career as solo pianists.
  • Students will be able to develop the necessary research and writing skills for completing a MM Recital paper.