Whether you’re contemplating or already pursuing a musical career, it’s worth considering if a master’s degree in music is right for you.
A master’s in music allows you to build on your undergrad foundation and gain additional skills and experience to help you become an even better musician.
Enrolling in a master’s in music program allows you to pursue your music ambitions, bolster your credentials and improve your professional prospects after graduation. Most music programs offer a selection of specializations, helping you build niche skills and narrow down a career path.
Keep reading to learn about what a master’s degree in music entails and which careers you can pursue with an advanced music degree.
What Is a Master’s Degree in Music?
A master’s degree in music explores music at a more advanced level than a bachelor’s degree. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in music or a related field often pursue a master’s to deepen their understanding of various aspects of music and elevate their musical skills to a higher level of proficiency.
Degree specializations can include instrument or voice performance, composition, music theory, musicology, conducting, music education and music therapy. Students take advanced classes in theory and analysis, music history and performance techniques. In many cases, they also perform in ensembles, give recitals and conduct original research.
Master’s programs often require a written thesis or another final project demonstrating the candidates’ expertise. The final project may involve creating a composition portfolio, a performance or a combination of the two. A master’s in music usually requires the completion of 30 credits over two years of full-time study.
Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Music
Admission requirements for a master’s degree in music vary by school. It’s important to verify each school’s requirements before applying. The following are typical requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in music or a related field.
- Submit official transcripts.
- Meet the minimum GPA requirements (often 3.0).
- Complete an application.
- Submit a résumé or CV.
- Complete an essay.
- Submit letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors.
- Participate in a vocal or instrumental audition.
Specializations for a Master’s Degree in Music
Music Education
The music education specialization involves instruction in teaching music, including methods, curriculum development and assessment strategies tailored for multiple age groups and ability levels, spanning from K-12 through college.
Performance
In this specialization, students develop their technical prowess in voice performance or instrumental performance. Training consists of private lessons, solo and group performances and preparation for teaching and professional performance careers.
Composition
Students who aspire to write original music further develop their understanding of counterpoint, orchestration and other techniques. Students may have the opportunity to have their compositions performed by ensembles of varying sizes.
Music Theory and Analysis
This specialization digs deeper into advanced music theory, exploring topics such as harmony, dissonance, modes and tuning systems. Close reading and analysis of scores teaches students to interpret complex musical structures.
Common Courses in a Master’s Degree in Music
Though curricula vary among schools, standard foundational and elective courses in a music master’s program might include:
Music History
Music history courses at the graduate level generally focus on specific periods, genres or styles, with classes like “The Baroque Era,” “The Romantic Era” and “Music Since 1950.”
Arranging for Orchestra
Students learn to write for instruments used in large orchestras, with attention given to scoring for percussion ensembles, string quartets, and woodwind and brass quintets.
Music Technology
Students gain hands-on access to the equipment and software employed in contemporary composition, production and recording while also considering the use of these tools from historical and theoretical perspectives.
Chamber Music or Ensemble
In this course, students participate in intensive chamber music groups or small ensembles to foster collaborative skills and build experience in collective music-making.
Music Research and Writing
Through assigned reading and writing, this course educates students in scholarly writing, research methodologies and informed critical analysis of music literature.
What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Music?
The salary data below comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale and Glassdoor.
Music Director
Median Annual Salary: $62,940
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience; master’s degree preferred for conductors
Job Overview: Music directors lead musical ensembles in live performances and recording sessions, selecting the score and rehearsing the musicians in advance. They may also audition potential new hires and meet with donors and fundraisers for the organization.
Recording Engineer
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $60,800
Minimum Required Education: High school diploma or GED® for entry-level positions; bachelor’s degree and a background in sound engineering or music production typically required for higher-level positions
Job Overview: Recording engineers oversee the technical aspects of a studio or live recording project, from the actual sound recording through the subsequent post-production. They direct equipment setup, including microphone placement and signal flow. They may also perform audio mixing and other processes that require a deep understanding of recording software.
Composer or Songwriter
Median Annual Salary: $62,940
Minimum Required Education: No formal educational requirements for writing pop music; bachelor’s or master’s in music, music composition or a related field sometimes preferred
Job Overview: Composers write original music in different styles and genres. They can earn a living creating soundtracks for video games, TV, movies, advertising jingles and ringtones. Songwriters compose for a variety of pop styles, sometimes in collaboration with a lyricist.
Artist Manager
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $73,000
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in music with a concentration in arts management or music production.
Job Overview: Artist managers handle the business aspects behind a performing artist’s career. Among many other duties, they book gigs and recording sessions, negotiate contracts, oversee the publicity and marketing for album launches and handle the logistics of tours.
Music Therapist
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $78,400
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s or graduate degree in music or music therapy
Job Overview: Music therapists are board-certified professionals who use music as a therapeutic tool to promote physical, emotional and cognitive well-being. They treat children with developmental disabilities, senior citizens suffering from dementia and patients dealing with mental illness. They may use singing, instruments and other activities to support patients.
Music Teacher
Average Annual Salary: Approximately $46,700
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in music, music education or a related field; master’s degree required by some states for K-12 teaching
Job Overview: Public and private schools regularly seek classroom instructors at the K-12 level, while more experienced teachers may find positions teaching at liberal arts colleges or conservatories. Private, one-on-one instruction in a particular instrument is another possibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Master’s Degree in Music
How many years is a master’s in music?
A master’s degree in music usually requires two years of full-time study. Some programs may offer accelerated or part-time options. Check with each prospective program about its enrollment offerings and degree timeline.
What is the highest degree in music?
The highest music degree you can earn is a doctorate. You can pursue a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in music or a doctor of musical arts (DMA). Both require a serious commitment to original research. The Ph.D. in music is an academic degree with a greater emphasis on research, which forms the basis of a doctoral dissertation. The DMA places greater emphasis on performance and composition.
Can you get a master’s in music without a bachelor’s in music?
Rarely. A bachelor’s degree in music or a related discipline is almost always a prerequisite for entry into a master’s program in music. Some universities may consider applicants with a strong musical background who don’t have a formal bachelor’s degree. Contacting specific programs about their admission requirements is highly advisable.
