University of Arizona

What you'll study

The Master’s in Music combines advanced one-to-one applied study with coursework in theory, history and professional practice. Students typically follow a concentration—such as Performance, Composition, Music Education, Conducting, Musicology or Music Theory—and build a programme that balances practical and academic work.

• Applied lessons: weekly private lessons on primary instrument or voice culminating in juries and a final recital or performance project.
• Ensembles and repertory: chamber music, symphonic and opera/oratorio ensembles, contemporary music groups and pit/orchestral opportunities with the School of Theatre for musical theatre productions.
• Theory and analysis: advanced harmony, counterpoint, form and analysis courses tailored to the student’s concentration.
• History and research: seminars in music history, ethnomusicology or musicology methods; students in research tracks complete a thesis or capstone project.
• Composition and creative practice: composition students work in studio lessons, workshops and performances of new works, with access to electronic/computer music resources.
• Pedagogy and professional skills: courses in music education methods, curriculum design and career development for performers and educators.
• Recital or thesis: degree completion usually requires either a public final recital or an academic thesis/project depending on the concentration.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in music or an equivalent qualification demonstrating proficiency in their area of study. Specific requirements include:

• Audition or portfolio: a live or recorded audition for performance and composition applicants; composition portfolios for creative streams.
• Academic transcripts: evidence of prior undergraduate study with a solid academic record in music and related coursework.
• References: two or three academic or professional letters of recommendation that address musical ability and potential for graduate study.
• Statement of purpose: a clear statement outlining the applicant’s goals, proposed concentration and preparation for graduate-level work.
• English language proficiency: for international applicants, proof of English ability via recognised tests where English is not the language of prior study.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of careers across performance, education, composition and scholarship. Typical paths include:

• Professional performer in solo, chamber and orchestral contexts, and pit orchestras for musical theatre.
• School or tertiary-level music educator and private studio teacher, with qualifications to pursue licensure where required.
• Composer or arranger working in concert, media and commercial contexts.
• Conductor or rehearsal pianist for ensembles, opera companies and musical theatre productions.
• Arts administrator, producer or consultant in festivals, ensembles and cultural organisations.
• Music researcher or doctoral candidate pursuing further academic study in musicology, theory or ethnomusicology.

Why study at University of Arizona

The Fred Fox School of Music at the University of Arizona offers concentrated mentorship from faculty who are active performers, composers and researchers, alongside well-equipped practice facilities, performance halls and a contemporary music centre. Students benefit from frequent performance opportunities, collaborations with the School of Theatre and film/theatre production resources, and a vibrant regional arts scene in Tucson that supports creative projects and community engagement. The school’s placement within a major research university also provides access to interdisciplinary research, recording studios and technology resources for composition and scholarship.