Montana State University

What you'll study

The programme combines applied music study with academic coursework and practical training. Students take progressive courses in musicianship and analysis while developing performance, composition or teaching specialisms through one-to-one lessons and ensembles.

• Core musicianship: Sequential music theory and ear training (aural skills), keyboard proficiency and score reading.
• Applied studies: Weekly one-to-one lessons on a principal instrument or voice, juries and a senior recital or capstone performance.
• Ensembles: Large ensembles (orchestra, wind ensemble, concert choir), chamber music, jazz groups and opera/theatre productions.
• Music history and literature: Surveys of Western music history, repertoire studies and special topics seminars.
• Composition and music technology: Composition workshops, notation and digital audio production; opportunities to record and produce student work.
• Conducting and pedagogy: Basic conducting, rehearsal technique and methods courses for those pursuing music education or private studio teaching.
• Theatre and interdisciplinary options: Electives in acting, voice for actors, movement, stagecraft and musical theatre offered through collaboration with the School of Theatre & Dance.
• Capstone experience: Recital, senior project or research paper demonstrating integration of practical and academic skills.

Entry requirements

Admission to Montana State University requires meeting the university's general undergraduate entry criteria and the School of Music's audition standards. Prospective music majors should prepare for both academic and performance evaluation.

• High school diploma or equivalent and submission of official transcripts as required by the university.
• Successful performance audition — live or recorded — demonstrating technical control, musicality and appropriate repertoire; repertoire expectations vary by instrument/voice.
• Music theory placement or diagnostic exams may be required to determine course level; some students take preparatory coursework before starting major classes.
• Letters of recommendation and a personal statement or interview may be requested, especially for competitive specialisms such as performance or composition.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements (e.g. recognised exam scores) and provide certified academic records.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped for a wide range of music- and theatre-related careers. Many continue with graduate study while others enter professional life directly.

• Professional performance: soloist, orchestral musician, chamber player, jazz or commercial performer, musical theatre performer.
• Music education: public school teacher, private studio instructor, community education leader (with appropriate certification for K–12 teaching where required).
• Creative and technical roles: composer/arranger, music director, conductor, music producer and audio engineer.
• Arts management and production: stage manager, event producer, arts administrator, community arts organiser.
• Further study: conservatoire or university graduate programmes in performance, composition, conducting, musicology or music education.

Why study at Montana State University

Montana State University offers a supportive conservatory-style experience within a broader research university, giving students access to both intensive applied training and interdisciplinary opportunities. The School of Music and the School of Theatre & Dance collaborate closely, providing plentiful performance slots, production experience and cross-disciplinary projects.

• Regular performance venues and opportunities, including faculty-led ensembles, student recitals and staged productions that build practical stage experience.
• Access to on-campus recording and music technology resources for composition and production work.
• Small-group instruction and mentorship from experienced faculty who are active performers, teachers and scholars.
• Community partnerships and internship opportunities in the region that allow students to gain teaching, administrative and production experience.
• Preparation for professional life or advanced study through a balance of rigorous applied training, academic study and practical theatre collaboration.