Indiana University

What you'll study

The Master’s in Music is structured around specialist training in a chosen area—performance (instrumental, vocal, collaborative piano), composition, conducting, musicology, music theory, music education or jazz studies. Core elements include applied lessons or composition studios, ensemble participation, advanced seminars and research projects or recitals. Typical modules and activities include:

• Weekly one-to-one applied instruction with Jacobs School faculty
• Large and small ensemble participation (symphony orchestra, wind ensembles, jazz ensembles, opera theatre, chamber groups)
• Advanced seminars in performance practice, analysis, or historical research
• Applied pedagogy and techniques for students preparing for careers in teaching
• Composition workshops, readings and premieres for composition students
• Conducting labs and score study for conductors
• Collaborative projects with the Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre productions when relevant (e.g. musical direction, opera-theatre collaborations)
• Recital or thesis requirements: most programmes culminate in a public recital, conducting project, composition portfolio or a written research thesis

Students can tailor their course of study with electives across the university, take additional language or pedagogy training, and engage in intensive performance seasons including opera productions and staged musical theatre when available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree with substantial musical preparation. Typical requirements include:

• An undergraduate degree in music or equivalent practical experience demonstrating readiness for graduate study
• Audiovisual materials or live audition for performance and composition applicants; score submissions and recordings for composition applicants; sample research writing for musicology/theory applicants
• Transcripts from prior institutions and academic references that speak to musical and academic potential
• A personal statement outlining goals, specialisms and reasons for studying at Indiana University
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency to the school’s required standard

Admission is competitive and specific audition/portfolio requirements vary by specialism; applicants should consult programme-specific guidance for repertoire lists, time limits and submission formats.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Master’s in Music at Indiana University pursue a wide range of careers across the performing arts, education and scholarship, including:

• Professional performers in orchestras, opera companies, chamber ensembles, jazz groups and musical theatre
• Solo recitalists and recording artists
• Conductors and musical directors for symphonic, choral and theatre productions
• Composers writing for concert, theatre and media
• Music teachers in secondary schools and higher education, private studio teachers and pedagogues
• Musicologists, theorists and researchers pursuing doctoral study or careers in academia
• Arts administrators, producers and musical directors working in theatres, festivals and community arts organisations

The intensive performance schedule, networking opportunities and reputation of the Jacobs School help graduates move into professional placements, further doctoral study or freelance careers combining teaching, performing and administrative work.

Why study at Indiana University

Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music is one of the largest and most comprehensive conservatoire environments in the United States, offering extensive performance opportunities, specialist faculty and first-rate facilities. Students benefit from:

• A broad spectrum of ensembles and staged productions—symphony orchestras, opera theatre, musical theatre and jazz ensembles—that provide regular public performance experience
• Renowned faculty who are active performers, conductors, composers and scholars
• Specialist resources including practice facilities, libraries with major music collections and recording studios
• Interdisciplinary links across the university, including collaborations with the Department of Theatre and opportunities to work on staged music-theatre projects
• A strong professional network and career development support tailored to musicians and arts professionals

These features make Indiana University a compelling choice for students seeking rigorous, career-focused graduate training in music with the chance to collaborate across musical and theatrical disciplines.