Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The Master of Music (MM) at Indiana University Bloomington is a specialised graduate degree that blends high-level practical training with academic study. Depending on your chosen emphasis — performance (instrumental or vocal), composition, conducting, music education, or musicology — you will follow a tailored curriculum of applied lessons, ensembles, seminars and elective coursework.

• Applied study: weekly one-to-one lessons with a studio teacher culminating in recitals or final juries.
• Ensembles and performance: chamber groups, large ensembles, opera workshop, contemporary music ensembles and orchestral opportunities appropriate to the emphasis.
• Core academic modules: topics such as advanced music theory, analysis, historical methods, research techniques and pedagogy for performance and education students.
• Specialist seminars: areas like contemporary composition techniques, conducting repertoire and score study, vocal literature, or performance practice depending on the track.
• Research and capstone: master's thesis, lecture-recital or substantial recital project accompanied by written documentation or programme notes, as required by the emphasis.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: courses in music technology, arts administration, pedagogy, or related humanities subjects to broaden professional skills.

Programme length and specific requirements vary by emphasis; students typically complete a combination of credit-based coursework, performance assessments and a culminating project or thesis under the supervision of faculty in the Jacobs School of Music.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an undergraduate degree in music or an equivalent credential demonstrating readiness for graduate study. Typical requirements include:

• Academic qualification: a bachelor’s degree in music or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Performance materials: submission of recorded audition material or live audition, repertoire lists and scores where applicable. Requirements vary by emphasis and instrument/voice.
• Portfolio or writing sample: for composition or musicology tracks, applicants submit scores, recordings and/or scholarly writing samples.
• Letters of recommendation: usually two or three academic or professional references familiar with your musical and scholarly work.
• Statement of purpose: a personal statement outlining your goals, prior experience and proposed area of study.
• English proficiency: non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate proficiency through recognised tests or institutional exemptions.

Specific audition repertoire, portfolio formats and minimum academic standards are published by the Jacobs School of Music; applicants should consult the programme for detailed instructions and prepare to present a portfolio that reflects the level of artistry and scholarship expected at the master’s level.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MM programme pursue a wide range of professional pathways in performance, education, scholarship and the creative industries. Common career outcomes include:

• Professional orchestral, chamber, opera or solo performance careers.
• Positions in music education at secondary and collegiate levels, music direction and curriculum development.
• Composer and arranger work for concert, media and commercial projects.
• Conducting roles with ensembles, choral organisations and community orchestras.
• Further graduate study (DMA or PhD) leading to university teaching and research careers.
• Careers in arts administration, programming, production, music technology and freelancer roles that combine performance with teaching.

The Jacobs School of Music’s emphasis on performance opportunities, professional development seminars and industry connections helps graduates transition into competitive music careers or continue to higher academic study.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington’s Jacobs School of Music is recognised for its extensive faculty, large and diverse ensemble programmes, and a richly resourced environment for both performance and scholarship. Students benefit from:

• Distinguished faculty: active performers, composers and scholars who provide mentorship and professional networking.
• Performance infrastructure: access to multiple concert halls, practice facilities, ensemble programmes and visiting artists that create frequent public performance opportunities.
• Academic breadth: a large university setting where music students can take interdisciplinary electives, collaborate with theatre and dance, and engage with research resources such as archives and libraries.
• Professional development: workshops, teaching practica, and career services geared toward preparing musicians for a range of careers in and beyond performance.
• Community and collaboration: a vibrant student body and numerous ensemble options that foster collaborative projects across genres and disciplines.

These features make Indiana University Bloomington a strong choice for musicians seeking rigorous artistic training within a comprehensive university context.