University of Mississippi

What you'll study

The Master of Music curriculum combines applied study, ensemble participation, academic coursework and research. Students normally receive one-to-one applied lessons in their principal area (voice, orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, composition, etc.), participate in departmental ensembles (choirs, bands, orchestras, chamber groups) and take modules in areas such as music theory, historical and contemporary analysis, pedagogy, conducting and composition techniques.

Typical modules and activities include:

• Applied lessons and juries to develop technique, repertoire and performance practice
• Ensemble participation including chamber music, orchestral, choral and opera workshop
• Advanced music theory and analysis
• Music history and historiography or specialised courses in musicology
• Studio pedagogy and teaching methodology for those pursuing teaching careers
• Composition seminars and collaborative projects for composers
• Recital or thesis requirement: a capstone public recital and/or a written research thesis or portfolio

The programme is flexible to accommodate performance-focused and research-focused pathways. Graduate students also have opportunities to commission new work, collaborate with theatre and dance students, and take elective courses across the arts and humanities.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree in music or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution, or to demonstrate equivalent preparation through prior study and experience. Requirements typically include academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose outlining study goals and specialisms.

Performance applicants are required to audition; composers and scholars submit portfolios of work or writing samples. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Prospective students should consult the Department of Music for detailed audition repertoire lists and any programme-specific prerequisites. Admission may be competitive and meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Music go on to careers across performance, education, scholarship and the creative industries. Typical paths include:

• Professional performer in solo, chamber, orchestral or operatic contexts
• Music teacher in schools, private studios or community education settings
• Conductor, rehearsal coach or accompanist
• Composer for concert, media or interdisciplinary projects
• Musicologist or researcher progressing to doctoral study and academic posts
• Arts administration, programming and community engagement roles within cultural organisations

The practical training and teaching experience available through assistantships and departmental ensembles also prepare graduates for audition work, licenced music teaching positions and further study at the doctoral level.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi’s School of Music offers a balance of conservatory-standard applied instruction within a research-led university environment. Students benefit from experienced faculty who are active performers, composers and scholars, and from regular departmental performances and masterclasses that bring guest artists to campus.

Facilities support graduate development with dedicated practice rooms, performance halls and collaborative spaces, and the broader university provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with theatre, theatre production and media departments. Financial support in the form of graduate assistantships and teaching opportunities is typically available to qualified students, helping to gain practical teaching experience while studying.

Located within a vibrant campus community, the programme emphasises personalised mentorship and an environment where performance, pedagogy and research coexist, preparing graduates for professional careers in music and related fields.