University of Virginia

What you'll study

The Master of Music curriculum combines advanced applied study with coursework in theory, history and contemporary musical practices. Core elements typically include weekly private lessons, coached studio classes, and a major recital or capstone project. Students choose pathways or specialisms such as performance (voice, piano, strings, winds, brass), composition, conducting, musicology/ethnomusicology or music theory.

• Applied Lessons and Performance: one-to-one instruction, jury examinations, and a public master’s recital or equivalent capstone.
• Ensembles and Collaborative Music-Making: chamber music, orchestra, opera and contemporary ensembles, with opportunities to collaborate across disciplines.
• Theory and Analysis: advanced coursework in harmony, counterpoint, form and contemporary analysis methods.
• Music History and Ethnomusicology: seminars covering historical periods, research methods and culturally diverse musical practices.
• Composition and Contemporary Practice: composition studios, electronic media, notation and realisation, as available to composition students.
• Professional Skills: pedagogy, score preparation, recording techniques, entrepreneurship and portfolio development.
• Research Component: a written thesis, research project or equivalent scholarly paper is available for students pursuing academic work; performance students complete a recital plus supporting research or programme notes.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree with substantial music study or the recognized equivalent. Typical application components include:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating undergraduate preparation in music or a related discipline.
• Audition or portfolio—live or recorded performances for performers, scores and recordings for composers, or samples of written research for musicology/theory applicants.
• References (usually two or three) from teachers or professional supervisors who can speak to the applicant’s musical potential.
• Statement of purpose outlining goals, proposed area(s) of study and fit with the department.
• English language proficiency evidence where applicable (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL) for international applicants.

Specific audition requirements and repertoire lists vary by specialization; prospective applicants should consult the department’s graduate admissions webpages and contact potential faculty mentors for detailed guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Music pursue a range of professional pathways. Common careers include:

• Professional performer in orchestras, chamber groups, opera, musical theatre, or as a soloist.
• Composer or arranger for concert, media and community projects.
• Choral, orchestral or ensemble conductor and rehearsal pianist/accompanist.
• Music educator in secondary schools, further education, private teaching and community outreach.
• Arts administration, programming, festival coordination and development roles within cultural organisations.
• Further academic study at the doctoral level (PhD or DMA) in performance, composition, musicology or theory.

The programme’s mix of high-level training, recital experience and professional skills supports students seeking freelance careers as well as those aiming for more stable institutional roles.

Why study at University of Virginia

The University of Virginia offers graduate music study within a research-intensive liberal arts environment that values both scholarly work and high-level performance. Students benefit from close mentorship by faculty who are active performers, composers and researchers, small ensemble opportunities, and access to performance venues and recording facilities on campus. The department’s connections with the broader Charlottesville cultural community provide additional presenting, teaching and outreach experiences. Interdisciplinary collaborations across the University’s arts and humanities programmes further enrich training and career preparation.