Program of Study for the Master of Music in Performance

Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; complete application to the Graduate School ; official general GRE exam scores, unless waived; successful audition before appropriate music faculty; proficiency in music theory, music history/literature, and music performance.

Students applying to the Master of Music in Performance degree must complete an audition, submit a resume, and provide a list of all repertoire studied. Students entering the concentration in voice performance (MUS_588V) must demonstrate proficiency or prove by academic transcript one year of study of French and German, undergraduate diction, piano proficiency, Alexander Technique, and one of the following courses: Survey of Song Literature, Opera History and Literature, or Vocal Pedagogy. Students not demonstrating proficiency in these subjects may be required to take appropriate courses prior to being recommended for Admission to Candidacy in the second year of study.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the criteria for admission to the Graduate School . Meeting this condition does not guarantee admission.

Standardized Exam Waiver Eligibility: The standardized exam (GRE) requirement may be waived for applicants with an undergraduate degree of 3.0 or higher who have undergone an extensive audition and interview process.

Accelerated Admission Option: This program offers an accelerated admission option for undergraduate students currently enrolled at Appalachian State University.   

Location: On Campus

Additional Information about Standardized Exam Waiver Eligibility

Any standardized exam waiver for a graduate degree program at Appalachian State requires that applicants hold a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in their last earned degree (undergraduate or graduate; some programs have established higher GPA requirements). No exam waiver is automatic but will require review and approval by the Graduate School upon submission of a complete application. An approved waiver request does not guarantee acceptance into the program. A denied waiver request does not mean that a candidate is denied admission to the program, only that a standardized exam score is needed to more fully evaluate the application. Standardized test scores may be required for scholarship consideration.

Course Requirements for the Master of Music in Performance

Concentration Requirements (9 Hours)

Semester hours required for the degree (minimum 32):

• MUS 5039 - Advanced Orchestral Repertoire for Bowed Strings (1)
• MUS 5100 - Performance Ensemble (1) (1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 4)
• MUS 5998 - Master of Music in Performance Recital (1-3) (2)
• 2 hours of music electives chosen in consultation with an advisor

Other Requirements for the MM in Music Performance

• Thesis: Required for Composition Concentration.
• Proficiency: All students are required to demonstrate proficiency in music theory, aural skills, and music history/literature prior to being recommended for Admission to Candidacy. Students entering the concentration in vocal performance (558V) must demonstrate proficiency or prove by academic transcript one year of study of French and German, undergraduate diction, piano proficiency, Alexander Technique, and one of the following courses: Survey of Song Literature, Opera History and Literature, or Vocal Pedagogy. Vocal students not demonstrating proficiency in these subjects may be required to take appropriate courses prior to being recommended for Admission to Candidacy in the second year of study.
• Candidacy: Required; see the program director for specific timeline and requirements for admission to candidacy
• Comprehensive: Written and oral examinations will be given.
• Product of Learning: None required