Master of Music in Collaborative Piano in Fargo United States | North Dakota State University

Students can choose from three specialized tracks: Performance, Conducting, or Music Education. The Performance, Choral Conducting, and Instrumental Conducting programs each require completion of at least 30 credits, while the Music Education track mandates 32 credits. The Master of Music (M.M.) in Performance and Conducting serves as a professional degree for musicians seeking to enhance their artistic abilities, while the M.M. in Music Education caters to educators aiming to strengthen their teaching methodologies. Prospective students can submit applications through NDSU's Graduate School website (www.ndsu.edu/gradschool), including three recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and a writing sample. Candidates must inform the graduate music coordinator (jo.millerndsu.edu) of their application plans. Performance and conducting applicants must schedule an on-campus audition. Accepted students will take a diagnostic test to help advisors tailor their academic plan.

All courses require a minimum grade of B to pass. Before graduation, students must successfully complete comprehensive written exams in their major field and music academics, followed by an oral examination conducted by their faculty committee. Performance and conducting students will present a recital as their culminating project, while music education candidates will complete a written practicum—both developed with committee guidance. Each student's committee consists of three faculty members: their advisor, a music academics representative, and an additional music department faculty member.

The Music Theory Pedagogy specialization serves dual purposes: enriching graduate students' academic backgrounds and enhancing their career prospects, particularly for those pursuing higher education positions. Today's academic job market values candidates with expertise across multiple disciplines, particularly in music theory and history. This program equips students with advanced theoretical knowledge and teaching experience for undergraduate theory courses. Ideal for performers and conductors seeking university positions that combine teaching with performance, this track can be pursued alongside another M.M. program or the DMA in Performance/Conducting, though it also stands as an independent degree with distinct course requirements.