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

Three specialized tracks are available: Performance, Conducting, and Music Education. The Performance, Choral Conducting, and Instrumental Conducting programs each require at least 30 credits, while the Music Education track mandates 32 credits. The Master of Music (M.M.) in performance and conducting serves as the professional degree for musicians seeking to enhance and perfect their artistic abilities. The M.M. in Music Education caters to educators looking to refresh and expand their teaching methodologies. Prospective students can submit applications online through www.ndsu.edu/gradschool, which must include three recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and a writing sample. Applicants should inform the graduate music coordinator, jo.millerndsu.edu, of their application plans. Performance and conducting candidates must visit campus for an audition. After admission, students take a diagnostic test to help advisors tailor their course selection.

All courses require a minimum grade of B to pass. Students must successfully complete comprehensive written exams in their major field and music academic studies toward the end of their program. A final oral examination, conducted by the student's committee, follows the written tests. Conducting and performance students present a recital as their culminating project, while music education candidates complete a written practicum, both developed with committee oversight. Each committee consists of three graduate faculty members: the advisor, a music academic studies representative, and at least one additional music faculty member.

The Music Theory Pedagogy M.M. option aims to broaden graduate students' expertise and enhance their employment prospects, particularly for those pursuing higher education teaching roles. Today's academic job market values candidates with diverse knowledge across multiple disciplines, especially music history and theory. Competitive applicants typically possess both teaching experience in these areas and relevant academic qualifications. This program enables students to deepen their music theory understanding and increase their qualifications for teaching undergraduate theory courses. Designed for performers and conductors seeking university positions that combine performance with classroom instruction, the Music Theory Pedagogy track can be pursued alongside another M.M. program or DMA in Performance/Conducting, though it includes sufficient distinct requirements to stand as an independent degree.