Master of Music in Vocal 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 expand and modernize 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 at jo.millerndsu.edu about their application plans. Performance and conducting candidates must visit campus for an audition. After admission to the master's program, students take a diagnostic test to help advisors determine suitable course selections.

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 coursework. A final oral examination, conducted by the student's committee, follows the written comprehensive exam. Conducting and performance students will present a recital as their culminating project, while music education candidates will complete a written practicum. Both projects are developed with committee oversight, consisting of three graduate faculty members: the advisor, a music academic studies representative, and at least one additional music faculty member.

The Music Theory Pedagogy specialization within the MM program serves two main objectives: (1) broadening graduate students' educational scope and (2) enhancing their competitiveness for academic positions, particularly in higher education. Today's academic job market values candidates with expertise across multiple disciplines, often including both music history and theory. Moreover, top candidates typically possess teaching experience in these areas along with relevant academic qualifications. This program enables students to deepen their music theory knowledge while preparing them to teach undergraduate theory courses. Designed for performers and conductors seeking university positions that combine performance with classroom instruction, the Music Theory Pedagogy option can be pursued alongside another MM specialization or DMA program, though it includes sufficient distinct requirements to stand as an independent degree.