Eastern Kentucky University | 859-622-1000 | admissions@eku.edu
EKU Logo
EKU Logo
Apply Now Get Info Search
Hero Image

Master of Music

School of Music

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Master of Music

School of Music

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

On-Campus & Online

Options

30 Credit Hours

to Graduate

On-Campus: $572-$780 Per Credit Hour

Online: $636 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Enhance Your Understanding of the Historical, Stylistic, and Theoretical Aspects of Music

The EKU School of Music engages graduate students in a variety of learning opportunities. Master of Music graduates will leave with the artistic, technical, and collaborative skills to create, perform, and teach a variety of music. The National Association of Schools of Music, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education accredit our music degrees.

Apply Now Schedule a Visit

Learn More

Loading…

Career Outlook

Employment of musicians, singers, music directors and composers are projected to remain steady from 2022 to 2032. Approximately 22,600 openings for musicians and singers, and about 5,100 openings for music directors and composers, are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Musicians and Singers

Musicians play solo or in orchestras, bands, or limited-size groups, such as trios. Those in bands or groups may play at small venues, such as private parties or bars, sometimes building enough of a fan base to get a recording contract or representation by an agent. Musicians who work in orchestras perform in venues with a stage large enough to accommodate all the musicians and their instruments. A few orchestra musicians become section leaders, who may be responsible for assigning parts to other musicians or for leading rehearsals.

Singers perform vocal music in a variety of genres. Some specialize in a particular vocal style, such as opera or jazz. Singers may perform in different languages, such as French or Italian, particularly if they specialize in classical music or opera. In addition to singing, those in opera and musical theater productions must act during their performances.

Music Directors and Composers

Music directors lead orchestras, choirs, and other musical groups. They ensure that musicians play with one coherent sound, balancing the melody, timing, rhythm, and volume. They also give feedback to musicians and section leaders on sound and style.

Music directors may work with a variety of musical groups, including church choirs, youth orchestras, and high school or college bands, choirs, or orchestras. Some work with orchestras that accompany dance and opera companies.

Composers typically write original music that orchestras, bands, and other musical groups perform, write lyrics for music or work with a lyricist, meet with orchestras, musical groups, and others who are interested in commissioning a piece of music, or work with musicians to record their music.

Some composers write scores for movies or television; others write jingles for commercials. Many songwriters focus on composing music for audiences of popular music.

Graduates of EKU’s master of music program have worked across the country in school districts, and at colleges and universities in a variety of capacities

Careers Include:

  • P-12 music teachers
  • Private lesson teachers
  • Orchestra/band/choir directors
  • College/university music teachers

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • NASM accredited
  • CAEP accredited
  • Study with nationally recognized, award-winning faculty, guest artists, and clinicians
  • Personalized and flexible learning experience culminating with a capstone project (no thesis requirement)

Program Options

The School of Music offers three concentration options in the Master of Music program which include:

Master of Music in Performance provides intensive training with a professionally accomplished artist/instructor. This concentration is ideal for students who aspire to become opera singers, concert artists or orchestral musicians, collaborative pianists, composers or arrangers, or freelance musicians. Performance degrees are offered in all orchestral and band instruments, as well as in piano, guitar, and voice.

Master of Music in Conducting provides intensive applied study with a professionally accomplished conductor/instructor. This concentration is ideal for students who aspire to become highly qualified conductors. The graduate conducting program is designed to be small and highly selective.

Master of Music in Music Education provides an engaging learning approach that supports pre K-12 music curriculum and allows you to combine your passion for music with best practices for innovative music education. This concentration is ideal for students who aspire to become music educators in public and private schools, including P-12 and higher education settings.

Accreditations

EKU’s Master of Music programs are accredited by:

  • National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Curriculum & Enrollment

EKU’s Master of Music curriculum prepares music specialists for service in the public schools, to prepare students for careers in private studio teaching, concert performance, professional ensemble performance, teaching in colleges and universities, and other aspects of professional musicianship including the music industry.

A minimum of 30 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 15 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

Applicants for admission to the Master of Music program must:

  • Meet all admission requirements of the Graduate School
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in music or certification in music from an accredited institution
  • Have a 2.5 overall undergraduate GPA
  • Submit 2 letters of recommendation
  • Demonstrate competent applied music skills through a performance audition for either applied study or for admission to music ensembles

Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement for admission must submit official GRE scores to be considered for Probationary Admission. Expected target scores on the GRE for Probationary Admission are 144 on the Verbal and 3.0 on the Analytical Writing sections of the exam.

Admission Requirements for Individual Concentrations

PERFORMANCE CONCENTRATION

Candidates must audition before a committee of music faculty (recorded auditions may be allowed); and must possess an undergraduate degree in music from an accredited institution.

Note: Voice candidates in their audition must include works in French, Italian, and German and must have either a demonstrated competency or at least two semesters of undergraduate course work in any one language—French, Italian, or German. Candidates will also show two semesters of diction study and a vocal pedagogy course at the undergraduate level. Those who have not completed undergraduate foreign language, diction or pedagogy requirements will complete them as part of the Masters degree. The undergraduate language credits will not count as credit toward the MM degree, diction and pedagogy (MUS 720 Advanced Diction for Singers and MUS 750 Teaching Techniques) may count toward the MM degree electives.

CONDUCTING CONCENTRATION

Candidates who pass a pre-screening video audition will be invited to campus for a live audition with a university ensemble before a committee of music faculty, and must possess either an undergraduate degree in music from an accredited institution or equivalent course work.

MUSIC EDUCATION CONCENTRATION

Candidates must submit either passing PRAXIS II specialty area exam in music, undergraduate papers in music, or an undergraduate music portfolio. Candidates must possess either an undergraduate degree in music from an accredited institution or equivalent course work.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our enrollment advisor today.

professional photo of shaker ezaizat

Shaker Ezaizat

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2316
shaker.ezaizat@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
CLASS Advising Information for Current Students

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Andrew Hakenewerth

EKU Music Performance Graduate
Earning my Masters Degree at Eastern Kentucky University was everything for me. My dream was to teach music in higher education, and that would not be possible without a masters degree. For myself, Eastern Kentucky was paramount in my learning and networking, because without my time spent at EKU, I would not have had the opportunity to continue my doctorate at the University of Kansas, and then have the job I enjoy now.

Amanda Tipton

EKU Music Education Graduate
Earning my Masters degree at EKU gave me the opportunity to learn more about the theory side of education, while also giving me the freedom to dive into aspects of music education that interested me the most. During my final project, I was able to do a deep dive into five different comprehensive music education curriculums and that knowledge was instrumental in helping me to feel prepared for my new role as a full time general music educator. The faculty at EKU are some of the most caring educators I’ve had the fortune of meeting. I always felt supported by…

LeMorris Hunt

EKU Music Conducting Student
The EKU faculty aided in my success because I was very prepared for the work force in my degree area. I was given many of the updated skills and teaching techniques in the field to help me stand out in any interview process. I was also given tips and points on how I could build my resume and portfolio. EKU is a great place to learn and grow. You get a first class education without the first class prices. The music department has great professors who have a thriving career but are not untouchable.

Quick Links

Upcoming Events

View Calendar

News & Updates

Provost’s Faculty Internship Program Welcomes New Cohort

The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Provost’s Faculty Internship Program develops leadership skills and complements leadership endeavors among faculty by supporting individual development while assisting university-wide academic initiatives. Established by EKU […]

EKU Names 2024 Society of Foundation Professors

While this year Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrates 150 years of teaching in the Commonwealth, every year for almost four decades EKU recognizes the faculty who demonstrate the highest standards […]

Related Programs

Bachelor of Music

Common Job Titles: public school music teacher, professional musician, sound engineer

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art/Design Studio

Common Job Titles: curator, graphic designer, art director, art educator

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Contact Information

School of Music

521 Lancaster Avenue
Foster 101
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3266
music@eku.edu

Department Directory