Overview

The Music Performance programme at Central Michigan University offers an intensive environment for musicians to refine their technical skills and artistic expression. This Master of Music degree integrates rigorous practical training with deep academic exploration of music history, theory, and research methodologies.

Students engage in a curriculum designed to foster professional excellence in both solo and ensemble settings. The course structure encourages a high level of creative output, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the competitive demands of the global music industry and higher education teaching roles.

Why Music Performance at Central Michigan University?

The institution provides access to a modern 119,000-square-foot facility equipped with a 500-seat concert hall, a 61-rank Casavant organ, and a dedicated digital audio technology lab. These resources support a vibrant performance culture where students collaborate with accomplished faculty who perform at international levels.

Distinctive opportunities include performing with the Chamber Winds, the Symphony Orchestra, or the elite Chamber Singers ensemble. The university also offers a limited number of graduate assistantships, which provide valuable experience in teaching 100-level courses or assisting with large ensemble direction.

The programme is fully accredited and maintains strong links to the professional music world. Students benefit from a supportive community that encourages participation in regional and national competitions, festivals, and conferences, enhancing their professional profiles before graduation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 1029 per credit
National fee: USD 829 per credit
Local fee: USD 829 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Music Theory
Music History
Music Research
Studio Performance
Chamber Music
Ensemble Performance

Careers with Music Performance

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for diverse roles within the arts and education sectors. Many alumni have secured positions in prestigious organisations such as the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and various regional symphony orchestras across the United States.

Common career paths include working as a professional musician, singer, or music director. Others find success as postsecondary music teachers, private instructors, or freelance performers. The rigorous academic foundation also prepares students for entry into doctoral programmes at world-renowned institutions.

Beyond performance, the skills gained in this degree are applicable to roles in arts administration and music education. The programme's focus on mastery and professional discipline ensures that graduates can navigate the complexities of a modern career in the performing arts.

Accreditation

The performance degree is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Seminar in Compositional Techniques

Music Theory Pedagogy

Survey of Piano Literature

History of Opera

Song Repertoire

Choral Masterworks

Wind Band Literature

Rock 'n 'Roll Seminar

Seminar in World Music

Seminar in the Music of a Selected Composer

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Mount Pleasant, United States

Disciplines

Music Performance View 328 other Masters in Music Performance in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution

Along with the application, you’ll need to submit a $50 application fee

Submit a copy of your passport

Submit proof of English proficiency or your intent to study English upon arrival – unless you are from an exempted country where English is the primary language of instruction.

You also may demonstrate English proficiency by completing the English studies program through CMU's English Language Institute.

Applicants must provide a third-party course-by-course credential evaluation and document verification

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15435 USD / year

≈ 15435 USD / year
Out-of-State

12435 USD / year

≈ 12435 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12435 USD / year

≈ 12435 USD / year

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music Performance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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