Overview

The Music Performance programme at Montclair State University provides a sophisticated platform for musicians to enhance their technical mastery and professional artistry. Students engage in rigorous training tailored to their specific career goals, whether they aspire to perform in international concert halls or lead premier ensembles.

Delivered through the John J. Cali School of Music, the curriculum balances intensive practical performance with academic depth. This approach ensures that graduates possess both the physical command of their instrument and the theoretical understanding required for high-level professional practice or further doctoral study.

Why Music Performance at Montclair State University?

Students benefit from the expertise of distinguished faculty members who are active performers, conductors, and composers within the global music industry. The institution provides access to professional-level ensembles and high-specification facilities that replicate the standards of the modern performance world.

The university’s strategic location offers a significant advantage, providing direct access to the thriving arts scene and professional opportunities of nearby New York City. Partnerships, such as the collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, offer students unique residency experiences and networking links with world-renowned artists.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 941 per credit
National fee: USD 941 per credit
Local fee: USD 941 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to foster musical personality and technical proficiency through specialised tracks. Modules may include:

Collaborative Performance
Basso Continuo
Organ and Harpsichord
Jazz Harmony
Choral Conducting
Orchestral Conducting
Wind Band Conducting
Musical Style and Analysis
Performance Entrepreneurship
Piano Pedagogy
Music History
Vocal Literature
Vocal Pedagogy
Improvisation

Careers with Music Performance

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles across the global music sector, including positions as orchestral musicians, concert artists, and opera singers. The programme also equips individuals for success as jazz artists, arrangers, and collaborative pianists in various professional settings.

Beyond the stage, many alumni establish successful careers as music educators in competitive arts schools or private studios. The comprehensive training also provides a strong foundation for those pursuing entrepreneurial ventures in the arts or continuing their academic journey through doctoral research and pedagogy.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Seminar in Historical and Theoretical Studies
Special Topics in Keyboard Literature
Score Reading
Advanced Ear Training
Skills of Instrumental Accompanying
Skills of Vocal Accompanying

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-04 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-16 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Application Deadline: Rolling admission.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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

Credits

34 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Montclair, United States

Disciplines

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

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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

Transcript: One from each college attended.
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation: Two.
Students holding degrees from non-US institutions must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or by Educated Choices. TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or Duolingo English Test are required for applicants to any program who earned their degree in a country where English is not the official language. Please check our International Applicants page for more information and for our current TOEFL/IELTS Waiver Policy.

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

15997 USD / year

≈ 15997 USD / year
Out-of-State

15997 USD / year

≈ 15997 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15997 USD / year

≈ 15997 USD / year

Living costs

Montclair

United States

1673 - 4118 USD / month

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

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

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.

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.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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

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

Montclair

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners