Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Music program in performance with a concentration in voice, music theatre, and opera provides intensive practical training and performance experience to prepare students for a broad range of professional careers.

Program Description

The program offers students the opportunity to choose a degree emphasis in performance, opera, or music theatre, guiding their course of study and performance opportunities. Students may focus on one emphasis area or take classes in multiple areas, including pedagogy, opera, and musical theatre. In addition to studio voice instruction and advanced work in acting, dance, movement, audition techniques, career skills, and vocal coaching, students may study techniques and diverse repertoire in art song, music theatre, and opera.

At a Glance

• College/school: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

• 32 credit hours and a written comprehensive exam
• Required Core (4 credit hours)
  • MUP 527 Studio Instruction (4)
• Concentration (8 credit hours)
  • MUP 527 Studio Instruction (4)
  • MUP 570 Topic: Music Theatre and Opera Seminar (1), taken two times
  • MUP 596 Solo Performance (1)
  • MUP 597 Solo Performance (1)
• Area of Emphasis (8-9 credit hours)
• Other Studies in Music (11-12 credit hours)
  • Music history (6)
  • Music theory (5-6)
• Culminating Experience (0 credit hours)
  • Written comprehensive exam (0)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements:
  • All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must have:
  • Earned a U.S. bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an institution in another country that is officially recognized by that country.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 credit hours or 90 quarter hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • School of Music, Dance and Theatre application (including a resume, personal statement, and repertoire list)
  • Official transcripts
  • Prescreening video
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 12/01, Type: Final
• Spring:
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 10/01, Type: Final

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Apply vocal performance practices and techniques in the context of diverse musical settings and genres, demonstrating familiarity with the literature and with different singing styles.
• Evaluate vocal repertoire and pedagogy to develop a unique musical style.
• Produce a research study focusing on musical elements, social uses of music, and interplay among performers, composers, and institutions.

Career Opportunities

The School of Music, Dance and Theatre graduate programs inspire and empower students to become creative leaders who transform society through music. Musicians with expertise in performing, composing, teaching, researching, and arts advocacy are in high demand in many sectors and industries. Potential employers include performing arts organizations, educational institutions, entertainment companies, health and wellness industries, and community arts organizations. Skills in creativity, collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship, and focused discipline are needed for success for musicians in a variety of companies and professions. Career examples include:

• Arranger, choreographer, or stage director
• Artistic director
• Arts administrator or community arts advocate
• Casting director or music director
• Musical theatre performer
• Opera singer
• Performing or touring musician
• Private, public, or community teacher
• Recording artist
• University professor

Additional Information

• The School of Music, Dance and Theatre does not offer conditional admission under any circumstances.
• A bachelor's degree in music is not required for admission to a master's program. However, all applicants without a bachelor's degree in music should contact the school for information on potential courses to complete. Additional courses may be taken at ASU, another accredited university, or a community college before or after admission to this program, but they must be completed before starting graduate-level course requirements in music history and music theory.