Program Overview

Master's Degree (MM) in Music Performance

Overview

The Master of Music in Performance program is designed for skilled musicians who want to refine their artistry and take their performance abilities to a professional level. It’s ideal for those pursuing careers as soloists, ensemble performers, singers, or orchestral musicians, who are committed to deepening their technical mastery, musical interpretation, and stage presence.

Program Overview

Elevate your artistry and prepare for a dynamic career in music with the Master of Music in Performance program at the University of Kentucky. Designed for talented vocalists and instrumentalists, this program offers advanced training in technique, interpretation, and stage presence under the guidance of distinguished faculty and professional mentors. Whether you aspire to perform on concert stages, in opera houses, or as part of orchestras and chamber ensembles, this degree equips you with the skills and experience to thrive in the competitive world of music performance.

Accreditation

The University of Kentucky is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Program Details

• Credit Hours: 30
• Credential: MM
• Tuition / Credit Hour:
  • Resident: $825.50
  • Non-Resident: $2,060.50

Admission Requirements

The applicant for the master’s degree is expected to have earned an appropriate undergraduate degree and successfully audition for the faculty. Applicants must meet the entrance requirements of The Graduate School as well as those of the School of Music. Applicants for performance degrees must audition. Some areas require a pre-recorded preliminary audition as part of the screening process.

Application Requirements

Applicants must meet the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed, those will also apply.

Program Specific Requirements

• Entrance exams in Music History and Music Theory (written and aural) are given the week before classes begin to determine whether review classes are necessary in the first semester of study.
• Admission for all degrees is conditional upon either passing the entrance exams or passing any required review classes with a grade of A or B before accumulating 12 credit hours.

Application Deadlines

Domestic

• Fall: 07/24/2026
• Spring: 12/12/2025
• Summer: 04/18/2026

International

• Fall: 04/15/2026
• Spring: 09/15/2025

Funding Options

As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program.