Three percussion students playing instruments during a concert

How You Can Get to Carnegie Hall

In today's music world it takes more than practice, practice, practice.

Our 31-credit Master's in Music Performance degree is designed to enhance musicianship, technique, and knowledge of a variety of musical styles, with the goal of preparing you for a career in the performing arts or additional study at the doctoral level.

When you enter the program you choose a principal performing area from the following areas:

  • Brass Performance
  • Choral Conducting
  • Organ Performance
  • Percussion Performance
  • Piano Performance
  • String Performance
  • Vocal Performance
  • Wind Conducting
  • Woodwind Performance

Your program culminates in a recital in your principal performing area, as well as an optional thesis pertaining to the literature presented that includes history, analysis, performance practice, and teaching strategies.

As a student you will:

  • Study with full-time faculty specialists in their performance area
  • Enhance your individual musicianship, technique, and knowledge of a variety of musical styles
  • Participate in major performance ensembles
  • Present a recital with an optional thesis
  • Take advantage of one of the best music libraries in Pennsylvania

Meet the Coordinator

Dr. Matthew Baumer
302 Cogswell Hall
724-357-5646
Email: mbaumer@iup.edu

Students Who Complete the MA in Music Performance Will:

Content Knowledge

Learning Outcome

Experiment with the methods and scholarship of music history and theory in order to enrich the interpretive process.

Disciplinary Skills

Learning Outcome

Perform benchmark compositions at a professional level. They will present a public recital of at least one hour in length.

Work Capacities

Learning Outcome

Explore the repertoire of their instrument, including new compositions. They will construct compelling concert programs.

Learning Outcome

Collaborate with their peers by organizing, leading, or performing regularly with small and large ensembles.

Learning Outcome

Demonstrate the musical maturity and intellectual independence necessary for study at the doctoral level.