Program Overview
The Master of Music in Performance is designed for accomplished musicians seeking to deepen their technical mastery, artistic expression, and professional readiness. This intensive degree combines rigorous studio instruction with ensemble performance, academic study, and personalized mentorship to prepare you for a dynamic career in music.
From your first semester, you’ll study one-on-one with artist-faculty who are active performers, educators, and thought leaders in their fields. You’ll perform frequently in recitals, large and chamber ensembles, and collaborative projects—gaining invaluable stage experience and expanding your repertoire.
Students in the MM in Performance concentration choose an area of emphasis aligned with their instrument or voice. Each emphasis area is housed within a dedicated studio, where you’ll join a tight-knit community of graduate and undergraduate musicians who share your passion and drive.
Performance Areas
- Brass
- Organ
- Piano
- Percussion
- Strings
- Voice
- Woodwinds
Learn more by exploring our studios
Why study Music Performance?
- Train with distinguished faculty in weekly private lessons
- Perform in world-class ensembles and solo recitals
- Expand your technique and interpretive skills through intensive study
- Join a vibrant, supportive studio community
- Prepare for careers in performance, teaching, or doctoral study
What can you do with a Music Performance concentration after graduation?
A Master of Music in Performance equips you with advanced artistic training and the professional tools to succeed in today’s competitive music world, whether or not you pursue a doctoral degree. Our graduates go on to thrive in diverse performance and arts-related careers, drawing on their refined technique, stage experience, and collaborative skills.
- Performing Artist (soloist, ensemble, or band member)
- Pit Orchestra or Session Musician
- Private Studio Teacher
- Church or Worship Music Director
- Chamber Ensemble or Collaborative Pianist
- Performing arts administrator or production manager
- Music Production Assistant
- Military Band Musician
Featured Courses
Specific courses are dependent on the student’s MM concentration. Visit our Graduate Degree Requirements for more information.
MUSC 510 Critical Studies in Research Methods and Music Scholarship
Reinforces key research and writing skills for graduate students in music. Engages critically with how knowledge about music is constructed. Introduces research methods, reviews the formatting requirements of the APA and CMOS style manuals, and explores issues of representation that emerge from scholarly discourse and musical practice.
MUTC 530 Virtual Audio Modeling
Development of the basic musical and technological skills required to create models or “mock-ups” of concert music scores via DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and sample library technology. Projects will include models of students’ own works as well as those of chamber and large form masterworks from the canon.
Admissions and Aid
Choosing the right university to pursue an advanced music degree is an important decision and a significant investment. We want to make sure that you have the information you need to both apply and make attending UT affordable.
There are several Graduate Teaching Assistantships in the performance studios open for 2026-2027. Click the link to learn more.
