M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.M. in Music Performance
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF), situated in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, offers a Master of Music (M.M.) in Music Performance through its acclaimed School of Music, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. This program is specifically designed for highly accomplished musicians aiming to refine their artistic and technical skills to a professional level, preparing them for careers as performers, teachers, composers, arrangers, and other music industry professionals. UNF's program is particularly recognized for its strong focus on American Music, notably jazz studies, complemented by the presence of the Ira M. Koger Eminent Scholar Chair in American Music.
NASM Accredited: UNF's School of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). This prestigious accreditation is the highest standard for music programs in the United States, signifying that the M.M. in Music Performance adheres to rigorous quality benchmarks for curriculum, faculty expertise, facilities, and student outcomes. NASM accreditation assures prospective students and employers of the program's academic excellence and its commitment to preparing graduates for professional success in the music field.
Curriculum: The M.M. in Music Performance is typically a 36-credit-hour program with a two-year residency, although specific credit hour requirements may vary slightly by concentration (e.g., collaborative piano, piano pedagogy, vocal pedagogy). The curriculum offers diverse concentrations including Conducting, Jazz Studies, Piano, Strings, Voice, and Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion. Core components include intensive applied performance studies (private lessons), participation in major ensembles, and a culminating degree recital. Students also engage in supportive coursework in music theory, music history, and research methods in music, providing a comprehensive understanding of the broader musical landscape. The program's scheduling often accommodates students who need to work while pursuing their degree.
Research Focus: While the M.M. in Music Performance is primarily focused on artistic development and performance mastery, it integrates a research component to foster critical thinking and scholarly inquiry. Students are required to take courses in research methods in music, and the program encourages an informed approach to repertoire and performance practice. Faculty members, who are renowned artist-teachers, engage in scholarly activities in their respective fields, influencing the curriculum and offering opportunities for students to explore historical, theoretical, or pedagogical aspects related to their performance practice. This integration of research helps to cultivate well-rounded musicians who can articulate and defend their artistic choices with intellectual rigor.
Industry Engagement: UNF's M.M. in Music Performance maintains strong industry engagement through various avenues. The School of Music boasts faculty who are actively networked into the music industry, providing students with connections from New York to LA and internationally. Students benefit from master classes and workshops led by world-class guest artists, offering direct interaction with established professionals. The program also emphasizes developing entrepreneurial skills, teaching students the business and promotional aspects of professional music-making. The abundance of performance opportunities both on and off-campus, including national and international tours by UNF ensembles and appearances at renowned venues, provides invaluable real-world experience and networking avenues within the professional music community.
Global Perspective: The M.M. in Music Performance at UNF inherently embraces a global perspective by fostering an understanding and performance of music that transcends cultural boundaries. The program's focus on American Music, particularly jazz, which has a global reach, provides a specific lens into an internationally influential genre. Furthermore, students are exposed to diverse musical traditions through repertoire study and interactions with an international roster of guest artists. The School of Music's history of national and international tours (e.g., to China, Portugal, Italy, the Czech Republic, South Africa) and performances at prestigious international venues underscore its commitment to global engagement, preparing graduates for careers in an interconnected global music scene.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Music (M.M.) in Music Performance from the University of North Florida (UNF) is an advanced degree designed for musicians seeking to achieve a professional level of artistic and technical mastery. Backed by NASM accreditation and enriched by UNF's focus on American Music (especially jazz), this program prepares graduates not only for the stage but also for diverse roles within the broader music industry and education.
Professional Performer (Soloist, Ensemble Member, Orchestral Musician): This is the most direct career path. Graduates perform as solo artists, join professional ensembles (chamber groups, bands, choirs), or secure positions in orchestras, opera companies, or theater pit orchestras. This often involves extensive practice, auditions, and touring.
Private Studio Instructor/Applied Music Teacher: Leveraging their advanced pedagogical skills and performance expertise, graduates can establish successful private studios, teaching instruments or voice to students of all ages and skill levels. Many combine this with their performance careers.
University/College Instructor/Lecturer (Applied Music or Ensembles): An M.M. is often the minimum requirement for teaching applied music (private lessons) or directing ensembles at community colleges, universities, or conservatories. Further doctoral study might be pursued for tenure-track professorships.
Conductor/Music Director: Graduates with a specialization in conducting can lead and direct various musical organizations, including professional or community orchestras, choirs, bands, and theatrical productions. This role requires strong leadership, musical interpretation, and rehearsal techniques.
Studio Musician/Session Musician: These musicians are hired to perform on recordings for albums, film scores, television shows, commercials, or video games. They need versatility across genres, excellent sight-reading skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a studio environment.
Music Arranger/Orchestrator: Graduates with a strong understanding of music theory and composition can work as arrangers or orchestrators, adapting existing musical pieces for different ensembles or vocal combinations, or creating new instrumental parts for original compositions.
Arts Administrator/Program Coordinator: The organizational and communication skills developed during a master's program, combined with a deep understanding of the arts, can lead to roles in arts organizations, concert venues, festivals, or non-profits. They manage programs, coordinate events, and support artistic initiatives.
Music Entrepreneur/Freelancer: Many M.M. graduates forge their own paths, establishing businesses related to music. This could involve creating a performing group, founding a music school, offering specialized workshops, or developing unique music-related services. A portfolio career combining several of these aspects is common.
Music Librarian/Archivist: For those with an interest in music scholarship and organization, positions in university libraries, orchestral archives, or specialized music collections involve managing, preserving, and providing access to musical scores, recordings, and historical documents.
Music Copyist/Editor: These professionals prepare musical scores and parts for publication or performance, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to industry standards. This requires meticulous attention to detail and expert knowledge of music notation software.
