M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership
The M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership at OCU is a 36-credit-hour program that can be complet...
Masters of Music
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Master of Music program at OCU offers various specializations, including Performance (with concentrations in Instrumental Performance, Multiple Woodwinds Performance, and Piano Performance), Music Composition, Jazz Studies, Collaborative Piano, Conducting, Music Education (available online), Musical Theatre, and Pedagogy. Each specialization is designed to provide intensive, individualized instruction alongside rigorous academic study. The program emphasizes a performance-driven curriculum, with students engaging in applied lessons, ensemble participation, and opportunities to showcase their artistry. The duration of the program typically spans two years of full-time study.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the Master of Music program is tailored to each specialization, ensuring deep immersion in the chosen area while building comprehensive musicianship. For instance, in Music Composition, students engage in weekly private composition lessons, participating in the "Composers' Forum" to discuss, analyze, and spontaneously create music. They also showcase their work through "Project 21," a composer's concert series. In Performance specializations, the curriculum combines intensive applied instruction on the student's primary instrument or voice with studies in pedagogy, music literature, and collaborative performance. Across all specializations, common elements often include advanced music theory, music history, and research methods in music, designed to deepen technical proficiency, artistic interpretation, and scholarly understanding. The program aims to develop "virtuosic versatility," integrating performance skills, music scholarship, pedagogy, and professionalism.
Research Focus: The Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University maintains an applied and performance-oriented research focus within its Master of Music programs. While not primarily a theoretical research institution, critical thinking, open inquiry, and artistic expression are highly valued. Faculty members, who are often accomplished performers, scholars, and composers themselves, engage in active scholarship and creative endeavors, directly informing the curriculum. For instance, the Music Composition program emphasizes projects with imminent performance in mind, and the "Composers' Forum" encourages analytical discussion. Faculty news often highlights presentations at national and international conferences (e.g., musicology, ethnomusicology), publications of books on film scores, and premieres of new works, demonstrating a commitment to scholarly and creative contributions within the music field. The emphasis is on research that enhances musical understanding, performance practice, and pedagogical approaches.
Industry Engagement: Oklahoma City University's School of Music has robust industry engagement, preparing students for vibrant careers in the evolving music landscape. The program boasts exceptional faculty who are actively involved in professional performance, composition, and teaching, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. The school is known for its strong connections within the performing arts industry, particularly with its nationally ranked opera and music theater productions, which provide countless performance opportunities. Alumni of OCU's music programs have achieved significant success on Broadway, in touring productions, and in major orchestras, indicating strong industry recognition and networking opportunities. The "Distinguished Artist Series" and masterclasses with renowned guest artists further connect students with top professionals, offering invaluable insights and mentorship.
Global Perspective: The Master of Music program at Oklahoma City University embraces a global perspective, recognizing the universal language of music and the international nature of artistic careers. The Wanda L. Bass School of Music is an international leader in the fusion of arts, technology, and creativity. OCU has established partnerships with international institutions, such as the Tianjin Conservatory of Music in China and the HED School of Music in Tel Aviv, Israel, fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers that can extend globally, with alumni finding success in performance, teaching, and academic positions around the world. The exposure to different musical traditions, guest artists from various cultural backgrounds, and the international success of its alumni all contribute to a rich global learning environment for music students.
Location
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 17616
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
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 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Oklahoma City University (OCU) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to attract and support talented international students. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and reward academic excellence, leadership, and artistic achievement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: OCU provides merit-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic records, leadership potential, and community involvement. These scholarships are automatically considered during the admission process, and amounts vary based on academic achievement and program of study.
Performance and Talent Scholarships: Students applying to OCU’s renowned performing arts programs, including music, dance, and theater, may be eligible for performance-based scholarships. These awards recognize exceptional artistic ability and provide financial support to help students pursue their creative passions at a professional level.
Transfer Student Scholarships: International students transferring from other accredited institutions may qualify for transfer scholarships. These awards acknowledge previous academic success and help make the transition to OCU more affordable.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate students, especially those in business, law, and healthcare fields, can access scholarships and assistantships that offer tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research support. These opportunities provide valuable experience and financial relief.
Oklahoma City University's (OCU) Master of Music (M.M.) program, housed within the renowned Wanda L. Bass School of Music, prepares graduates for a diverse array of professional careers in the ever-evolving music industry. With its emphasis on "virtuosic versatility" – integrating performance, scholarship, pedagogy, and professionalism – OCU equips musicians to thrive in the 21st-century landscape. Alumni regularly achieve success on national and international stages, in academic institutions, and within various facets of the music industry.
Professional Performer (Soloist, Ensemble Musician, Pit Orchestra Musician): Graduates, particularly from Performance concentrations (Instrumental, Piano, Vocal, Jazz Studies, Collaborative Piano, Musical Theatre), are highly prepared for careers as solo artists, members of orchestras, opera companies, touring productions (including Broadway and national tours), chamber ensembles, or jazz bands. OCU's strong ties to opera and musical theatre often lead to placements in pit orchestras.
Music Educator (K-12, Private Studio, Collegiate Instructor): Many M.M. graduates, especially those with a Music Education or Pedagogy specialization, pursue careers as music teachers in public or private schools, band or choir directors, or private instrumental/vocal instructors. With further experience, they can become adjunct or full-time professors at colleges and universities.
Conductor (Orchestral, Choral, Opera, Musical Theatre): Graduates specializing in Conducting are prepared to lead professional, community, or academic ensembles, including orchestras, choirs, opera productions, or musical theatre shows. This role demands strong musical leadership, interpretive skills, and the ability to inspire musicians.
Composer (Concert, Film, TV, Video Games, Commercials): M.M. in Music Composition graduates can forge careers creating original music for a wide range of media and venues. This includes writing for concert halls, scoring films, television shows, and video games, or composing jingles and background music for advertising and other commercial purposes.
Collaborative Pianist / Staff Accompanist: Specializing in Collaborative Piano prepares graduates for high-demand roles as accompanists for vocalists, instrumentalists, opera productions, and musical theatre rehearsals/performances. They are vital partners in the preparation and presentation of musical works.
Music Director (Theatre, Church, Ensemble): This role involves overall musical oversight for various productions or organizations, such as leading musical theatre productions, directing church music programs, or serving as artistic director for a specific musical ensemble.
Arts Administrator / Performing Arts Manager: Graduates with strong organizational and leadership skills can work in administrative roles for orchestras, opera companies, theaters, music festivals, or other arts organizations. This involves managing operations, fundraising, marketing, and program development.
Music Therapist: While often requiring a separate certification or specialized degree, an M.M. can provide a strong musical foundation for those interested in pursuing music therapy. This field uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.
Music Arranger / Orchestrator: This role involves adapting existing musical compositions for different instruments or vocal combinations, or orchestrating a composer's work for a full orchestra. This requires deep knowledge of instrumentation, harmony, and counterpoint, often pursued by composition or jazz studies graduates.
Music Copyist / Editor / Engraver: Focuses on preparing and formatting musical scores and parts for performance, publication, or recording. This requires meticulous attention to detail, knowledge of music notation software, and an understanding of musical conventions, often a supplementary skill for composers or performers.
