M.A. in Secondary Education
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education at Roosevelt University is an intensiv...
M.M. in Orchestral Studies
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.M. in Orchestral Studies is typically a two-year, full-time program, with all instruction and applied study taking place in-person on the Chicago campus. Admission is highly competitive, requiring a successful audition that demonstrates exceptional instrumental proficiency, a deep understanding of orchestral repertoire, and strong sight-reading skills. A distinctive feature of this program is its intensive focus on preparing students for professional orchestral auditions, including weekly mock audition classes led by prominent Chicago musicians. Students receive specialized private lessons in orchestral excerpts in addition to their regular applied lessons. The program emphasizes extensive ensemble experience and culminates in a graduate recital or a formal orchestral audition for a faculty panel.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.M. in Orchestral Studies is exceptionally focused on practical preparation for orchestral careers. Key components include multiple semesters of "Applied Lessons" on the primary instrument, supplemented by an expanded private lesson component dedicated specifically to "Advanced Study and Performance of Orchestral Repertory and Excerpts." Students participate in "Performance Class" specific to their instrument family and engage in significant "Large Instrumental Ensemble" participation (such as the CCPA Symphony Orchestra). A crucial element is the "Orchestral Audition Workshop" series, which includes preparation strategies, technical and stylistic refinement of excerpts, and regular mock auditions with faculty feedback and guest musicians. The program culminates either in a traditional "Graduate Recital" or by substituting a formal orchestral audition performed for a faculty panel, consisting of a full professional-level excerpt list. Academic electives in music history and theory complement the performance-intensive coursework.
Research Focus: The M.M. in Orchestral Studies program at Roosevelt University embodies a highly specialized form of applied research. While not a traditional academic research degree with a thesis, students engage in rigorous inquiry into orchestral repertoire, performance practice, and the psychological and technical demands of orchestral auditioning. This "research" involves meticulous study of orchestral scores, understanding composer intentions, stylistic nuances across historical periods, and the specific technical challenges of a vast library of orchestral excerpts. The mock audition classes and excerpt lessons serve as a continuous practical research laboratory, where students experiment with different approaches to achieve flawless and stylistically appropriate performances under pressure, effectively "researching" peak performance strategies.
Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University boasts exceptional industry engagement for its M.M. in Orchestral Studies program, largely due to its prime location in Chicago, a city home to world-renowned orchestral institutions like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The program's faculty comprises active professional musicians, many of whom hold positions in these major Chicago ensembles, providing students with direct mentorship, insider knowledge, and unparalleled networking opportunities. The weekly mock audition classes are often led by these prominent Chicago musicians, offering real-world feedback and connections. Students gain invaluable experience performing in professional-caliber ensembles and through potential internships with nationally known music organizations, ensuring they are deeply connected to the professional orchestral landscape.
Global Perspective: Roosevelt University's M.M. in Orchestral Studies program inherently cultivates a global perspective through its immersion in the vast and diverse orchestral repertoire, which spans centuries and encompasses works from composers across the globe. Students are trained to perform music with an understanding of its historical and cultural contexts, which often involves grappling with European, American, and increasingly, international compositional traditions. The program attracts a diverse student body and faculty from various international backgrounds, enriching the learning environment with different artistic approaches and cultural insights. This prepares graduates to successfully audition for and perform with orchestras not only in the U.S. but also on the international stage, contributing to the universal language of orchestral music.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 45838
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $42
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Roosevelt University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to support their academic journey and make higher education more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to campus diversity.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Roosevelt University are eligible for merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarship Program: Roosevelt University provides special scholarships targeted at international students, aiming to encourage a diverse and global student body. These awards vary in amount and criteria but typically recognize outstanding academic performance and community involvement.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Roosevelt University, such as the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Walter E. Heller College of Business, offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These awards may be based on talent, portfolio, or academic excellence in the field of study.
An M.M. in Orchestral Studies from Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) provides highly specialized training for instrumentalists aiming for professional careers in symphony orchestras, opera orchestras, and other large ensembles. This NASM-accredited program leverages its prime Chicago location, offering unparalleled access to leading professional musicians as faculty and extensive opportunities for real-world experience, preparing graduates for the intense demands and competitive nature of orchestral auditions.
Orchestral Musician (Symphony/Opera Orchestra): This is the core focus of the program. Graduates audition for and secure positions in professional symphony orchestras (e.g., Chicago Symphony Orchestra, other major and regional orchestras) or opera orchestras, performing in regular concert seasons, opera productions, recordings, and tours. This often involves a rigorous audition process that can take many attempts to succeed.
Pit Orchestra Musician (Musical Theater/Broadway): Graduates can work in the pit orchestras for theatrical productions, including touring Broadway shows or resident musicals. This requires versatility and adaptability to play diverse musical styles and often involves "doubling" on multiple instruments, though the Orchestral Studies program specifically prepares for classical orchestral repertoire.
Freelance Orchestral Musician: Many musicians work as freelancers, accepting contracts with various orchestras for specific concerts, seasons, or recording projects. This provides flexibility but requires strong networking skills and consistent auditioning.
Military Band Musician: A stable career option for highly skilled instrumentalists, playing in prestigious military bands (e.g., U.S. Army Band, Marine Band). These bands perform for official events, concerts, and tours, and often require orchestral-level proficiency.
Private Music Teacher/Studio Instructor: Many orchestral musicians supplement their income or make a primary living by teaching their instrument privately to students of all ages and skill levels. Their advanced training makes them highly qualified instructors.
Music Educator (Higher Education - Applied Faculty): With an M.M., graduates are qualified to teach applied lessons (private instrumental instruction) at colleges, universities, or conservatories, particularly focusing on orchestral repertoire and audition preparation. Further doctoral study (DMA) is often pursued for full-time tenured university faculty positions.
Chamber Musician: Graduates can form or join chamber ensembles, performing classical and contemporary repertoire. While the program focuses on large ensembles, the skills developed are highly transferable to chamber music, often a complementary activity for orchestral players.
Session Musician/Recording Artist: Graduates can work as freelance musicians for recording studios, contributing instrumental tracks to film scores, commercials, video games, or other artists' albums, leveraging their technical precision and sight-reading abilities.
Music Librarian/Archivist (Orchestral Focus): With a deep understanding of orchestral scores and parts, graduates can work in the music libraries of orchestras, opera companies, or academic institutions, managing vast collections of sheet music, ensuring accuracy, and assisting conductors and musicians.
Orchestra Personnel Manager/Administrator: Combining their performance background with administrative skills (which may require additional training or experience), graduates can work in the management of orchestras, handling musician contracts, scheduling, and logistics.
