M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
M.M. in Music Performance
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.M. in Music Performance at Mississippi College aims to refine and elevate the artistry of instrumentalists, vocalists, and potentially conductors. The program emphasizes intensive study and performance of advanced solo and ensemble repertoire. It's built around individualized instruction and a comprehensive approach that integrates performance with complementary studies in music history and theory, providing a holistic musical education. Admission typically requires an undergraduate music degree and a successful audition, demonstrating a high level of musical aptitude and existing performance skill.
Curriculum: The specific credit hour requirements and detailed curriculum for the M.M. in Music Performance can vary slightly depending on the emphasis (e.g., Voice Performance and Pedagogy, Piano Performance, Conducting). However, common elements typically include intensive Applied Music (private lessons on the primary instrument or voice), which forms a significant portion of the coursework. Other core components often include graduate-level courses in Music Research and Writing, Topics in Music Theory, and Topics in Music History. For specialized areas like Voice Performance and Pedagogy, specific courses in "Graduate Vocal Pedagogy" and "Graduate Vocal Literature" would be included. The program culminates in a Graduate Recital, which serves as a capstone performance demonstrating the student's advanced artistry, and often includes a comprehensive oral examination, sometimes with a monograph (written paper).
Research Focus: The M.M. in Music Performance, while primarily focused on practical artistry, incorporates a research-informed approach to performance and pedagogy. Students are typically required to take "Music Research and Writing," which introduces them to scholarly inquiry in music. The process of preparing for the graduate recital often involves significant historical and theoretical research into the chosen repertoire, understanding its context, performance practices, and various interpretations. For specializations like "Voice Performance and Pedagogy," research into vocal science and teaching methodologies is also a key component. The program aims to produce musicians who are not only skilled performers but also intellectually engaged with their art form.
Industry Engagement: The M.M. in Music Performance program at Mississippi College is deeply engaged with the performing arts industry and music education (private studio teaching). The program's core revolves around preparing students for professional performance careers, which involves regular masterclasses, workshops, and opportunities to perform in solo recitals, chamber groups, and large ensembles. Faculty members are often active performers and pedagogues themselves, providing students with direct connections to the professional music world. Graduates are prepared for careers that involve performing in orchestras, opera companies, touring ensembles, or establishing successful private teaching studios. The program also supports pathways for those considering doctoral studies in performance or related academic fields.
Global Perspective: The M.M. in Music Performance inherently fosters a strong global perspective due to the universal language of music and the global repertoire. Students delve into music from various historical periods and geographical regions, exposing them to diverse musical traditions, compositional styles, and performance practices from around the world. The study of opera, symphonic works, and chamber music often involves engaging with European, American, and other global musical legacies. This broad exposure enriches the student's interpretive abilities and prepares them for an international career in performance or teaching, where understanding diverse cultural influences on music is increasingly valuable. Mississippi College's diverse student body also contributes to a globalized learning environment.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
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.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Music (M.M.) in Music Performance from Mississippi College is a highly specialized degree for accomplished musicians seeking to refine their artistry and elevate their technical and interpretive skills to a professional level.
Professional Performer (Orchestral, Opera, Chamber, Solo): The most direct path, performing as a member of professional orchestras, opera companies, chamber ensembles, or pursuing a solo career through auditions, concerts, and touring.
Private Studio Teacher (Advanced Levels): Establish or grow a private teaching practice, offering high-level instruction to students of all ages, preparing them for auditions, competitions, and college music programs, leveraging their advanced performance and pedagogical knowledge.
Collaborative Pianist/Accompanist: Specialize in accompanying vocalists or instrumentalists for rehearsals, performances, auditions, and competitions, requiring exceptional sight-reading and ensemble skills.
University/College Adjunct Instructor (Performance/Applied Music): Teach applied lessons on their instrument or voice, coach chamber ensembles, or instruct introductory music courses at the collegiate level, often as a stepping stone to a full-time academic position.
Church Musician/Director of Music: Lead comprehensive music programs within religious institutions, which can include conducting choirs, directing instrumental ensembles, planning worship services, and performing solo or ensemble works.
Session Musician: Record music for films, television, commercials, video games, or albums in recording studios, working as a freelance instrumentalist or vocalist for various projects.
Conductor (Choir/Orchestra/Band): For those with a conducting emphasis or additional training, lead and direct musical ensembles, interpreting scores and guiding musicians to achieve artistic vision.
Arts Administrator (Performance-focused): Work in management roles for performing arts organizations (e.g., symphony orchestras, opera companies, conservatories), focusing on artistic planning, programming, artist relations, or educational outreach.
Music Librarian/Archivist: Manage collections of musical scores, recordings, and historical documents in academic institutions, public libraries, or orchestral/opera archives, requiring a deep understanding of music history and organization.
Music Arranger/Orchestrator: Adapt existing musical compositions for different ensembles or vocal settings, or create instrumental and vocal parts from a lead sheet, requiring strong theoretical knowledge and creativity, often for performance contexts.
