Program Description:
This program teaches the skills, repertory, and strategies needed to become a successful professional pianist. The Piano Performance studio is purposely small to ensure maximum time in performance and for highly individualized instruction. Performance masters’ students have an array of hands-on musical opportunities, including performing with student singers, chamber music ensembles, NAU Opera, University Symphony Orchestra, and the Flagstaff Symphony.
Learning Objectives:
Upon graduation from the Master of Music in Piano Performance students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of appropriate musical literature in an historical context
- understand the fundamentals of musical performance
- perform & play the piano with competency and artistry
- demonstrate an understanding of the intricacies of accompaniment
- be well prepared for admission to any doctoral program in instrumental performance in the U.S.
Career Opportunities:
Masters in Music in Piano Performance graduates often have careers in educational and non-profit artistic/cultural organizations or in private studios. Students in this program are also well prepared for doctoral level work.
Why Study at NAU’s School of Music?
At NAU, performance opportunities abound in a wide variety of venues. Students have the opportunity to play with large symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, NAU Opera, in master classes and recitals. At the conclusion of the program, each performance student must present a recital that demonstrates successful achievement of performance objectives. NAU School of Music Masters students also have numerous opportunities to teach, both at the undergraduate and community school levels. The close individualized attention students receive in NAU’s School of Music prepares one well for a successful professional career as well as for further graduate study.
Faculty Expertise:
The School of Music faculty are well-renown in their chosen fields. Students have the opportunity to work very closely with a number of faculty to build their particular area of expertise. Link to faculty pages.
Admission Requirments:
Students must have completed a Baccalaureate degree in music with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and be admitted to Northern Arizona University’s Graduate College. Please see the required forms and further information at www.nau.edu/gradcol. Audition and evaluation material that has been approved by the appropriate School of Music faculty.
Application Procedures:
Step 1. Go online and apply to the NAU Graduate College at nau.edu/gradcol. The Graduate College application will require your undergraduate transcripts.
Step 2. Contact Dr. Krista Rodin, the NAU School of Music graduate coordinator; krista.rodin@nau.edu
Step 3. Contact Dr. Frank Scott, Director of Piano Studies, frank.scott@nau.edu or Rita Borden, Coordinator of Accompanying, rita.borden@nau.edu.
Step 4. Send two letters of recommendation, a current curriculum vita, a one page narrative describing your career goals and musical interests, and a 15 minute DVD recording of a performance to Dr. Frank Scott or Rita Borden, NAU Box 6040, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-6040. The DVD should include the following:
Piano Performance emphasis: Three major contrasting works that are memorized, scales, arpeggios and sight readingAfter reviewing application materials from the Graduate College, letters of recommendations and the performance tape, selected applicants will be invited to NAU for an on-campus interview/audition in February or March.
Piano Accompanying/Chamber Music: Two contrasting solo works, a major instrumental sonata ( such as Beethoven or Brahms violin sonatas), a set of German or French songs, scales, arpeggios and sight reading.
Graduate Assistantship:
Graduate Assistantships may be available for students in the Masters in Music –Piano. For further information on these Assistantships, please contact Dr. Scott or Ms. Borden.
Program of Study Requirements
To see a the specific courses required for the MM degree in piano performance and piano accompanying, please click on the following link:
MM_Piano Accompanying Pos 09-10.docx