Program Description:
This program teaches the skills, repertory, and professional strategies needed to become a successful instrumental performer. The Instrumental Performance studios are 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 the various NAU Bands, chamber music ensembles, University Symphony Orchestra, and the Flagstaff Symphony.
Learning Objectives:
Upon graduation from the Master of Music in Instrumental Performance students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of appropriate musical literature in an historical context
- understand the fundamentals of musical performance
- perform their chosen instrument with competency and artistry
- be well prepared for admission to any doctoral program in instrumental performance in the U.S.
Career Opportunties:
Masters in Music in Instrumental Performance graduates most often have careers in educational and non-profit artistic/cultural organizations. 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, pep bands, and with NAU Opera. 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.
Admissions Requirements:
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 the appropriate instrumental faculty member for your instrument.
Step 4. Send two letters of recommendation, a current curriculum vita, a one page narrative describing career goals and musical philosophy, and a 10 minute DVD recording of the applicant’s playing to the faculty member overseeing studies in that particular instrument, NAU Box 6040, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-6040.
After reviewing application materials from the Graduate College, letters of recommendations and the rehearsal tape, selected applicants will be invited to NAU for an on-campus interview/audition in February or March.
Graduate Assistantship:
Graduate Assistantships may be available for students in the Masters in Music –Instrumental Performance. For further information on these Assistantships, please contact Dr. Daniel Schmidt, Daniel.Schmidt@nau.edu.
Program of Study Requirements
To see a the specific courses required for the MM degree in instrumental performance, please click on the following link:
MM_Instrumental Performance PoS 09-10.docx