The Division of Music offers graduate studies leading to the Master of Music degree in Music Education (with optional emphasis in conducting) and the Master of Music degree in Performance. These majors are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Individualized curricula are designed to meet students’ interests and needs while offering a balanced program of academic and professional courses.

Entrance Requirements

In addition to gaining admission to the University (please visit Graduate Admissions to learn more), students wishing to pursue graduate studies in Music Performance must pass an entry audition, consisting of a thirty-minute audio or video recording of a recent solo performance. Students wishing to pursue the Master of Music Education must submit an essay outlining the applicant’s philosophy of Education and schedule an interview with a member of the Graduate Music Education faculty (no audition is required.) Performance auditions should include prepared selections under the following guidelines:

Vocalists

• A minimum of four songs or arias covering the four standard languages (Italian, German, French, and English) including at least one aria
• All selections must be memorized

Percussion Studies

• A recent video recording representative of their performance level should be sent to Stuart Marrs, Professor of Music, at marrs@maine.edu.
• Students are welcome to visit the Percussion Studies page for more information. 

For additional information about graduate entry, please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook. 

Music Graduate Program Learning Outcomes

The mission of the Graduate School of the University of Maine is to produce engaged scholars and professionals by promoting excellence in all aspects of the graduate student experience.  The School provides advanced education and professional training through innovative teaching, mentorship, research, and creative activity in established and emerging areas.  This rigorous education prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the state of Maine, the nation, and the global community.

The mission of the Graduate Programs of Division of Music in the School of Performing Arts is to advance the education of graduate students in music. Through the integration of academics and performance, the Graduate Programs of the Division of Music further the knowledge and add depth to the already established undergraduate baccalaureate in music.

Core Program Learning Outcomes:

Students receiving a graduate degree in music will demonstrate:

1. Advanced professionalism and independence in the areas of music performance and music education.
2. Graduate level research skills, which include:
   • The use of advanced historical and critical methodologies across a wide variety of musical styles, genres, and time-periods.
   • Advanced interpretative, analytical, and synthesis skills within the area of music theory.
   • The ability to systematically support an argument in writing using clear, cogent writing.
   • The ability to identify appropriate primary and secondary sources and effectively cite the sources in a research document. 
3. An understanding of music as it relates to the history and culture of the time and place in which it was created. 
4. An understanding of the theoretical foundations of music composition and analysis through the study of advanced music theory. 

Additional Outcomes Based on Degree Program

The Master of Music degree in Performance provides an opportunity for in-depth study about the theoretical, historical, research, and technical aspects of music performance. As a non-thesis degree program, a required Master’s Project connects artistically creative performance with academic rigor. Students completing the program display the following characteristics:

Students will: 

• Demonstrate skills in performance that qualify them for a career as a performer in a variety of contexts or for further study at the doctoral level.
• Possess the advanced technical, musical, and artistic skills necessary for professional success in solo and ensemble contexts.
• Apply knowledge of historical performance practices within specific instrumental repertoire.
• Actively participate and network in a community of musicians and cultivate a professional identity through performing one’s work frequently in recitals, ensembles, and other venues.

The Master of Music degree in Music Education serves a vital function for the re-accreditations and promotion of public school music teachers in Maine and in the region. We also offer options to concentrate on choral or instrumental conducting within the Master of Music in Music Education degree. 

Students will:

• Develop an understanding of learning theories and their implications for music education practice.
• Improve and expand upon their knowledge of teaching methods and materials, including the influences of technology and multiculturalism in contemporary practice.
• Familiarize themselves with various research methodologies employed in music education research. 
• Demonstrate an ability to synthesize theoretical, practical, and empirical approaches in the music classroom to affect student learning outcomes.