Program Overview
The Master of Music in Music Performance program at the University of South Carolina provides intensive training for students seeking careers in performance or private teaching. With emphasis areas in a range of instruments and voice, the program prepares students for doctoral studies. Through one-on-one instruction, students develop exceptional performance skills and master music theory, history, and pedagogical principles. The program also offers a unique concentration in community engagement.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Music Performance, M.M. program at the University of South Carolina School of Music is designed to help students develop performance or private teaching-oriented career skills in their primary instrument or voice. The program prepares students to enter a doctoral musical program. The program offers an outstanding education with rigorous training and performance experiences. It is offered with emphasis areas in multiple woodwinds, winds (single brass or woodwind), classical guitar, organ, piano, percussion, strings, and voice. A concentration in community engagement can be added to any focus area.
Assessment:
Students are required to present one full recital and pass an oral comprehensive examination.
Teaching:
Students work one-on-one with faculty instruction on their instrument or voice. They perform musical works representative of a wide array of styles in a manner commensurate with masters-degree level musicianship. They also study theory and history, repertoire, notable composers, and renowned pedagogues.
Careers:
The program prepares students for careers as performers, educators, and entrepreneurs.
Other:
The program highlights include:
- Personal Attention: Students work with extraordinary faculty and have many opportunities to hear new compositions performed regularly.
- Distinguished School: The School of Music has consistently retained the distinctive National Association of Schools of Music accreditation since 1969.
- Authentic Experiences: The community engagement concentration is unique to USC and is nationally noteworthy.
- Supportive Community: Students can foster their creative learning, skill development, and personal exploration through Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina.
