Master of Arts in Music

Whether your next step is to seek a professional career in music or you plan to pursue doctoral studies, you can tailor the Master of Arts in Music program to fit your individual needs and interests. This graduate program prepares you to teach music in the studio or classroom, perform with or conduct ensembles, compose or arrange music, pursue further studies, or establish expertise in additional areas. You work closely with dedicated faculty mentors who are nationally and internationally recognized performers, conductors, composers, and scholars.

Why choose Truman?

Performance opportunities

Vocal and instrumental ensembles available to graduate conducting students

Personalized attention from expert faculty

Ranked 7th Best Master's University in the nation

Choral conducting
Orchestral conducting
Band conducting
Vocal performance
Instrumental performance (woodwind, brass, percussion, orchestral strings, and piano)
Music Theory
Composition
Musicology

Courses for Concentration Areas

The Master of Arts in Music curriculum requires 32 credit hours.

Performance

Graduate Electives in Music: 9
MUSI 65xG Literature and Pedagogy of Performing Medium: 2
MUSI 5xxG Applied Music: 6
MUSI 689G – Graduate Performance Recital Credit(s): 3

Conducting

Graduate Electives in Music: 7
MUSI 65xG Literature and Pedagogy of Performing Medium: 2
MUSI 688G – Graduate Conducting Credit(s): 3
MUSI 690G – Graduate Conducting Recital with Score Reading Credit(s): 6
MUSI 691G – Advanced Instrumental Conducting: Band Credit(s): 2 OR
MUSI 692G – Advanced Choral ConductingCredits: 2 OR
MUSI 693G – Advanced Instrumental Conducting: Orchestra Credits: 2

Composition

Graduate Electives in Music: 2-5
MUSI 530G – Topics in Contemporary Music Credit(s): 3
MUSI 634G – Composition Credit(s): 3 (Must be taken three times for 9 credits.)
MUSI 686G – Research in Music (Composition) Credit(s): 3 to 6

Research

Graduate Electives in Music: 2-5
MUSI 530G – Topics in Contemporary Music Credit(s): 3
MUSI 683G – Research in Music Credit(s): 3 (Must be taken three times for 9 credits.)
MUSI 685G – Research in Music (Thesis) Credit(s): 3 to 6

Career Prospects

Accreditation

Truman State University's Music Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantship

Truman offers a number of Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantship (GTRA) positions for qualified applicants. The assistantship includes a cash stipend and a fee waiver of up to nine credit hours per academic semester.

About GTRAs

Performing and Conducting

Graduate students participate in chamber and solo performances. Through the GTRA positions, they also conduct the University Concert Bands, Wind Symphonies, and various chamber ensembles.

Admission

For priority consideration, apply by:

SPRING START:

Apply by Nov. 1

SUMMER START:

Apply by April 1

FALL START:

Apply by June 1

Apply early for scholarship consideration

Complete your application by February 15 to be considered for a GTRA position or graduate Foundation scholarships.

Application Requirements

Application

Personal Statement

3 Letters of Recommendation

Transcripts

Audition and/or Interview

Admission Guidelines

Apply

Tuition

credit hours

$523

per credit hour

$16,736

total estimated tuition*

*Total estimated tuition based on 2024-25 academic year. Tuition subject to change.

Graduate Tuition

Financial Aid

Enrolled students taking at least six credit hours per semester are eligible for federal financial aid programs. For more information, see our Financial Aid Resources for Graduate Studies page or contact the Financial Aid Office at (660) 785-4130 or finaid@truman.edu.