COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Music degree in Performance at Kent State University is designed to prepare students for professional careers in music by combining applied performance, academic study, and optional specialized concentrations. The program offers flexibility for students to develop advanced technical skills, interpretive abilities, and professional musicianship in their chosen area.All students complete foundational courses in music history and literature, along with music bibliography and research methods. Students then take applied music electives specific to their instrument or discipline, including piano, voice, strings, winds, percussion, conducting, and composition. Ensemble participation is also required, with a wide range of options such as opera theatre, choral groups, orchestra, symphony band, jazz ensemble, chamber music, and world music ensembles.Students may choose not to declare a concentration or pursue one of the two optional concentrations. For those without a concentration, the program emphasizes a broad, performance-focused curriculum, including applied music, recitals, and seminars in post-tonal, tonal, or Western art music analysis. Voice students also take singer’s diction courses to enhance vocal technique and interpretation.The Composition concentration provides an opportunity to create original works for various media and see them performed, combining compositional study with applied performance. Students in this track engage in multiple semesters of applied composition and complete a recital showcasing their works.The Conducting concentration focuses on developing advanced conducting skills, musicianship, and analytical abilities. Students take applied conducting courses, recitals, and literature courses in orchestral, band, or choral music, supplemented by electives in music theory, analysis, and literature.Across all tracks, the program emphasizes practical performance experience, scholarly study, and individualized mentorship. Recital requirements and applied music electives ensure students demonstrate both technical mastery and artistic expression, preparing graduates for careers as professional performers, conductors, or composers.