Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy

Through continued development of pedagogical and performance skills as well as overall musicianship, this degree is designed to prepare the graduate for a career in pedagogy and/or doctoral study. 

The degree develops skills in studio piano teaching, performance, research, communication, and related areas such as literature, age-level appropriateness, and business aspects. Students will apply their learning in research projects that lead to conference presentations and article publication. Additionally, students will gain teaching experience in the School of Music through the Community Music Program and group piano courses. MU enjoys a wealth of carefully maintained grand pianos as well as a digital piano lab, two harpsichords, and a fortepiano. Annually, distinguished pianists provide masterclasses to MU piano students, including recent guests Boris Berman, Malcolm Bilson, Anne Epperson, Claude Frank, Peter Frankl, Ian Hobson, Ralph Votapek, Edward Auer, and Meng-Chieh Liu.

Prerequisites

  • Bachelor’s degree in Piano or Music (or demonstrated equivalent)
  • GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours
  • Senior Recital
  • 1 upper-level music history course

If an applicant does not meet the required prerequisites, then appropriate course(s) may be added to the degree requirements.

Additional Requirements

  • See Comprehensive Exam Information pdf
  • See Degree Plan guidelines pdf
  • No more than one course with a grade lower than B- may count toward completion of the degree.
  • All studies in music must be at the 7000 or 8000 level and at least fifteen must be at the 8000 level.
  • Nine credits are required in theory and history combined, either three history and six theory OR three theory and six history. A list of the theory courses that will fulfill the first three credits required are available on the attached pdf. No other theory courses can be used for this requirement.
  • Electives may be 7000-level or higher music or non-music courses, chosen with consultation with the advisor.
  • The degree concludes with either a recital, lecture recital, or a research document.
PDF Documents
MM Piano Pedagogy Degree Plan