Best Master of Music Programs

Below are some of the most prestigious music schools that offer the Master of Music degree program:

Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester)

The Eastman School of Music is consistently regarded as one of the top music conservatories in the world. Located in Rochester, New York, Eastman is renowned for its exceptional faculty, performance opportunities, and academic rigor. Established in 1921, Eastman is part of the University of Rochester and has since grown to become an internationally recognized institution for music education.

Eastman offers a comprehensive Master of Music degree program that is designed to foster high achievement in music performance while promoting intellectual and artistic growth. The program is highly diverse, with majors including Composition, Conducting (both Choral and Orchestral), Early Music (with an emphasis in Historical Plucked Instruments), Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media (with performance or writing emphases), Music Education, Opera (Stage Directing), Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music, and Performance and Literature (instrumental, vocal, or woodwind doubling).

The school's performance-oriented approach allows students to engage in rigorous musical study, including ample opportunities to perform in professional settings. Eastman’s commitment to artistic development is matched by its focus on providing a broad intellectual framework for students. Notably, in 2008, Eastman was named the "Hottest School for Music" by the Kaplan/Newsweek How to Get Into College guide, and it was ranked first in the U.S. among graduate schools of music by U.S. News & World Report in surveys conducted in 1997 and 2004.

School of Music, James Madison University

James Madison University (JMU), located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is home to a distinguished School of Music that offers a highly respected Master of Music degree. The MM program at JMU is designed to provide students with advanced training in performance, composition, music education, and conducting, with various concentration options to match the diverse career goals of prospective students.

JMU's School of Music is a full member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), which guarantees that it adheres to the highest standards of music education. In 2005, the School of Music received a significant anonymous donation of 65 Steinway Pianos valued at $1 million, further enhancing its reputation as a top-tier institution for training musicians.

With a focus on developing professional musicianship, the MM program at JMU encourages students to explore their individual artistic voice while honing technical skills. Its relatively small size ensures personalized attention from faculty, while the university’s strong community fosters a collaborative learning environment. Students also benefit from ample performance opportunities, including recitals, ensembles, and outreach initiatives in the local and regional communities.

CU-Boulder College of Music

The College of Music at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is another highly respected institution for aspiring musicians. The college offers a Master of Music degree with a variety of areas of study, including performance, performance/pedagogy, composition (with an optional emphasis in technology), music theory, and conducting (choral, orchestral, and wind).

CU Boulder’s MM program stands out for its robust interdisciplinary approach to music education. Students can choose from several specialized tracks, allowing them to tailor their studies to their individual career goals. The program’s integration of technology into music education is particularly notable, as it prepares students for contemporary demands in music production, composition, and performance.

Ranked 20th among approximately 650 institutions nationwide offering MM degrees, CU Boulder’s College of Music offers an exceptional combination of academic excellence, artistic achievement, and practical experience. Students benefit from world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and access to a vibrant arts community. The university’s picturesque location in Boulder, Colorado, offers a beautiful environment in which to study and perform.

Ball State University

Ball State University, located in Muncie, Indiana, is renowned for its Master of Music program, which is designed to provide in-depth study for students who are highly gifted in music performance, composition, music education, or music research. The MM program at Ball State offers a broad range of concentrations, including music performance, conducting, woodwinds, piano chamber music/accompanying, piano performance and pedagogy, music history and musicology, music education, music theory, and music composition.

Ball State’s music department is committed to providing students with comprehensive training across multiple disciplines. Its faculty is composed of highly accomplished musicians, and the department offers extensive opportunities for students to perform, teach, and compose. The MM program encourages students to explore different facets of music, from scholarly research in music theory and history to the development of practical skills in performance and pedagogy.

The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Emens Auditorium, provide a dynamic performance space for students. Ball State is also known for its commitment to community engagement, and students often participate in outreach programs that help cultivate a love for music in the broader public.

Mannes College The New School for Music

Located in the heart of New York City, Mannes College The New School for Music is a prestigious conservatory with a rich history in classical music education. As part of The New School, Mannes offers an MM degree with a focus on classical and contemporary music performance, with programs in orchestral instruments, piano, harpsichord, vocal accompaniment for pianists, orchestral conducting, choral conducting, voice, classical guitar, composition, and theory.

Mannes College offers an elite educational experience with close connections to New York’s vibrant music scene. Students are exposed to world-class performances and have the opportunity to perform in a variety of settings, from solo recitals to ensemble performances at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

Mannes’ location in New York City allows students to immerse themselves in the cultural and artistic hub of the world. Students have access to renowned guest artists and master classes, as well as an array of performance opportunities in both classical and contemporary music. The conservatory’s strong ties to the professional music community further enhance students' chances for successful careers in music performance, conducting, and composition.

Related Articles:

Top Music Schools in US

Best Doctor of Music Programs