Music Performance

Master of Music (M.M.)

A student plays the xylophone during a music performance

Propel your artistry with UW’s M.M. in Music Performance

Ready to take your musical talent to the next level? UW’s department of music is ready to help you thrive. Our department is small enough to provide individual attention to each musician, yet large enough to support musical activity at the highest level.

Our prestigious master's in music performance is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. We offer an innovative and rigorous curriculum that prepares gifted musicians for opportunities across the music industry.

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A student plays the xylophone during a music performance

This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

About the Master's in Music Performance

The music performance program gives students the opportunity to complete advanced coursework in their chosen instrument. Students are also given ample performance opportunities and access to performance venues, rehearsal spaces and state-of-the-art audio technology.

UW offers six degree tracks, including voice, percussion, jazz, keyboard, woodwinds and strings. Throughout each track, we encourage self-discovery and collaboration through classroom, studio and performance experiences.

Students also have opportunities to gain experience outside their chosen degree track. Students may earn certificates in audio technology or arts entrepreneurship. They may also audition and apply for scholarships and graduate teaching assistantships.

Student playing a brass instrument

 

 

All master's of music performance applicants must audition for admission and submit 3 letters of recommendation.

UW faculty member conducting a musical performance
Audition Requirements

Learn more about our audition process and available scholarships.

 

Music Performance Program Highlights

State-of-the-Art Facilities

UW’s Department of Music boasts its own computer lab with music notation software. Our department is also home to two performance halls, seating 750 and 90 people. Both performance halls are equipped with state-of-the-art audio and video recording technology to accommodate any performance venue needs. Students also have access to several rehearsal spaces and may rent auxiliary instruments for a low annual fee.

Buchanan Center

The music graduate program gives students the opportunity to take rigorous, advanced courses in their instrument of choice. In addition to their degree track, students may pursue interdisciplinary courses in audio technology and music entrepreneurship. These courses teach students about introductory and advanced studio recording techniques, live sound reinforcement and careers in music. Students also have the opportunity to complete internships in audio technology and entrepreneurship.

 

All master's students pursue one of the following degree tracks.

  • Percussion
  • Woodwinds
  • Voice
  • Strings
  • Keyboard
  • Jazz

 

UW’s music program is led by a group of accomplished faculty members, including those listed below, who are all part of the Helios Trio that gave their Carnegie Hall debut to great acclaim in 2022.

  • Dr. John Fadial, Professor of Violin Studio
  • Dr. Beth Vanderborgh, Professor of Cello Studio
  • Dr. Chi-Chen Wu, Associate Professor of Piano

Meet Our Faculty

Graduate students are eligible for various scholarships and graduate teaching assistantships to help offset the cost of their education and give students valuable teaching experience.

Funding Options

Our master's in music performance is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), so you can rest assured you’re receiving the best music education available.

NASM

What can you do with a master's in music performance?

Our program prepares students for careers as musicians and performers, among other roles in the music industry. So whether you pursue a career as a jazz ensemble performer, a solo performer, an audio technician or an educator — you’ll be equipped with the experience and education needed to pursue your dreams.

  • Orchestral Musician
  • Chamber Musician
  • Solo Performer
  • University/College Music Instructor
  • Private Music Teacher
  • Accompanist
  • Conductor
  • Studio Musician
  • Arts Administrator

  • Tucson Symphony — Principal Keyboard
  • Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra — Principal Keyboard
  • Canton Symphony Orchestra — Principal Keyboard
  • New World Symphony
  • Albany Symphony Orchestra
  • Battle Creek Symphony
  • Finger Lakes Opera

  • National Repertory Orchestra
  • New World Symphony
  • Colorado Symphony  
  • Boulder Philharmonic  
  • Chattanooga Symphony 
  • Texas Medical Orchestra
  • Orquestra Sinfônica de Goiânia 
  • Orquestra Filarmônica de Goiás 
  • Orquestra Jovem do Estado de Goiás 
  • New York Sinfonietta
  • Amarillo Symphony
  • Orquestra de Guadalajara 
  • Orquestra do estado do Espírito Santo 
  • Orquestra da Barra Mansa 
  • Orquestra Sinfônica do Rio de Janeiro 
  • Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira 
  • Rabat Symphony Orchestra 
  • West Mexico Symphony 
  • Orquestra de Ensenada 
  • Wyoming Symphony 
  • Tucson Symphony
  • Clear Lake Symphony Orchestra 
  • Brazos Valley Symphony

  • University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music
  • Sam Houston State University, School of Music
  • SUNY Potsdam, Crane School of Music
  • Indiana University
  • University of North Texas
  • Arizona State University
  • West Virginia University
  • University of South Carolina
  • Austin Peay State University
  • University of Kansas
  • UMKC Conservatory
  • University of Georgia
  • Oklahoma State University
  • Florida State University
  • University of Maryland
  • Arizona State University
  • University of Wisconsin – Madison
  • University of Nebraska – Lincoln
  • University of North Carolina
  • University of Colorado Boulder

A Global Music Community

The University of Wyoming Music Department is proud to welcome students from across Wyoming, throughout the United States and around the world. This rich diversity brings a unique depth and vibrancy to our community. We believe our sound is richer, more inspiring and more reflective of a global musical tradition because of the varied experiences and voices each student contributes.

“As a proud alumnus of the University of Wyoming's Master of Music program, I can attest to the transformative experience it offers. Through dedicated faculty, rich resources and a supportive community, this program fosters not just musical excellence but also personal and professional growth. Embrace the journey and let your passion for music flourish at UW.”

- Diego Caetano, '12