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Music Performance

Master of Music (M.M.)

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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 masters 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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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

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Program Requirements

Curriculum & Courses

Department

College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Music

About the Masters 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.

A student plays the baritone during a concert
A student plays the saxophone in a recording studio

All masters of music performance applicants must audition for admission and submit 3 letters of recommendation.

Learn more about our audition process.

A student plays the cello

What can you do with a masters 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.

UW’s highly accomplished music graduates perform in the following symphonies:

  • 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

Many of our graduates are also soloists in symphonies across the country, including:

  • 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
A professor conducts at a concert

 

Many of our graduates pursue careers as educators and/or pursue additional education themselves. Here are some of the prestigious universities where our graduates are teaching or have been accepted:

  • 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  
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Music Performance Program Highlights

At the University of Wyoming, we believe in supporting gifted musicians and their ambitions. That’s why our students have access to performance facilities, accomplished faculty mentors and advanced coursework.

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.

Unique Courses & Internships

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.

Six Degree Tracks

All masters students pursue one of the following degree tracks:

Percussion
Woodwinds
Voice
Strings
Keyboard
Jazz

Notable Faculty

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

Scholarships & Assistant Ships

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.

NASM Accreditation

Our masters 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.

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

Related Programs

Interested in a masters in music performance? These programs may also be interesting to you:

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Department of Music

Department 3037, 1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-5242

Email: musicdpt@uwyo.edu