Master of Arts in Music (+Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate Option)

If historical inquiry and musical analysis are your passion, this is your program.

School of Music

The Master of Arts in Music offers three possible tracks: Musicology, Music Theory, or Music Theory and History. All tracks offer both breadth and depth in their curricula, integrating courses that allow students to hone their research, teaching, analysis, and writing skills while preparing for a range of careers or doctoral studies.

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Program Application Deadline
The deadline for applications for AY 2023–24 is January 15, 2023.

To be assured full consideration, please apply by this deadline. Review individual program descriptions for details on program and admission requirements.

Earn a Master of Arts in Music at Penn State

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Take your passion for music study to the next level.

When you pursue an Master of Arts in Music at Penn State, you have the opportunity to work with leading scholars whose teaching and research are recognized across the University, the country, and beyond. The Musicology track (32 credits) emphasizes the development of a broad knowledge of music of all periods and at the same time cultivates one or more areas of specialization. The Music Theory track (32 credits) offers preparation in current modes of research and analysis from a music theoretical perspective. The Music Theory and History track (34 credits) is designed to integrate theoretical, analytical, and historical approaches to musical styles and works. All tracks include special topics courses and electives, allowing you to delve further into a particular area of interest or take classes in different subject areas that complement your primary focus. A thesis is required for graduation.

Is the Master of Arts in Music right for you?

The Master of Arts in Music allows students interested in further music study and possible careers in academia to hone in on their interests in musicology, music history, and music theory. It’s both a rewarding and rigorous degree program that introduces you to current modes of research and analysis in your field. Candidates should have completed a bachelor’s degree in music or music education with at least a 2.8 junior-senior GPA.

School of Music student performance on Timpani drums.

Studio recording of a violin performance.

Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate Degree Options

The School of Music’s integrated undergraduate/graduate (IUG) degree options enable gifted music students to streamline two degree programs as well as to pursue their research interests early in the curriculum, thus allowing them to develop a research focus in the fourth and fifth years. It’s an ideal program for high-achieving students ready to delve deeper into their music-related interests and who are potentially interested in doctoral study.

To be considered, students must have successfully completed a selection of Penn State courses in music theory, musicianship, and music history with a minimum GPA of 3.5, and overall GPA of 3.0. Students admitted to the IUG program are eligible for a graduate assistantship in their fifth year.

IUG Option: B.A. in Music + M.A.

The IUG program enables a select number of students to further their research interests at the undergraduate and graduate levels. By the end of the five-year program students receive two degrees, a B.A. in Music and an M.A. in Music.

Candidates for these Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate degrees must demonstrate a high level of aptitude and achievement in academic core courses and be highly motivated to pursue research projects with faculty.

The IUG program enables gifted music students to double count credits in two degree programs. As a result they will have developed a research focus during their fourth and fifth years, which will help them prepare for entry into doctoral programs at other institutions.

The Penn State Graduate School details IUG degree policies on its Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Degree Programs webpage.

IUG Option: B.M. in Performance + M.A.

The Penn State Graduate School details IUG degree policies on its Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Degree Programs webpage.

Considering the Master of Arts in Music? Consider this.

You have the opportunity to focus on Musicology, Music Theory, or Music Theory and History.

As a post-baccalaureate program, students are prepared to teach at the collegiate level.
Prepare for doctoral work with integrated seminars and many courses required by doctoral programs.
The M.A. provides an interdisciplinary approach to the field of music scholarship.
IUG options enable you to earn B.A./M.A. or B.M./M.A. degrees in five years.

Alumni Spotlight

Luke Nosal

Bachelor of Music 2018

Luke Nosal is the assistant conductor of the Queer Urban Orchestra in New York City. As a conductor and queer advocate, Nosal is known for leading ensembles with an eclectic style, dynamic interpretation, and deep passion while always using their platform to give visibility to issues in the LGBTQA community. In addition to a Bachelor of Music, Nosal earned a P.P.C. Orchestral Conducting in 2019.

Faculty Spotlight

Naomi Seidman, with flute, and three members of a quintet.

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Naomi Seidman

Assistant Professor of Music

Assistant Professor Naomi Seidman joined the School of Music faculty in 2012. An accomplished solo performer, she has won the Mid-South Flute Competition and the Frank Bowen Young Artist Competition, and was first runner-up in the Myrna Brown Young Artist Competition. She was also a semi-finalist in the Beijing Nicolet International Flute Competition. She has performed as a soloist with the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony, Kingsville Symphony, and Ballet Austin. She has also been an invited performer, judge, and presenter at National Flute Association (NFA) conventions and is a member of the NFA Cultural Outreach Committee.

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Close-up portrait of Naomi Seidman with flute against red background.

Aug 5 - 7

Second Annual One Body/One Voice Conference

Music Academic Calendar

Penn State Musical Theatre Voice Pedagogy and its internationally recognized ‘Bel Canto/ Can Belto’ musical theatre voice pedagogy workshops have teamed with the holistic voice program The Visceral

Events

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Undergraduate Recognition Recital

Music I 130 Recital Hall

Aug 26 - Jan 13

Venue: School of Music Recital Hall Admission Information: Free Available Online: School of Music Media Program Information: to be announced COVID Disclaimer: Please review our Health

Graduate Recognition Recital

Music I 130 Recital Hall

Aug 27 - Jan 14

Venue: School of Music Recital Hall Admission Information: Free Available Online: School of Music Media Program Information: to be announced COVID Disclaimer: Please review our Health

Faculty Recital: Raymond Sage, voice

Music I 130 Recital Hall

Aug 28

Venue: School of Music Recital Hall Admission Information: Free Available Online: School of Music Media Program Information: to be announced COVID Disclaimer: Please review our Health

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News from A&A

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Penn’s Woods Music Festival expands jazz offerings to summer concerts

Jun 8

Penn's Woods Music Festival will present jazz concerts on Friday, June 17 and 24, on the Olsan-Stone Terrace.

In 2018, Penn's Woods Music Festival (PWMF) presented a night of Brazilian jazz with hopes to expand the professional music festival to new audiences. The concert was so well received

Penn's Woods Music Festival kicks off June 11

Jun 7

The Penn’s Woods Music Festival will take place June 11-25 on the Penn State University Park campus, kicking off June 11 with Music in the Gardens at the Arboretum.
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Nichols selected for academic exchange program in Israel

May 12

Bryan Nichols, associate professor of music education, was selected for the Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2022 Summer Faculty Fellowship Program in Israel, May 21-June 3.
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