What you will study
UCM’s master’s degree in Music program curriculum features a diverse range of core
and elective courses. Compared to other schools of music, UCM prides itself on its
small class sizes, which ensure that our students get more individualized attention
and guidance.
Choose electives based on your focus area and musical interests. With the help of
the graduate faculty coordinator, you’ll pick from classes in areas such as conducting,
music education, music technology, musicology, composition and performance for your
master’s degree in Music. You can even combine electives from different areas to personalize
your studies and better prepare you for a range of music careers.
Students pursuing UCM’s master’s degrees in Music choose from exciting electives such
as:
- Music in Latin America
- American Music
- Jazz Pedagogy
- Kodály Choral Techniques
- Music Business Practices
- Electronic Music Production Techniques
Kodály Certification
We also offer an integrated and standalone certification in Kodály Education.
Excellence in Music
- Top 15%: Most Focused Master's Degree Colleges for General Music (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 8%: Most Popular Colleges for General Music (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in music
UCM offers hands-on, real-world learning opportunities that are rare offerings for
many traditional schools of music:
- Performing: Students pursuing master’s degrees in Music at UCM can participate in a variety of
performance and accompaniment opportunities. You’ll hone your performance skills,
build your professional network and get a glimpse into music careers in performance
by participating in student recitals, theatre productions and various gigs on campus
and around Missouri.
- Music Technology: Students pursuing a Master of Arts in Music at UCM can also focus on technology. This
helps you develop skills in audio production, recording, technology-based performance
and electronic music composition. Learn the best of music technology with hands-on
assignments in our outstanding studios.
- Music Education and Conducting: Be the best music educator you can be. Whether you want to focus on improving your
conducting and interpretation skills or on implementing cutting-edge pedagogy and
curriculum techniques in your classroom, UCM’s expert faculty will take you to the
next level.
- Kodály Summer Institute: Kodály certification is also available to students through a Summer program. For a
full master’s degree, you’ll complete hands-on solfege and conducting classes during
three consecutive summer semesters plus five online classes. Kodály certification
is open to public and private school music teachers and may satisfy continuing education
credits for educators.
What can you do with a master’s degree in Music from UCM?
With a master’s degree from our School of Music, UCM graduates go on to rewarding
music careers in education, performance, composing, music production and more. You’ll
also be prepared to pursue doctoral studies in music at other top-tier music schools.
UCM graduates with a Master of Arts in Music degree can secure mid- to senior-level
positions in academic institutions, start their own businesses or become specialized
instrumental or vocal instructors. Our alumni have gone on to roles such as:
- Directors of bands or choral programs
- Performing artist
- Composer
- Elementary or high school teacher or college professor
- Film and game composers and sound designers
- Recording studio engineer
- Private lessons teacher
More on careers for graduates with a Master of Arts in Music
Explore additional options for future music careers using the interactive tool below.
You’ll gain a better understanding of salaries, job outlooks and more for graduates
with music degrees.
Financial assistance options for your master’s degree in Music
The University of Central Missouri provides graduate students with guidance and opportunities for financial aid. Many students pursuing a Master of Arts in Music qualify for grants, scholarships,
work-study positions and more. This includes graduate student assistantships with
a stipend and tuition remission.
UCM also has merit- and need-based scholarships that are open to graduate students.
You may also qualify for several scholarships that are available for graduate students
pursuing music degrees:
- Wind and Percussion Scholarship
- Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Scholarship
- Edith M. Brooks Scholarship
- Marion B. Davies Memorial Scholarship
- Charles G. and Laura Keynon Kuhn Distinguished Musician Scholarship
Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the .
Meet Dr. Frank Fenley
Professor and coordinator of graduate studies
Dr. Fenley holds an Ed.D. in Education from the University of Illinois. Before joining
our faculty in 1971, he taught at Kansas State College of Pittsburg. UCM’s graduate
students benefit from his extensive experience in higher education, instrumental expertise
in flute and successful history of preparing master’s students for rewarding careers.
Meet Juli Weber
Adjunct professor, Kodály Summer Institute coordinator
Ms. Weber is a K–2 music instructor who holds a master’s degree in Music from UCM.
She specializes in Kodály Education, which was also her academic focus during her
own time as a UCM undergraduate. Students enjoy studying with her in our numerous
Kodály Education classes, offered during the Summer Institute.
Meet Caeley C.
UCM Bachelor of Music ’18, Master of Arts in Music ’20
“UCM Music is filled with students and teachers that want to help you reach your goals
and pursue what you're passionate about. It's the most supportive group of people
I have ever met.”
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