his program is designed for talented and technically accomplished pianists who wish to pursue a career in performance. Graduates often go on to graduate school for further preparation; others seek careers as concert performers, accompanists, and church musicians.

Keyboard performance majors study with faculty who have proven themselves as teachers and performing artists. The curriculum emphasizes interpretation, musicianship, and technical mastery of the instrument. Students have the opportunity to accompany vocalists and instrumentalists under the tutelage of an accompanying coach or a studio teacher. Music theory, music history and literature, keyboard literature, and keyboard are also part of the pedagogy curriculum. During their final year, students present a public recital.

Chamber music, accompanying, and orchestral experiences are also available for the keyboard major. Students may participate in choral and instrumental ensembles appropriate to their skills and interests.




he Master of Music degree is available in piano. Instruction in harpsichord and organ also is available, but not as a major concentration area. Study with internationally renowned artist teachers is enhanced by a range of ensemble experience. Supporting academic study enriches the performance experience, which culminates with a final recital and recital research paper.

In addition to the Master of Music degrees in keyboard performance, the Master of Music degree is offered in keyboard performance and pedagogy, and accompanying and Chamber Music. Internationally acclaimed faculty incorporate the latest technology, methods, and materials to prepare students for careers and/or further study in these areas. Keyboard pedagogy majors are required to submit a project or recital paper to conclude their program.

The Doctor of Musical Arts degree, offered in accompanying and Chamber Music, keyboard performance, and keyboard performance and pedagogy, culminates with a defense of the doctoral essay.




n Advanced Diploma in performance offers professional caliber students one year (24 credits) of concentration in the major performance area. Two formal recitals are required. The Diploma Program may be appropriate for the student with a conservatory background but may also be elected by the post-bachelor’s or post-master’s student who is strongly performance-oriented.

The Advanced Diploma in performance is also offered to highly qualified international students wishing to concentrate solely on music performance study.

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Music in
Performance

Master of Music

Master of Music in
 Performance

Doctor of Musical Arts
Doctor of Musical Arts
in Performance

 

 

 

"I had some really
forward-thinking
teachers at
Miami who helped equip me to pursue any direction I wanted.  Doubling was encouraged; I
became a tuba
player, trombonist,
arranger, and
music copiest.  You can gain a
reputation by being a jack of all trades."

Sam Pilafian, a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Empire Brass Quintet, and leader of the jazz group Travelin' Light

 

DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS
A minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the master's degree is required including required recitals, and the D.M.A. essay.
 
ADVANCED DIPLOMA
IN PERFORMANCE
  • 12 credits in Performance Study
  • 4 credits in Ensemble
  • 3 credits in Music History or Theory
  • 2 credits in Pedagogy
  • 1 credit in Special Projects
  • 2 credits in Recitals (2 recitals)
 
MASTER OF MUSIC
  • 4 to 6 credits in Major Performance field
  • 3 credits in Recital and Recital Paper
  • 3 credits in Analytical Techniques
  • 2 to 4 credits in Music Education or Pedagogy
  • 2 to 4 credits in Electives
  • 4 to 6 credits in Musicolgy
  • 4 credits in Major Area

    Prior to admission to candidacy, the student must fulfill the following requirements:
  • Demonstrate, by examination, skills in the following areas:
    • harmony - written and aural
    • proficiency in sightsinging and in melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation
    • elementary counterpoint
    • the history and literature of music and the study of musical form, analytic or applied
  • Meet the following requirements:
    • Piano: must have acquired the principles of tone production and velocity and their application to scales, arpeggios, chords, octaves, and double notes. Must have a balanced repertoire comprising the principal baroque, classic, romantic, and modern compositions which should include works by representative American and foreign composers. Must have experience in ensemble playing and should have capable sight-reading skills.
    • Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy: must complete prescribed courses in keyboard pedagogy and a recital project with a supporting paper.
    • Accompanying and Chamber Music: must have had an undergraduate background in accompanying either as an accompanying major or as a piano major with extensive experience as an accompanist. At time of entrance, should manifest a pronounced ability in sight-reading. The ability to transpose and improvise is desirable, as is a pronunciation knowledge of French, German, and Italian.