We bring together advanced students and professional faculty in a high-level, collaborative environment. The program is highly selective and deliberately limited to a small number of students—resulting in a student-teacher ratio averaging 2:1. Private studio instruction is at the center of the performance and composition degrees, while seminars and hand-on experiences are the focus of degrees in music education and music history. We groom our graduate students for professional life, provide a solid foundation for doctoral studies, train teachers for college positions, and prepare public school teachers to achieve an advanced specialized degree.
Graduate assistantships and significant scholarships are available, and the Graduate String Quartet Residency program offers two-year fellowships to existing quartets. Graduate conducting students serve as assistant conductors for instrumental and vocal ensembles.
Master of Music, Classical Performance Emphasis
(Strings, Winds, Brass, Percussion, Voice, Piano, and Guitar)
Private studio instruction is at the heart of the performance program. Our faculty of artist-teachers, many of whom perform with the San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet, work with well-prepared and talented students to achieve levels of performance suitable for entrance to the world of professional music as performers and teachers or for admission to doctoral-level study. In addition to solo recitals and large-ensemble concerts, high-level performance opportunities also include chamber ensembles coached by the Alexander String Quartet, operas, concerto competitions, and positions in the highly acclaimed touring chamber choir. Significant scholarships are available for incoming students.
Master of Music, Chamber Music Emphasis
(Strings, Winds, Brass, Percussion, Voice, Piano, and Guitar)
Artists in residence: The Alexander String Quartet
Private lessons with our artist-teachers together with extensive chamber music coaching with the Alexander String Quartet form the hub of the master’s degree in chamber music. Electives include secondary instrument or voice instruction, advanced score reading and transposition, and numerous seminars in history and literature. Scholarships are available, including the String Quartet in Residency Fellowship for a preformed quartet.
Master of Music, Conducting Emphasis
(Orchestral or Choral)
Private studio instruction combined with large-ensemble podium time is at the core of our curriculum, which is designed for preparation for professional conductors and those wishing to continue in doctoral programs. In order to provide maximum conducting experience, this program is kept very small—a limited number of students are accepted into each program at any time. You will spend at least one year as assistant conductor of a university ensemble. In private lessons and seminars you will refine your conducting and rehearsal techniques, develop score preparation skills, explore literature, continue to develop a broad knowledge of music history and theory.
