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The Master of Music (M.M. or M.Mus.) is the first graduate degree in Music. The M.Mus. combines advanced studies in an applied area of specialization (usually music performance, composition, or conducting) with graduate-level academic study in subjects such as music history, music theory, or music pedagogy. The M.Mus degree, which takes one or two years of full-time study to complete, prepares students to be professional performers, conductors, and composers. The M.Mus. is often required as the minimum teaching credential for university, college, and conservatory instrumental or vocal teaching positions.

The M.Mus.is widely available in performance (sometimes with a specialization in pedagogy and/or literature), composition, and conducting. In 2005, Boston University launched an online Master of Music program in music education, the only online program at this level^[1]. M.Mus. degrees are sometimes awarded in music education (as a Master of Music Education). The Master's degree in music theory, musicology, and ethnomusicology is typically the Master of Arts.

M.Mus. students typically complete applied studies, such as lessons or mentoring with a professor, and take courses within their area of specialization. In many M.Mus. programs, all of the different M.Mus. streams (e.g., performance, composition, conducting) take a common core of music theory and music history courses. . Some universities in the UK (e.g. Sheffield University) utilise it as a special research degree.

Some M.Mus. programs require students to pass a comprehensive exam on their area of specialization and on subjects such as music history and music theory. The last stage of the M.Mus. degree is usually the performance of recitals.

Some programs additionally require a sub-specialization in a cognate area within music, such as music history or performance practice, which contributes to their area of specialization. For example, a student doing an M.Mus. in Baroque violin might do a sub-specialization in Baroque music history.

Some institutions permit M.Mus. students to do a sub-specialization in a field outside music that contributes to their professional and academic goals. For example, a student completing a M.Mus. in piano pedagogy may be able to do a sub-specialization in the university's department of psychology.

To be admitted to a M.Mus. degree program, most institutions require a B.Mus. degree or an B.A. degree in music or a related field, usually with a grade average of "B+" or higher. In rare cases, some schools will conditionally admit a gifted student with no Bachelor's degree if they have a highly-respected conservatory diploma (e.g., a virtuoso performer with conservatory diploma from a top European conservatory).

M.Mus. programs in performance usually require an audition that includes advanced pieces from a wide range of styles. Admission to M.Mus. programs in conducting often requires a video recording of a live rehearsals and performances as a pre-screening element. Composition programs usually require the submission of a portfolio of compositions, including scores and recordings of live performances.

1. ^ As of November 2006

See also:

• Bachelor of Music
• Doctor of Music
• Doctor of Musical Arts