Master of Music in Piano Performance
Application deadlines are specific to degree programs. See our Graduate Admissions page for a list of all deadlines.
Designed for students seeking thorough preparation for careers as soloists, chamber musicians, collaborative pianists, and teachers. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in piano and demonstrate advanced proficiency in pianistic skill and artistry.
Curriculum
The Master of Music in Piano Performance requires a minimum of 32 credits. Coursework includes one-on-one Performance Study; courses in Music Theory, Piano Literature and Musicology; Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music coaching; other music electives, including weekly Piano Forum. Students may elect to pursue a double-major in Performance and Piano Chamber Music, which may be completed in two years.
Final Project:
Final recital
Silent Advisor
Degree requirements and term-by-term layout for current students.
Faculty
Matthew Bengtson
David Breitman
Amy I-Lin Cheng
John Ellis
Arthur Greene
Christopher Harding
Aya Higuchi Hagelthorn
Elena Lacheva
Ana María Otamendi
Logan Skelton
Performance Opportunities
From large ensembles in celebrated concert halls to chamber groups in intimate recital spaces, performance opportunities across all disciplines abound, with nearly 900 student performances each academic year. Whether your focus is on early, classical, or contemporary music, whether your passion is for jazz, electronic, or world music, there is an ensemble—or in many cases, multiple ensembles—to suit your interests, including specific opportunities for percussion, piano, and organ & carillon. For students in theatre & drama, musical theatre, dance, and opera, opportunities abound in both professionally produced and student-run presentations.
Recitals
Across all disciplines, students perform and study with their peers in studio classes and perform for the public in solo student recitals and studio recitals.
Collaborative Piano
Collaborative Piano students work with vocalists and instrumentalists throughout SMTD.
Chamber Music
The thriving chamber music scene at SMTD offers students nearly limitless options to perform, innovate, and collaborate in small, self-driven, and diverse ensembles.
Large Ensembles
SMTD ensembles offer numerous concerts each season, performing notable works in the traditional canon as well as abundant newly commissioned works.