School of Music, Theatre and Dance at the University of Michigan
U

Master of Music in Early Keyboard Instruments

The application deadline for most 2023-24 programs was December 1. See the Graduate Admissions page for specific degree application deadlines.

Designed for students seeking professional career preparation including the development of artistry, technique, scholarly research, and the ability to play music of all periods with integrity and knowledge of specific performance practices. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in music or its equivalent as well as a strong keyboard background.

Curriculum

The Master of Music in Early Keyboard Performance requires a minimum of 32 credits. Coursework to include:

  • Private harpsichord, organ and fortepiano lessons
  • Early Music Ensemble
  • Early Music 551
  • Musicology
  • Music Theory and/or Composition
  • SMTD electives

Final Project:

Two recitals featuring solo and ensemble works on at least two instruments selected from harpsichord, organ and fortepiano.

Courses

SMTD offers a wide variety of courses across all disciplines.

Silent Advisor

Degree requirements and term-by-term layout for current students.

Faculty


Joseph Gascho

Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Stearns Collection
Early Music Chamber Coordinator, Harpsichord

Nicole Keller

Assistant Professor of Music, University Organist
Organ, Sacred Music

Tiffany Ng

Chair of Organ and Associate Professor of Music, University Carillonist
Carillon

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

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

Collaborative Piano

Collaborative Piano students work with vocalists and instrumentalists throughout SMTD.

Chamber Music

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

Large Ensembles

SMTD ensembles offer numerous concerts each season, performing notable works in the traditional canon as well as abundant newly commissioned works.

Questions?