Instrument List
Horn section

As part of music degree programs, Applied Lessons are offered in:

Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Saxophone
Trumpet
Horn (French Horn)
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion
Violin
Viola
Cello
String Bass
Piano
Voice (Classical)
Jazz Voice
Jazz Saxophone
Jazz Trumpet
Jazz Piano
Jazz Guitar
Jazz Bass
Jazz Drum Set
Undergraduate

Bachelor of Music in Performance 

The BM Performance is an intensive, professionally oriented degree, with the intent of preparing students to enter the performance areas. Graduates may also teach privately and/or do further study to prepare for college level teaching. Requires eight semesters of study.

 

Bachelor of Arts in Applied Music

The BA Applied Music is designed as part of liberal arts education experience, which may facilitate double-majoring in music and another subject. It is less musically intensive than the BM. Requirements may be completed in a minimum of six semesters.

 

Minor in Music Performance

The Music Minor is an option for focused music study while majoring in another subject. Requirements may be completed in a minimum of four semesters.


Master's

Master of Music in Performance

The MM Performance is intended for musicians who desire to pursue graduate study in the field of performance in order to continue the development of their creative skills and their preparation for a career as a professional performer or studio teacher.


Master of Music in Performance (Jazz Track)

The MM Performance (Jazz) is intended for students who desire to pursue graduate study in the field of performance in order to continue the development of their creative skills and their preparation for a career as a professional performer or studio teacher. The primary curricular emphasis is on the applied study of improvisation and performance.


Graduate Certificates

We offer three Graduate Certificate options focused on performance:


Professional Performance Certificate

This program is for non-matriculated students only seeking a one-year graduate performance program. Study in this program is not awarded academic credit.

The Professional Performance Certificate (PPC), administered by the Department of Music & Dance through University Without Walls, offers performing musicians in the early stages of their careers the opportunity for private instruction with the faculty members of the UMass Music & Dance Department and for participation in the many small and large ensembles of the Department. The purpose of the Certificate program is to provide a concentrated year of artistic development, career preparation, and work experience for aspiring professional musicians.

Prerequisites: Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in music or demonstrated equivalent musical training. 


Graduate Certificate in Classical Music Performance

This certificate is primarily offered as an additional option for matriculated MM students studying other music disciplines at UMass.

The Graduate Certificate in Classical Music Performance prepares post-baccalaureate performers, educators, theorists, historians, composers, and other musicians to perform in a variety of settings. These credentials certify that students have acquired professional skills necessary to perform on their instrument or sing, making them more competitive on the job market. Matriculating master’s students will usually distribute a certificate’s required courses (11 credits) over two years of study.

Prerequisites: Matriculated students must have a baccalaureate degree with a music concentration before beginning coursework. Students must also pass an audition to be accepted into a studio.

GPA requirement: Earn a grade of B (3.0) or higher in each course used toward a certificate.


Graduate Certificate in Jazz Performance

This certificate is primarily offered as an additional option for matriculated MM students studying other music disciplines at UMass.

A Graduate Certificate in Jazz Performance prepares post-baccalaureate performers, educators, theorists, historians, composers, and other musicians to perform Jazz in a variety of settings. These credentials certify that students have acquired professional skills necessary to perform on their instrument or sing, making them more competitive on the job market. Matriculating master’s students will usually distribute a certificate’s required courses (11 credits) over two years of study.

Prerequisites: Matriculated students must have a baccalaureate degree with a music
concentration before beginning coursework. Students must also pass an audition to be accepted
into a studio.

GPA requirement: Earn a grade of B (3.0) or higher in each course used toward a certificate.

Non-Major Lessons
Elizabeth Chang with student

Elective Lessons for non-music majors are available pending studio space and instructor permission.

Interested students should contact the appropriate applied faculty member to inquire. An audition may be required.

Enrollment in elective lessons (1–2 credits) requires concurrent enrollment in an appropriate department ensemble (1–2 credits).

After elective lessons are agreed upon by the applied faculty, students must submit the appropriate Course Override Form to request enrollment in:

  • MUSICAPP 116 Undergraduate Elective Lessons, or
  • MUSICAPP 516 Graduate Elective Lessons
NOTE: SPIRE does not allow students to self-enroll in elective lesson courses.