Grow your performance techniques and your teaching skills to the highest level.
The MM program in performance with a concentration in performance pedagogy concentrates on the performance and teaching of music with an emphasis on pedagogy.
Students work on their own performance skills while developing the knowledge and abilities to be outstanding teachers in their area through pedagogy classes, observation and teaching in private and group settings.
The opportunity to collaborate with music scholars, theorists, composers, educators, dancers and theatre artists provides students with a foundation for a career as a performer, teacher and musician of the highest level. There is also the possibility of engaging in local and state professional organizations and presenting scholarly research or creative activities through workshops or publications.
At A Glance
Performance Pedagogy, MM
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
Plan of study
The Plan of study is the required curriculum to complete this graduate level program.
Application requirements
Application procedures + requirements
Application deadlines
Spring 2023 (Piano, Voice): October 1, 2022
Spring 2023 (Instrumental, Organ): October 15, 2022
Fall 2023: December 1, 2022
Curriculum check sheets
Check sheets break down the course requirements for each degree program and are listed below by area.
Instrumental Pedagogy (MM), 2022-23
(Brass, Percussion, Strings, Woodwind)
Voice Pedagogy (MM), 2022-23
Piano Pedagogy (MM), 2022-23
Affording grad school
Music scholarships
All applicants are automatically considered for merit based scholarships, with priority given to those who audition and/or interview on-campus.
Teaching assistantships
Teaching assistantships are offered to graduate students who convey exceptional ability. Learn more about TA benefits, eligibility and application procedures.
Financial aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact, more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of financial assistance every year.
Degree requirements
Required Core (4 credit hours)
MUP 527 Studio Instruction (4)
Concentration (6 credit hours)
MUP 527 Studio Instruction (4)
MUP 596 Solo Performance (1)
MUP 597 Solo Performance (1)
Area of Emphasis (10-11 credit hours)
Other Studies in Music (11-12 credit hours)
music history (6)
music theory (5-6)
Culminating Experience (0 credit hours)
written comprehensive exam (0)
Additional Curriculum Requirements
Students select an area of emphasis from the following: instrumental pedagogy, piano pedagogy or voice pedagogy. Students should see the academic unit for specific requirements for the selected area of emphasis.
Area of emphasis credit hours may include electives, depending on course selections.
The other studies in music requirement includes six credit hours of MHL coursework and five to six credit hours of MTC coursework.
Completion of diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory is required of all new graduate music students prior to enrollment in courses for these programs through the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre. This is tracked internally within the academic unit.
Additional information on degree requirements for all graduate music majors may be found on the check sheets posted under each degree here: https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/degree-programs/music/graduate.
Admission requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a U.S. bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an institution in another country that is officially recognized by that country.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee: https://admission.asu.edu/graduate
- School of Music, Dance and Theatre application, including a resume, personal statement and repertoire list: https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/graduate-steps-to-apply
- official transcripts
- three letters of recommendation
- voice applicants: a prescreening video
- piano applicants: a teaching demonstration video
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency: https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate/english-proficiency. The School of Music does not offer conditional admission under any circumstances.
Applicants must perform an audition for admission. Auditions are scheduled following receipt of complete application materials and, when applicable, favorable review of prescreening materials. Information about the audition may be found at https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/graduate-auditions.
A bachelor's degree in music is not required for admission to a master's program. However, all applicants without a bachelor's degree in music should contact MDTAdmissions@asu.edu for information on potential remedial courses. Remedial courses may be taken at ASU, another accredited university or a community college before or after admission to this program, but they must be completed prior to starting graduate-level course requirements in music history and music theory.
Voice applicants: Students should see the program website for application deadlines. After receipt of complete application materials, including recommendation letters, transcripts and proof of English proficiency, and review of prescreening materials, an applicant may be invited for an audition.
Instrumental and keyboard applicants: Students should see the program website for application deadlines. After an applicant's complete application materials have been received, including recommendation letters, transcripts and proof of English proficiency, the applicant will be confirmed for an audition.