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Focus on both performance and teaching skills at the highest level in the master's in performance pedagogy at ASU. Reach your maximum potential through required solo and pedagogy recitals while teaching at the ASU Community Music School and engaging in pedagogy classes and observations with faculty and local teachers.
The MM program in performance with a concentration in performance pedagogy concentrates on the performance and teaching of Western art 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 and other performers 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.
Graduates of this program typically continue on to a doctorate, open successful private studios, or teach in arts schools of various academic levels.
At A Glance
Performance Pedagogy, MM
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design & the Arts
- Location: Tempe
Plan of study
The Plan of study is the required curriculum to complete the program.
Application requirements
Application procedures + requirements
Application deadlines
Spring 2021 (Voice): October 1, 2020
Spring 2021 (Instrumental, Keyboard): October 15, 2020
Fall 2021: December 1, 2020
Curriculum checksheets
Checksheets break down the course requirements for each degree program and are listed below by area.
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.
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://music.asu.edu/admissions/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, Dance and Theatre 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://music.asu.edu/admissions/graduate-auditions.
Although a bachelor's degree in music is not required to be eligible for admission, applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree in music are required to complete the deficiency courses listed below, which are not a part of the coursework for this graduate degree in music. These courses or the equivalents 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 commencement of graduate-level course requirements in music history and music theory.
MHL 140 Music as Culture
MHL 341 Music History I
MHL 342 Music History II
MTC 125 Basic Music Theory
MTC 221 Music Theory: 18th Century
MTC 222 Music Theory: 19th Century
MTC 223 Music Theory: 20th Century
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 a live 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 a live audition.