Teach with purpose. Perform with passion.
Our M.M. in Performance Pedagogy is built for pianists dedicated to both performing and teaching. This program offers advanced training in piano performance, pedagogy, and academic inquiry—preparing you to become an effective educator, studio leader, and artistic entrepreneur.
Who Should Apply
Ideal for pianists seeking high-level teaching training through private instruction, group methods, and leadership in university and community settings. Admission by audition is required.
Why Choose Performance Pedagogy at UL Lafayette?
- Innovative Curriculum integrating performance, entrepreneurial training, and teaching experience for diverse music careers in higher education, independent studio teaching, arts leadership, and related professional fields.
- Flexible Degree Pathways supporting candidates' classical, jazz, traditional, and technology-enhanced career goals.
- Graduate Assistantships offering a variety of experiences in collaborative piano, group piano teaching, performance, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities, enhancing competencies for today's evolving music profession.
- Extensive Teaching Experiences with additional studio teaching opportunities available through the UL Piano Institute Program under faculty mentorship.
Academic & Artistic Themes You’ll Explore
- Performance excellence through applied piano study and graduate-level seminar recital experience.
- Advanced teaching methodologies, studio management, and pedagogical research.
- Techniques for both individual and group piano instruction, including early childhood and adult learners.
- Entrepreneurial strategies to build and sustain studio or community teaching practices.
- Performance pedagogy conferences, workshops, and teaching labs with faculty supervision.
What You’ll Experience
- Recitals and internships grounded in performance and pedagogy theory.
- Hands-on teaching through UL Lafayette’s Piano Institute with community-based students.
- Collaborative and clinic-based learning formats focused on assessment and reflective practice.
- Opportunities to combine keyboard literature, history, and teaching labs in your graduate coursework.
Financial & Professional Support
- Graduate assistantships include tuition waivers, a monthly stipend, and housing support. Additional funding for professional development activities may also be available.
- Piano graduate assistantships provide opportunities to participate in ensemble and collaborative performances, assist with rehearsals, and support group piano courses and laboratory instruction.
Admission & Application Steps
- Submit separate applications to both the Graduate School and the School of Music
- Provide a live or recorded audition, reflective of your performance and pedagogical skills
- Indicate interest in assistantships or teaching roles, if applicable
Career Pathways
Graduates of the Performance Pedagogy master's program pursue careers such as:
- Independent piano instructors in private studios, group teaching settings, or conservatories
- Faculty members at colleges, universities, community music schools, and arts organizations
- Studio directors, arts education leaders, and administrators who shape music programs and educational initiatives
- Doctoral studies and future faculty members in Piano Pedagogy, Piano Performance, and related disciplines
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