Advance your craft. Lead the future of music.
The Master of Music (M.M.) program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is designed for students who want to deepen their expertise, refine their artistry, and prepare for performance, education, and scholarship careers. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty mentors, and a vibrant musical community, our graduate program offers personal and professional growth.
Learn more about the Master of Music program »
Why Choose the Master of Music Program?
Five customized concentrations tailored to your passion:
- Small cohorts & individualized study: Benefit from mentoring and close faculty interaction in seminars and private instruction.
- Real-world experience: Perform each semester in graduate ensembles, studio recitals, and collaborative projects.
- Professional outcomes: Alumni go on to leadership roles, doctoral programs, teaching, or high-level performance careers.
- NASM-accredited excellence: Delivering graduate study that meets national standards of music education.
Areas of Specialization
- Performance: Perfect your instrument or voice under expert faculty in either classical or jazz settings, with tailored recital options and ensemble experiences.
- Music Education: Advance your classroom teaching, pedagogy research, and curriculum development—ideal for practitioners or those pursuing leadership in music education.
- Theory / Composition: Deepen analytical and creative skills in either acoustic or media-based composition, with options for theoretical theses or applied composition projects.
- Conducting: Choose choral or instrumental conducting tracks, including liturgical/practical training, ensemble leadership, and method coursework.
- Performance Pedagogy: Designed for pianists focused on teaching, focusing on advanced teaching methods, literature, and studio mentorship.
Student Life & Support
- Graduate assistantships provide tuition support, stipends, and professional experience in teaching or ensemble direction.
- Flexible program formats: Choose thesis or non-thesis paths depending on your career goals.
- Access to premier facilities including recording labs, recital spaces, and ensemble venues.
Admission & Application Timeline
- Submit application to both the Graduate School and the School of Music
- Audition or interview with faculty in your area of specialization is required
- Additional materials include: written thesis proposals, composition samples, or pedagogy portfolios depending, on concentration
- Deadlines: Fall domestic — June 30; Spring domestic — November 30; earlier for international applicants
- Assistantship applications due: Fall applicants by March 1; Spring applicants by November 1
Graduate Achievements
- Alumni perform as soloists, educators, and scholars at universities and orchestras worldwide.
- Grad students frequently lead undergraduate classes, conduct ensembles, and mentor new musicians as part of coursework.
- UL Lafayette graduates report that mentorship and academic flexibility prepared them for doctoral programs and careers.