Refine your technique and own the stage.
Elevate your artistry within UL Lafayette’s Master of Music Performance program. Whether you’re a classical instrumentalist or jazz musician, you'll receive customized academic and practical training tailored for professional performance or advancement into doctoral study.
Why This Program Is Different
- Focused one-on-one mentorship: Study with expert faculty who guide you in your specialization—jazz or classical—with seminar-style feedback and individual attention.
- Extensive performance opportunities: Graduate students perform in studio recitals, ensembles, and large-scale productions, and often serve as peer role models in the program.
- Flexible curriculum with personalized direction: Plans tailored to your strengths and career goals, ensuring aligned coursework and assembly of a committee to oversee your academic progress.
Core Academic Themes
- Professional performance standards: Refine repertoire, style, and ensemble collaboration in a demanding studio environment.
- Academic depth: Graduate-level theory, music history, and musicology prepare you for performance, teaching, or scholarly careers.
- Career-ready exam preparation: Gain proficiency through diagnostic tests, recital hearings, and final comprehensive examinations, ensuring continuous refinement.
Academic Milestones & Graduation Requirements
- Graduate Committee: Appointed after 12 credit hours to guide your progress.
- Diagnostic Exams: Upon entry, students must pass music theory, history, and keyboard proficiency (as required). Remedial courses (e.g., MUS 481) do not count toward the degree.
- Ensemble Credit: All full-time students must register for at least one ensemble each semester.
- Recital Hearing: Presented to your committee approximately two weeks before your final recital.
- Comprehensive Exams: Final written and oral exams required prior to graduation, including a separate music history/listening analysis.
Scholarships & Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships are available and include stipends, tuition waivers, and teaching or ensemble opportunities. Assistant teaching responsibilities may include participation in ensemble classes or theory labs.
Application & Audition Requirements
- Apply to the Graduate School and the School of Music
- Perform a live or recorded audition with repertoire appropriate to your instrument or voice
- Must pass diagnostic exams before registering for advanced coursework
- Recent retention in the program typically leads to opportunities for doctoral study, teaching, or prestigious ensembles.
Alumni Outcomes
Graduates pursue successful paths in:
- Symphony or chamber music careers
- University-level teaching and private studios
- Scholarship in doctoral programs or artist residencies
Next Steps
View admissions & audition guidance »
Explore financial aid & assistantship opportunities »
Let us support your transformation from musician to master performer at UL Lafayette.