Degrees & Majors

The Georgia State University Composition Concentration offers aspiring composers a comprehensive and immersive experience. The curriculum is designed to develop students’ artistic expression and compositional skills across various musical genres and styles. Through individualized instruction, students work closely with experienced faculty, honing their composition techniques and exploring their unique creative voices. The program emphasizes traditional and contemporary composition approaches, fostering a well-rounded understanding of music theory, orchestration and electronic music. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including cutting-edge recording studios and composition software, allowing them to bring their musical ideas to life with professional-level production quality. The mission of the Georgia State School of Music is to preserve, promote and advance humanity’s rich and expanding tradition of artistic music-making through performance, composition, education and research in accordance with the urban and global initiatives of the university. The graduate programs in the School of Music offer unparalleled opportunities in one of America’s most vibrant urban centers. The school enrolls about 90 students in Master of Music degree programs, Artist Certificate programs, and Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in music education. Students have the opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed faculty of 40 full-time and 24 part-time faculty in concentrations such as performance, pedagogy, music education, conducting, composition and jazz studies.

The Georgia State University Master of Music with a concentration in guitar performance provides advanced preparation for a career as a concert performer, as both soloist and chamber musician and as a teacher of guitar. Georgia State’s location in the heart of Atlanta, a cultural gem of the South, allows Master of Music guitar students to take advantage of numerous performing and teaching opportunities on and off campus. Completion of the degree normally necessitates four semesters of full-time study and requires a one-hour solo recital as well as a one-hour chamber recital. The mission of the Georgia State School of Music is to preserve, promote and advance humanity’s rich and expanding tradition of artistic music-making through performance, composition, education and research in accordance with the urban and global initiatives of the university. The graduate programs in the School of Music offer unparalleled opportunities in one of America’s most vibrant urban centers. The school enrolls about 90 students in Master of Music degree programs, Artist Certificate programs, and Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in music education. Students have the opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed faculty of 40 full-time and 24 part-time faculty in concentrations such as performance, pedagogy, music education, conducting, composition and jazz studies.

The Orchestral Conducting program at Georgia State University has a multifaceted approach, focusing on three primary objectives. Firstly, it aims to develop and enhance students’ conducting skills. Secondly, the program seeks to broaden students’ musical and administrative knowledge in the context of orchestrating ensembles. Lastly, it prepares students for advanced studies in conducting at the doctoral level. As part of this comprehensive program, students serve as assistant conductors for the esteemed Georgia Philharmonic, providing them with valuable practical experience. Moreover, they have the opportunity to attend rehearsals of renowned ensembles such as the Atlanta Symphony and Atlanta Opera. The Georgia State Orchestral Conducting concentration is designed to nurture active orchestral conductors, fostering their potential as professional conductors.

The Georgia State University Piano Pedagogy concentration is a comprehensive and innovative pathway for cultivating the next generation of piano teachers and educators. This concentration equips students with the competence for effective studio or class teaching of piano across all age levels. The program seamlessly integrates artistic performance, techniques of verbal and musical communication, knowledge of appropriate piano literature and adept use of methods and instructional materials to foster successful teaching. Through hands-on experiences, theoretical exploration and practical teaching opportunities, students gain a profound understanding of nurturing musical talent while instilling a lifelong passion for the piano.

The Georgia State University voice performance concentration prepares students for dynamic careers as performing musicians and studio teachers, offering comprehensive training at advanced levels for excellence in opera, oratorio, song recital and advanced vocal instruction. Through rigorous coursework and practical experience, students cultivate a deep understanding of vocal technique, interpretation, stage presence and repertoire, receiving personalized instruction from accomplished faculty for invaluable mentorship and guidance. Focused on honing performance skills, students actively participate in various vocal performances, showcasing their talents and building a versatile repertoire. The emphasis in Voice equips students with the necessary expertise and artistic finesse to pursue fulfilling careers as captivating performers and respected educators in the realm of vocal music.

The Bachelor of Science in Music Management program at Georgia State University offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for careers in the dynamic and ever-evolving music industry. With a focus on business, entrepreneurship and artist management, the program equips students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the competitive music business landscape. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, practical experiences and industry internships, students gain a deep understanding of music marketing, promotion, copyright law, finance and contract negotiation. The program also emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership abilities, enabling students to navigate the challenges and seize opportunities in the rapidly changing music industry. With a faculty composed of industry professionals and experienced educators, students receive valuable insights and guidance from experts who are actively engaged in the field.

The total course work typically requires two years of enrollment, including student teaching. For students holding a Bachelor of Music or Master’s degree, and who do not need the instrumental techniques courses, the program typically requires four semesters, about 33 credit hours. For those students holding a Bachelor of Arts degree, the program typically requires six semesters totaling 37+ credit hours. Following assessment of background and proficiencies, the music education faculty will plan a program of study for each admitted student. Admission to the graduate program does not assure admission to the licensure program. The mission of the Georgia State School of Music is to preserve, promote and advance humanity’s rich and expanding tradition of artistic music-making through performance, composition, education and research in accordance with the urban and global initiatives of the university. The graduate programs in the School of Music offer unparalleled opportunities in one of America’s most vibrant urban centers. The school enrolls about 90 students in Master of Music degree programs, Artist Certificate programs, and Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in music education. Students have the opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed faculty of 40 full-time and 24 part-time faculty in concentrations such as performance, pedagogy, music education, conducting, composition and jazz studies.

The Ph.D. major in Teaching and Learning is designed to prepare you as a professional educator for leadership positions by developing a substantial knowledge base in one of the following areas of concentration:

• Language and Literacy Education
• Mathematics Education
• Music Education
• Science Education
• Social Studies Education
• Teaching and Teacher Education

In addition, the program prepares professional educators as scholarly inquirers who ask thoughtful questions, who can conduct sound inquiry and who can recommend informed policy.