Explore Our Programs
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 that include performance, pedagogy, music education, conducting, composition and jazz studies.
Contact Us
The School of Music coordinates both graduate and undergraduate admissions. Students seeking an undergraduate degree will apply through university admissions and receive additional support from the central office.
Graduate Admissions
Ella Chamis
Master of Music, Concentration in Choral Conducting, M.Mu.
Choral Conducting at the Georgia State School of Music offers exceptional training to talented musicians wishing to study the choral art at an advanced level. Intensive study with Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Deanna Joseph, and regular performance experience is the foundation for developing highly qualified, professional conductors. Students in the program regularly conduct the Master Singers, an auditioned chamber choir of 20 to 30 voices in rehearsal and performance, and assist with the University Singers (the School of Music’s top choral ensemble) and Choral Union (open to all). Full scholarships and graduate assistantships, including the Robert Shaw Choral Award, are available. 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 …
Choral Conducting at the Georgia State School of Music offers exceptional training to talented musicians wishing to study the choral art at an advanced level. Intensive study with Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Deanna Joseph, and regular performance experience is the foundation for developing highly qualified, professional conductors. Students in the program regularly conduct the Master Singers, an auditioned chamber choir of 20 to 30 voices in rehearsal and performance, and assist with the University Singers (the School of Music’s top choral ensemble) and Choral Union (open to all). Full scholarships and graduate assistantships, including the Robert Shaw Choral Award, are available. 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.Master of Music, Concentration in Composition, M. Mu.
This concentration prepares students for careers as professional composers, teachers of composition and preparation for doctoral programs in composition. Successful applicants have a portfolio of compositions representing a variety of media and techniques. Portfolio/recording review required. The mission of the Georgia State School of …
This concentration prepares students for careers as professional composers, teachers of composition and preparation for doctoral programs in composition. Successful applicants have a portfolio of compositions representing a variety of media and techniques. Portfolio/recording review required. 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.Master of Music, Concentration in Guitar Performance, M.Mu.
The 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 …
The 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.Master of Music, Concentration in Instrumental Conducting, M.Mu.
Orchestral This concentration provides a course of study intended to: a) develop and enhance the conducting skills of students, b) extend students’ musical and administrative knowledge in conducting orchestras and c) prepare students for doctoral study in conducting. Successful applicants are active orchestral conductors who demonstrate potential as professional conductors. Conducting audition/videotape required. Wind Band This concentration is intended to: a) develop and enhance the conducting skills of students, b) extend students’ musicianship and artistry through rigorous study of repertoire, c) enhance students’ administrative knowledge in directing collegiate wind-band programs and d) prepare students for doctoral study in conducting. Conducting audition/videotape required. The mission of the Georgia State School of Music is to preserve, prom …
Orchestral
This concentration provides a course of study intended to: a) develop and enhance the conducting skills of students, b) extend students’ musical and administrative knowledge in conducting orchestras and c) prepare students for doctoral study in conducting. Successful applicants are active orchestral conductors who demonstrate potential as professional conductors. Conducting audition/videotape required.Wind Band
This concentration is intended to: a) develop and enhance the conducting skills of students, b) extend students’ musicianship and artistry through rigorous study of repertoire, c) enhance students’ administrative knowledge in directing collegiate wind-band programs and d) prepare students for doctoral study in conducting. Conducting audition/videotape required. 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.Master of Music, Concentration in Jazz Studies, M.Mu.
This concentration develops competence in jazz performance, improvisation and knowledge of jazz history, develops professional competence in establishing, organizing and maintaining a high school or college-level jazz programs and nurtures the creative talents of students in jazz arranging and composing. The Jazz Studies program provides opportunities for students to participate in quality jazz organizations such as large jazz bands and jazz combos. In addition to the performance groups, a student may supplement his or her playing by participating in some of the academic jazz courses such as jazz improvisation, jazz arranging and jazz pedagogy, etc. The mission of the Georgia State School of Mu …
This concentration develops competence in jazz performance, improvisation and knowledge of jazz history, develops professional competence in establishing, organizing and maintaining a high school or college-level jazz programs and nurtures the creative talents of students in jazz arranging and composing. The Jazz Studies program provides opportunities for students to participate in quality jazz organizations such as large jazz bands and jazz combos. In addition to the performance groups, a student may supplement his or her playing by participating in some of the academic jazz courses such as jazz improvisation, jazz arranging and jazz pedagogy, etc. 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.Master of Music, Concentration in Music Education, M.Mu.
This concentration emphasizes the development of advanced, research-based knowledge and skills in music teaching and learning. The focus is on school music programs. However, students may pursue courses in effective teaching at all age levels, including early childhood through adulthood. Graduate students in music education will be given the opportunity to conduct research and to learn to apply their findings in the classroom. The music education faculty is continuously involved in research related to adolescent voices, educational policy, cognition behind improvisation and more. They use qualitative, quantitative and brain imaging methods to explore important questions with the goal of understanding and improving music learning and teaching. Successful applicants for the music education concentration generally have experience as excellent general, choral or instrumental music teachers in schools. The Master of Music program is not appropriate for candidates seeking initial teaching certification. Applicants should either hold or be eligible for an initial teaching certificate or license. GRE or MAT scores required. Interview recommended. The mission of the Georgia State School of Mu …
This concentration emphasizes the development of advanced, research-based knowledge and skills in music teaching and learning. The focus is on school music programs. However, students may pursue courses in effective teaching at all age levels, including early childhood through adulthood. Graduate students in music education will be given the opportunity to conduct research and to learn to apply their findings in the classroom. The music education faculty is continuously involved in research related to adolescent voices, educational policy, cognition behind improvisation and more. They use qualitative, quantitative and brain imaging methods to explore important questions with the goal of understanding and improving music learning and teaching. Successful applicants for the music education concentration generally have experience as excellent general, choral or instrumental music teachers in schools. The Master of Music program is not appropriate for candidates seeking initial teaching certification. Applicants should either hold or be eligible for an initial teaching certificate or license. GRE or MAT scores required. Interview recommended. 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.Master of Music, Concentration in Orchestral Instrument Performance, M.Mu.
The Master of Music with a concentration in Orchestral Instrument Performance program prepares students as advanced performers on orchestral instruments. Successful applicants demonstrate high levels of proficiency and potential for success as career performers. Graduates may be qualified for teaching at the college level or privately, or for performing professionally as soloists, members of large ensembles or chamber musicians. The mission of the Georgia State School of …
The Master of Music with a concentration in Orchestral Instrument Performance program prepares students as advanced performers on orchestral instruments. Successful applicants demonstrate high levels of proficiency and potential for success as career performers. Graduates may be qualified for teaching at the college level or privately, or for performing professionally as soloists, members of large ensembles or chamber musicians. 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.Master of Music, Concentration in Organ, M.Mu.
The Master of Music with a concentration in Organ Performance program prepares students for a career in church music, as a concert performer and as a teacher of organ. Completion of the degree normally requires four semesters of full-time study. Graduate organ performance majors are required to give a one-hour lecture recital on a topic of their choice in consultation with the applied teacher and organ faculty. The mission of the Georgia State School of …
The Master of Music with a concentration in Organ Performance program prepares students for a career in church music, as a concert performer and as a teacher of organ. Completion of the degree normally requires four semesters of full-time study. Graduate organ performance majors are required to give a one-hour lecture recital on a topic of their choice in consultation with the applied teacher and organ faculty. 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.Master of Music, Concentration in Piano Pedagogy, M.Mu.
This concentration develops competence for effective studio or class teaching of piano at any age level. The program enhances artistic performance, builds techniques of verbal and musical communication, develops a knowledge of appropriate piano literature and fosters the successful use of methods, techniques and instructional materials. The mission of the Georgia State School of …
This concentration develops competence for effective studio or class teaching of piano at any age level. The program enhances artistic performance, builds techniques of verbal and musical communication, develops a knowledge of appropriate piano literature and fosters the successful use of methods, techniques and instructional materials. 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.Master of Music, Concentration in Piano Performance, M.Mu.
The Master of Music with a concentration in piano performance prepares students for a career as a concert performer either as a soloist, member of an ensemble or accompanist and as a teacher of piano. Graduate piano performance majors are required to give a one-hour lecture recital on a topic of their choice in consultation with the applied teacher and piano faculty. The mission of the Georgia State School of …
The Master of Music with a concentration in piano performance prepares students for a career as a concert performer either as a soloist, member of an ensemble or accompanist and as a teacher of piano. Graduate piano performance majors are required to give a one-hour lecture recital on a topic of their choice in consultation with the applied teacher and piano faculty. 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.Master of Music, Concentration in Voice Performance, M.Mu.
This concentration prepares students at advanced levels for careers in the fields of opera, oratorio or song recital, and for the teaching of advanced students. Performance audition required. The mission of the Georgia State School of …
This concentration prepares students at advanced levels for careers in the fields of opera, oratorio or song recital, and for the teaching of advanced students. Performance audition required. 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.Music, Dual B.Mu./M.Mu. Program
Music, Dual B.Mu./M.Mu. Program
Eligible for the Dual Undergraduate/Graduate Program
College of the Arts
The School of Music offers a dual Bachelor of Music and Master of Music program for all Performance concentrations, Jazz Studies, Composition and Piano Pedagogy. The dual-degree opportunity enables qualified students to enroll in graduate courses late in their undergraduate program and apply the coursework toward both the bachelor’s and master’s programs. The program is designed to take five years to complete. Students must be formally accepted into the dual-degree program by the school and the College of the Arts to be able to take graduate courses as an undergraduate. Acceptance into the dual program does not constitute admission to the master’s program. Students must fulfill regular graduate admissions requirements and apply for the master’s program following college processes. Through the dual-degree programs, highly talented and qualified students will have the opportunity to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as five years. If determined to be qualified by typical admission measures, students can begin taking coursework toward the designated master’s degree program while still completing their final year of bachelor’s work. Admission to the graduate program is provisional, contingent upon successful completion of the bachelor’s degree, maintenance of the required 3.5 GPA and performance in the graduate-level courses taken during the bachelor’s degree.
The School of Music offers a dual Bachelor of Music and Master of Music program for all Performance concentrations, Jazz Studies, Composition and Piano Pedagogy. The dual-degree opportunity enables qualified students to enroll in graduate courses late in their undergraduate program and apply the coursework toward both the bachelor’s and master’s programs. The program is designed to take five years to complete. Students must be formally accepted into the dual-degree program by the school and the College of the Arts to be able to take graduate courses as an undergraduate. Acceptance into the dual program does not constitute admission to the master’s program. Students must fulfill regular graduate admissions requirements and apply for the master’s program following college processes. Through the dual-degree programs, highly talented and qualified students will have the opportunity to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as five years. If determined to be qualified by typical admission measures, students can begin taking coursework toward the designated master’s degree program while still completing their final year of bachelor’s work. Admission to the graduate program is provisional, contingent upon successful completion of the bachelor’s degree, maintenance of the required 3.5 GPA and performance in the graduate-level courses taken during the bachelor’s degree.