music student playing piano
What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

Minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate coursework must be completed in 4 semesters (2 years)

Where can I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Am I required to take classes at a specific location?
Atlanta Campus

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Spring – November 15 (All concentrations except Conducting)
  • Summer – March 1 (Music Education concentration and non-degree programs only)
  • Fall – June 1 (All concentrations)

Master of Music, Concentration in Piano Pedagogy, M.Mu.

Graduate Director
Dr. Lara Saville Dahl
[email protected]
404-413-5965 

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.

Program Highlights

Guest Artists and Ensembles

The School of Music hosts renowned educators and professional musicians who offer concerts, workshops and masterclasses for students. We also have three resident ensembles: Bent Frequency, Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra of Atlanta and Ensemble ATL.

Vibrant Location

The downtown location fosters connections with local music ensembles and venues like Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Red Light Cafe, City Winery, Atlanta Opera, nearby theaters, schools and churches. Alumni, faculty and students actively participate in the thriving music scene, performing in various professional groups within the city.

Studios and Resources

Students enjoy round-the-clock access to private and semi-private practice spaces, fostering creative exploration and rehearsals. The School of Music boasts six cutting-edge recording studios equipped with Pro Tools and other advanced software, providing professional-level resources for audio production.

College to Career

GSU’s Piano Pedagogy program offers extensive performance opportunities with local and regional orchestras, contemporary chamber ensembles, churches and professional conferences. Many students secure employment in neighboring schools and churches, gaining valuable real-world experience in their field well before graduation.

VIEW NOTABLE ALUMNI

Career Outlook

With a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from GSU, graduates can embark on diverse and fulfilling career paths in piano education. Equipped with comprehensive skills for effective studio or class teaching across all age levels, individuals can become Piano Teachers or Educators, fostering musical talent and instilling a lifelong passion for the piano. Opportunities also exist in academia, where graduates can pursue roles as Piano Pedagogy Instructors, imparting their knowledge to the next generation of piano teachers. Additionally, graduates may engage in curriculum development, creating innovative approaches to piano education.

The program’s integration of artistic performance, communication techniques and knowledge of piano literature positions graduates for success in shaping the future of piano education through a blend of artistic proficiency and pedagogical expertise.

student playing piano

Program Details

Please note: You must apply to both the Georgia State Graduate School and the School of Music.

Required University Application Materials:

  • Transcript(s): Upload unofficial copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. The institution logo and your name must be present on the copies. Official transcripts will be required upon acceptance into the program.
  • Official TOEFL/IELT Scores (international applicants only): Institutional code 5251 should be used for reporting TOEFL scores.
  • Personal/Goal Statement: Please provide a statement of your educational and career goals (be as specific as possible).
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Upload within the online Slate application.
  • Writing Sample: Provide a scholarly/research paper on a subject in the field of music of a level of intellectual and critical engagement appropriate to graduate-level work.
  • Letters of recommendation: 2 letters of recommendation are required. Applicants must enter the names and contact information of the 2 recommenders within the application. An electronic recommendation request will be sent to recommenders, and recommendation letters must be submitted via this request. It is strongly advised that letters of recommendation are completed before the application deadline and are written within the last year. Recommendations submitted after this date are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
  • GPA: Students considered for admission into the graduate program generally have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Get started on the Graduate School Application.

School of Music Application Materials: Complete the “Start an Application” fields to view your specific application and audition requirements for the School of Music

Use the HOW TO APPLY link below when you are ready to apply to the Music School.

For all MM concentrations:
Applicants must have a Bachelor of Music degree. The graduate committee will consider applicants without a Bachelor of Music degree on a case-by-case basis. All graduate applicants will be considered for a graduate assistantship (except for Low-Residency Conducting MM applicants) based on their audition, their application materials and their academic transcripts.

For all AC concentrations:
Applicants must have a Master of Music degree. The graduate committee will consider applicants without a Master of Music degree on a case-by-case basis.

The Master’s in Piano Pedagogy concentration at GSU offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop expertise in piano teaching and pedagogy. Students in this program engage in a range of courses that cover areas such as piano pedagogy methods, curriculum development, studio management, psychology of learning and performance practice. Through coursework, practicum experiences and observation opportunities, students gain practical skills in lesson planning, teaching techniques and assessment strategies. The program emphasizes the application of pedagogical approaches to various student populations and fosters an understanding of diverse learning styles. Graduates of our Master’s in Piano Pedagogy program emerge as skilled and knowledgeable piano teachers, equipped with the tools and understanding to nurture the musical development of students of all ages and levels.

 

For detailed requirements, see the course catalog.

At Georgia State, we understand that students come to our institution from a range of financial backgrounds. We value the investment our students make in their education, and we aim to provide access to scholarships and aid opportunities that can support students through their academic journey.

Learn more about tuition rates or use Georgia State’s cost calculator to determine the investment required for your course of study.

Fees: There is an applied music fee of $350 per semester for a one-hour (8000 level) lesson and $200 per semester for a half-hour (6000 level) lesson. Additional lab fees for certain courses may apply.

The Georgia State School of Music provides unparalleled opportunities to study and work among an inspiring community of musicians in one of America’s most vibrant urban centers. Students receive exceptional training, are provided with meaningful opportunities and begin serious careers no matter what type of music drives their passion. The goals and outcomes from a graduate degree include:

  • Ensuring comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various faculty approaches to music performance, music history, music theory and teaching styles.
  • Honoring the continuing traditions of music making and pedagogy while exploring new forms and contemporary issues within the various musical fields.
  • Developing pedagogical skills and strategies through teaching assistantships for undergraduate-level courses.
  • Preparing students for a professional career in music through rigorous performance preparation, exposure to important repertoire and attention to practical business aspects of various musical careers.

Contacts

Graduate Director
Dr. Lara Saville Dahl
[email protected]

Administrative Specialist, Graduate
[email protected]

School of Music
75 Poplar St, 5th floor
Atlanta, GA 30303

College of the Arts Logo35 Broad St., 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303