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 Performance, M.Mu.

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

A concentration in piano performance at Georgia State University caters to individuals aspiring to become professional performers or collaborative pianists. It serves as a pathway for students pursuing graduate studies and also prepares them for careers in teaching, both in academia and private studios. Students benefit from personalized instruction by our exceptional music faculty, enabling them to strive for excellence in performance and develop a strong sense of professionalism.

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 instrumental performance 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

A Master of Music in Piano Performance from GSU opens up diverse career paths, including becoming a concert pianist, university professor, or private instructor. Graduates may excel as collaborative pianists, composers or arrangers, with opportunities in arts administration, recording and accompaniment for dance or theater. Some may pursue roles as music directors or conductors, while others explore entrepreneurial ventures by establishing music studios, concert series or festivals. Continuous skill development, networking and gaining performance experience are crucial for success in the competitive field of music.

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 Performance concentration at GSU offers an immersive and rigorous curriculum for pianists seeking to refine their artistic skills and excel in their performance abilities.

Students in this program engage in a range of courses that cover areas such as advanced performance techniques, piano literature, music theory and collaborative piano. Through individual lessons, masterclasses and performance opportunities, students receive personalized guidance from accomplished faculty members.

The curriculum emphasizes the development of technical mastery, expressive interpretation, and stage presence. Students also have the opportunity to collaborate with other musicians and participate in ensemble performances. The program fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, nurturing the artistic growth of each pianist.

Graduates of our Master’s in Piano Performance program emerge as polished and versatile performers, well-prepared to pursue successful careers as concert pianists, collaborative artists or educators.

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