Graduate Studies

Program Information

The School of Music educates prospective teachers, performers, and composers in programs designed to develop persons of professional competence.

Ten graduate programs leading to the master's degree are offered: the master of music or master of science in music education; and the master of music in performance, conducting, composition, and Suzuki pedagogy. Programs range from 30 to 36 credits of graduate study. A minimum combination of two consecutive terms of full-time study in residence is required for the master of music degrees in performance and composition. The master of science or master of music degree in music education may be pursued on a part-time basis. The master of music degrees in conducting, Suzuki pedagogy, and music education with Suzuki emphasis require two years in residence.

To receive a copy of the Ithaca College Graduate Cataloged the Music Graduate Programs Brochure,send an e-mail message to Linda Spencer. Please include your mailing address in the message.

Guest Artists and Visiting Faculty

In addition to a regular concert season featuring internationally renowned musicians, each year the School of Music hosts a series of guest master classes, seminars, teaching sessions, and concerts by many of the world's premiere performers, pedagogues, and composers.

Guests in recent years have included Midori, Emmanuel Ax, Sharon Isbin, Edgar Meyer, Elly Ameling, Howard Gardner, Sylvia McNair, New York Voices, Yundi Li, Guarneri Quartet, and Awadagin Pratt.

The Karel Husa Visiting Professor of Composition series enables student composers to work with leading composers such as John Harbison, John Corigliano, Tania León, Samuel Adler, Christopher Rouse, Libby Larsen, George Crumb, Michael Daugherty, and Shulamit Ran.

Performance

An emphasis on performance is at the core of every degree program in the Ithaca College school of music. Under the guidance of professionals on the faculty, graduate students continue their development as performing, and composing students. As soloists and in ensembles, students become part of the rich musical life of the school, where more than 300 recitals, concerts, musicals, operas, and other productions are given each year. Ithaca ensembles also appear throughout the United States and in Europe in touring productions and concerts.

Students prepare for musical performances through weekly private lessons and one-hour repertory classes with major teachers and fellow students. Repertory classes provide opportunities for students to perform for each other, review performance techniques, and meet guest artists.

Career Opportunities

Ithaca graduates pursue careers in professional performance, teaching, arts administration, music merchandising, instrument manufacturing, recreational music, music publishing, sound recording, and throughout the entertainment and concert industry. In fact, Ithaca's graduates work in almost every imaginable field of music.

Whether they teach privately or in public schools, perform with symphony orchestras or chamber ensembles, work in arts management or publishing, all music graduates have a common bond – they are serious musicians who evolved into professionals within Ithaca's supportive, distinctive community.

Not only to Ithaca graduates have the advantage of the school's strong reputation in music circles throughout the country, but they also have assistance in career planning from a member of the music staff in cooperation with the College's Career Services. In addition, many Ithaca alumni have been actively involved with the School of Music and have served as sources for career opportunities for our current students, As a result, the school's graduates have achieved an exceptional level of job placement success.