Master of Art in Music
| DEGREE TYPE | LEARNING MODE |
|---|---|
|
DEGREE TYPE
Master of Art |
LEARNING MODE
On-Campus |
Shape Your Future Through Music
33
Credit Hours
2
Years to Complete
4
Program Track
Take the next step in your academic and professional career with Morgan. Pursue your future – today.
Advance your Music Career
The Master of Arts in Music at Morgan State University prepares students to thrive as professional musicians, performers, composers, conductors, and scholars. Rooted in artistic excellence and academic rigor, the program emphasizes performance mastery, advanced music theory, and historical perspectives, including the History of Black Music course highlighting composers of the African diaspora. As the only graduate music program at an HBCU in the United States, it provides unmatched opportunities for cultural connection and professional growth. Students benefit from Baltimore’s rich music scene and the East Coast’s vibrant artistic networks. Graduates leave prepared to contribute to the arts community locally, nationally, and globally.
Why Morgan?
Distinctive
Only HBCU in the nation with a graduate music program.
Mentorship
Faculty are active composers, performers, and scholars with national and international presence
Opportunity
Access to Baltimore’s professional orchestras, ensembles, and arts networks.
Performance
Weekly recital opportunities and international choir tours.
Innovation
Courses such as History of Black Music center African diaspora contributions.
Prestige
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Move Forward in Your Professional Career
By choosing Morgan’s Master of Arts in Music, you will join a community of artists, scholars, and performers committed to excellence and cultural legacy. With hands-on training, professional mentorship, and international performance opportunities, you will be equipped to shape the future of music while leaving your own mark on the world.
Learn In-Demand Skills
Graduates of this program develop advanced musical, academic, and professional skills that prepare them to perform, compose, teach, and lead in diverse musical settings. Through a balance of scholarship, artistry, and performance, graduates of the program develop:
- Mastery in vocal, instrumental, or conducting performance
- Advanced skills in music theory and composition
- Research and writing expertise in musicology
- Leadership and conducting abilities for ensembles and choirs
- Critical thinking and analytical approaches to music
- Professional networking and collaboration in the arts industry
Secure Your Ideal Career
Graduates of the program pursue careers in performance, education, and composition. Salaries vary by role, with averages ranging between $50,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on specialization. Possible career paths include:
- Teacher or Professor of Music
- Concert Pianist or Opera Singer
- Conductor (Choral, Orchestral, or Band)
- Composer or Arranger
- Church Musician
- Music Researcher or Scholar
Pursue Hands-On Research and Internships
Graduate students engage in meaningful, practical experiences throughout their studies. From weekly recital performances and conducting large ensembles to composing for orchestras, choirs, or chamber groups, students gain direct exposure to professional-level work. They may also participate in semi-professional internships, young artist programs, and music festivals. Academic opportunities include grading undergraduate theory assignments and substitute teaching courses. Notably, students can learn directly from Professor James Lee III, Composer-in-Residence with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, whose works have been performed worldwide.
Discover the MA in Music
Find meaningful success—both personally and professionally—with the On-Campus MA in Music. If you are ready to learn valuable skills for a more rewarding career, why wait? Request more information today and we will reach out to you with all the details.
Program Requirements
The Master of Arts in Music requires 33 credit hours and can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students complete a blend of core coursework, electives, and a final recital performance. Concentrations are available in Vocal, Piano or Organ, Instrumental, Choral Conducting, Musicology, Music Theory & Composition.
Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
Course
MUSC 795 |
Title
Recital Seminar in Music |
Credits
3 |
|
Course
MUSC 595 |
Title
Research Methods in Music and Music Education |
Credits
3 |
|
Course
MUSC 536 |
Title
Form and Analysis |
Credits
3 |
|
Course
MUSC 524 |
Title
The History of Black Music |
Credits
3 |
Achieve Success Like Our Alumni
Morgan music alumni achieve recognition on national and international stages. For example, Jasmine Barnes (Class of 2018) was commissioned to compose a work for the National Youth Symphony Orchestra, which premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2024. The internationally acclaimed Morgan State University Choir also performs globally each year, reflecting the caliber of the program’s training and opportunities.
Financial Aid Makes Things Possible
Choosing the right program is a big decision—and we are here to help you navigate the options available for funding your education. Whether you are an in-state, out-of-state, or international student, you may be eligible for Graduate Funding. We also offer two types of Graduate Assistantships: Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs). Both provide special learning opportunities in exchange for a stipend/salary and Tuition Award. In addition, by simply filing your FAFSA each year, you will be able to participate in Federal Plus Loans and Federal Direct Loan Programs. With proper planning, going back to graduate school is more than possible. We are committed to breaking barriers and opening doors for all future students. Contact us to learn more about affordability at Morgan’s School of Graduate Studies.
- Graduate Fellowships and federal Title III Graduate Fellowships provide a stipend and Tuition Award
- Teaching Assistantships offer you the chance to teach and assist with undergraduate courses
- Research Assistantships give you research experience with faculty-led or external projects
- Federal Direct Loan Programs include the Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Additional Grants and Scholarships from external sources award free money—so apply early