Overview

The Performance program at Boston University includes study in music theory and musicology as well as elective courses in areas such as diction, orchestral excerpts, new music, historical performance, pedagogy, and literature for specific instruments and voice. The intensity of study in the School of Music set within the College of Fine Arts is further enhanced by the extensive cultural offerings of the city of Boston, providing exposure to Boston’s resident and touring soloists and professional performing ensembles, and drawing guest artists who frequently present master classes in the various vocal and instrumental majors.

Key Facts

MM in Performance students must take a minimum of 12 credits of applied lessons (maximum of 14 credits). The 12 credits must be taken over four semesters of study, with no more than 4 credits per semester. No more than 2 credits of extra applied lessons may be applied to the degree as elective credits. Students must take at least 6 credits combined in music theory and musicology. Please see the Performance Studies Policies and Procedures document on the School of Music website. Approved music elective courses may include ME, MH, MP, and MT courses numbered 500 and higher. PDP courses, e.g., tennis, dancing, or yoga, do not count as approved music electives for graduate students. Students in all Master of Music programs must pass comprehensive examinations in their area. These examinations are normally given in the fourth or final semester of study.

Students in Master of Music programs who are interested in pursuing a double major should speak with the chairs of both intended areas of study and then consult with the Director of Graduate Studies to work out details of the combined programs. A petition to the Graduate Studies committee is required for approval.

Performance Majors

Bassoon

Flute

Percussion

Tuba

Cello

French Horn

Piano

Viola

Clarinet

Harp

Saxophone

Violin

Collaborative Piano

Oboe

Trombone

Voice

Double Bass

Organ

Trumpet

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Applied Music

Analytical Techniques

Course in Musicology

Chamber Music

Musical Organizations

Graduate Music electives

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Performance View 327 other Masters in Music Performance in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.

Non-refundable application fee of $95.

Two (2) letters of recommendation from music professionals/educators.

Upload transcripts from all colleges and universities to your application.

Personal statement uploaded in the application

Current résumé uploaded in the application.

A prescreening video recording must be submitted through our online portal Acceptd by December 1.

An audition following the audition repertoire guidelines for the appropriate instrument. Auditions must be scheduled or final recorded audition submitted through our online portal Acceptd.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

66670 USD / year

≈ 66670 USD / year
Out-of-State

66670 USD / year

≈ 66670 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

66670 USD / year

≈ 66670 USD / year

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Performance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key Facts

Performance Majors

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boston

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners