Overview

Music at Western Washington University may be used as a preparation for doctoral studies in music, or it may serve as a terminal degree. Minimum credits for each concentration is 45.

The composition concentration includes course work in composition, music history, and music theory as well as a thesis (original composition). Ensembles, studio instruction, and course work in conducting are also available.

The music history and literature concentration includes seminars in music history, work in notation, courses in music theory, performance (including the Collegium Musicum), and a written thesis.

The performance concentration includes vocal or instrumental studio instruction, work with small and large ensembles, and course work in music history and music theory. Pianists may emphasize solo performance, pedagogy, or accompanying. Studies in jazz areas are available.

The conducting concentration includes course work in conducting, music history, and music theory, and a conducting practicum to fulfill the thesis requirement. Ensembles and studio instruction are also available.

Goals

To prepare students for professional-level work in music, as performers (singers, instrumentalists, or conductors), composers, scholars, educators, or in a combination of these areas.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Seminar in Music History: Medieval-Renaissance

Seminar in Music History: Baroque-Classical

Seminar in Music History: Romantic-Contemporary

Graduate Study of Music

Analytical Techniques: 20th-Century Musical Practices

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

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

45 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bellingham, United States

Disciplines

Music View 1011 other Masters in Music in United States

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

Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

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

The prerequisite for the Master of Music degree is the completion of a Bachelor of Music, or Bachelor of Arts in Music prior to first quarter of enrollment. Students must first complete a graduate application through the graduate school.

Those applying for the MM in Performance must complete an audition on their primary instrument.

Those applying for the MM in Composition must provide a portfolio of recent works.

Those applying for the MM in Conducting must provide a video of recent conducting performance, by way of online submission or DVD.

Those applying for the MM in Music Education concentration are accepted following an interview, either in person or through an e-conference.

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

26574 USD / year

≈ 26574 USD / year
Out-of-State

8858 USD / year

≈ 8858 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

4486 USD / year

≈ 4486 USD / year

Living costs

Bellingham

United States

1109 - 1684 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.

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 Music.

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

Goals

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

Bellingham

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners