MA Music Leadership at University of Rochester

Programme overview

The online MA in Music Leadership prepares musicians to lead traditional or non-traditional musical arts organizations. It combines online coursework, Eastman electives and a hands-on capstone project, and fulfils the NYSED requirement for K-12 music teachers to move from an Initial to a Professional Certificate.

Faculty: Eastman School of Music | Department: Institute for Music Leadership | Duration: Full-time 14 months (starting mid-May or mid-January); part-time spread over multiple years | Intake: Fall (December 1 deadline); Spring (October 1 deadline, not for doctoral programmes) | Study mode: online | Location: Rochester, NY, United States

What you will study

Required online Music Leadership courses (synchronous and asynchronous), electives from Eastman's curriculum, and a capstone project with a national-level music organization. Dual options: MA+MM (typically three years full-time) and MA+MBA with Simon Business School.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Eastman School of Music (MA Music Leadership): an undergraduate music degree, high musical skill, breadth of musical and academic preparation, a writing sample and a personal statement on leadership, administration or entrepreneurial interest; placement tests (remedial courses may be required); interview in two parts (leadership and vision; musicianship with up to 10 minutes of performance followed by up to 10 minutes of discussion). Interviews are required for MA and PhD applicants. Eastman School of Music (all graduate programmes): $100 application fee; three recommendations; 2-3 page personal statement; resume or CV; transcripts, with final official transcripts showing degree conferment before enrollment; applicants whose native language is not English submit an official English proficiency test score and a Non-Native English Essay by December 1; programme-specific items such as audition or pre-screening recordings and repertoire lists. Deadlines: Fall 2027 December 1; Spring 2027 October 1 (not available for doctoral programmes).

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Intake: Fall (December 1 deadline); Spring (October 1 deadline, not for doctoral programmes)

Duration: Full-time 14 months (starting mid-May or mid-January); part-time spread over multiple years

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