The Master of Music degree in performance is designed for accomplished musicians who are ready to deepen their artistry, expand their professional horizons, and prepare for a life of meaningful work in music. Through intensive private study and individualized mentorship, surrounded by a vibrant community of musicians, students refine their technical command, artistic voice, and intellectual understanding of their craft.
The program is ideal for performers and studio or school music teachers seeking a graduate degree that will elevate their artistry and professional opportunities, as well as for musicians who plan to pursue doctoral study. Students work closely with distinguished faculty while engaging in performance, teaching, scholarly inquiry, chamber music, and other experiences that connect advanced musical study with the realities of a professional career as artist-teachers.
At the heart of the program is a commitment to developing the complete musician — one who performs with excellence, thinks deeply, communicates compellingly, and contributes meaningfully to the musical life of their community. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as performers, conductors, educators, entrepreneurs, and musical leaders, equipped with the skills, confidence, and artistic vision to make a lasting impact.
Admission to the Master of Music in Performance is by audition.
Find admissions requirements, faculty expertise and more about our instrumental programs.
Some programs have graduate assistantship options for performance program students. Explore these details on instrument/voice pages linked above, and explore the Financial Aid and Scholarships page.
Tuition and fees are assessed based on the number of credit hours of enrollment, Ohio residency and program.
Financial aid for graduate study (regardless of discipline) is available in the form of student loans. To begin the loan application process, you need to complete and submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
To learn more about loans, scholarships and grants, visit Ohio University's Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.
View Courses & Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
The Master of Music degree in performance requires a minimum of 38 to 47 credit hours, depending on the track. Tracks include: brass, percussion, piano, organ, string, voice and woodwind.
Culminating Experience: All students must perform a graduate recital. Area faculty must hear and approve the recital at least two weeks prior to the final performance.
Acceptance into the Master of Music in Performance program is by audition only for all entering students. All applicants must also complete an application through the Graduate College.
School of Music Graduate Auditions
Find audition details by program:
Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.
This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.
Ohio University's premier concert and performance series, organized by the Division of Student Affairs, and hosted in venues across campus, while primarily staging concerts and events at the Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium.
The Performing Arts series is home to a wide variety of arts and entertainment, from Grammy-award winning Kenny G and South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the Wizard of Oz play and country singer Sara Evans. The Memorial Auditorium and Stuart’s Opera House host some of the University and community’s top shows, acts, and events. We also host a regular film series and an acoustic showcase for movie and music buffs alike.
If you'd like more information about a performance program, reach out to our division chairs
Brass - Dr. Jason Smith
Strings - Dr. Jose Rocha or Nathan Southwick
Woodwinds - Dr. Rebecca Rischin
Percussion - Professor Roger Braun
Voice - Dr. Daniel Stein
Keyboard - Dr. Christopher Fisher
