College of Arts and Sciences
Music (M.M.)
College of Arts and Sciences
Music (M.M.)
Elevate Your Artistry, Lead with Confidence. — Earn your Master of Music Degree at NMSU
Take your musicianship to the next level with the Master of Music (M.M.) at New Mexico State University — an advanced, NASM‑accredited program designed for performers and conductors who are ready to refine their craft, expand their artistic voice, and prepare for professional careers or doctoral study.
Whether you choose a concentration in Performance or Conducting, you’ll train within a vibrant and diverse musical community guided by internationally recognized faculty. Your graduate experience blends rigorous academic study with extensive hands‑on opportunities, ensuring you develop both artistic mastery and scholarly depth.
Admission Deadlines
June 1 (fall)
- Total credits: 32
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
The M.M. in Music program at NMSU prepares you to pursue a rich and dynamic career in the world of professional music. This degree advances your artistry through intense one-on-one instruction, ensemble experience, and performance opportunities that sharpen technical mastery, interpretive insight, and stage presence. Graduates are equipped to make their mark as performing artists and creative professionals in diverse settings — from concert halls and opera stages to chamber ensembles, solo recitals, and collaborative projects — while also building the professional versatility to thrive in a competitive global arts landscape.
- Director of bands (middle school, high school, collegiate, or community)
- Choral director / choir conductor
- Orchestral conductor / assistant conductor
- Professional performer / soloist
- Chamber musician
- Studio session musician
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Music in Conducting or Performance? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a M.M. in Conducting or Performance at NMSU?
Students build a strong foundation through coursework in music theory, music history, research methods, literature, and pedagogy, paired with specialized study in applied performance or conducting. Both concentrations culminate in a graduate recital supported by an analytical paper, showcasing your technical command, interpretive insight, and academic growth.
In the Conducting concentration, you’ll engage deeply with baton technique, score study, rehearsal methods, and advanced choral or instrumental literature—plus gain real-world experience by rehearsing and conducting NMSU ensembles. Your personalized program of study is developed alongside faculty mentors during your first semester, ensuring your training aligns with your artistic goals.
In the Performance concentration, you’ll sharpen your solo and ensemble abilities through applied lessons, repertoire study, and pedagogical training—all within a supportive environment that champions innovation, creativity, and musical excellence.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Music or Music Education equivalent to that represented by the B.M. or B.M.E. degree from New Mexico State University. The Music Department does not require the Graduate Record Exam but does expect each applicant to possess graduate-level language and writing skills.
For admission into the Master of Music degree program, all applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and submit at least two letters of recommendation from music professionals. An audition, either in person or by recording, is required for entrance into the Performance or Conducting program. Auditions will be based upon, but not limited to, prescribed repertory.
Take classes like:
- MUSC 471 - Graduate Theory Review
- MUSC 578 - Advanced Choral Literature
- MUSC 580 - Ensemble Performance
- MUSC 540 - Graduate Recital/Analytical Paper
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Music or Music Education equivalent to that represented by the B.M. or B.M.E. degree from New Mexico State University. The Music Department does not require the Graduate Record Exam but does expect each applicant to possess graduate-level language and writing skills.
For admission into the Master of Music degree program, all applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and submit at least two letters of recommendation from music professionals. An audition, either in person or by recording, is required for entrance into the Performance or Conducting program. Auditions will be based upon, but not limited to, prescribed repertory.
Take classes like:
- MUSC 471 - Graduate Theory Review
- MUSC 477 - Graduate Music History Review
- MUSC 450 - Research Methods
- MUSC 580 - Ensemble Performance
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.