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Piano Performance and Music Theory MM

Master of Music in Piano Performance and Music Theory

Increase your music proficiency while studying current trends in music theory with the Master of Music in Piano Performance and Music Theory dual degree program in the Boyer College of Music and Dance at 51¶¯Âþ. Receive personalized instruction and hands-on experience that prepares you for a successful career as a composer, performer or teacher. Completion of this program also readies you for further academic study at the doctoral level.

This interdepartmental, dual master’s degree program immerses you in the history and theory of music, while also providing you with unique opportunities to perform as a soloist or part of an ensemble. You will attend a series of seminars focused on research and discussion, through which you will build strong skills around music analysis and develop the tools needed to apply music theory in an academic environment.

Graduates of the Piano Performance and Music Theory MM program are well-positioned to begin a successful career in music, or further their academic and musical training at the doctoral level. Possible career paths available to graduates include composer, conductor, therapist and more.

To apply to this program, you should be able to read a foreign language, have a well-rounded background in music history and theory, and be a skilled writer.

What sets apart the Piano Performance and Music Theory MM program?

  • Renowned faculty: Students in this master’s program receive individual instruction from Boyer’s award-winning faculty, which includes members of and other major metropolitan performing organizations, as well as artists who have performed as soloists or with ensembles around the world. Learn more about our and faculty.

  • A unique learning experience: Boyer College of Music and Dance is one of the only colleges in the country currently offering a dual master’s degree program that combines piano performance and music theory, making this a rare and significant learning opportunity.

  • Philadelphia connection: 51¶¯Âþ’s Main Campus is located less than one mile from the city’s historic cultural institutions and celebrated music venues, including the , ,Ìý,Ìý,ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»å .

Sara Davis Buechner plays piano with a large ensemble.

Photo by Joseph V. Labolito

Program Format & Curriculum

The 44-credit Master of Music in Piano Performance and Music Theory must be completed within five semesters. Classes are held in-person on 51¶¯Âþ’s Main Campus.ÌýCourses for the program include the following.Ìý

  • Baroque & Classical Keyboard Performance Practice

  • Canon and Fugue

  • Current Topics in Musicology and Theory

  • Piano Pedagogy I & II

  • Research in Music

  • Seminar in Theoretical Analysis (Post-Tonal Music)

  • Seminar in Theoretical Analysis (Schenkerian Analysis)

The program culminates in a piano recital adjudicated by senior members of the department, a comprehensive examination and a written project that is 30 to 40 pages in length. Learn more about course requirements for the Piano Performance and Music Theory MM.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Music offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,282.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,711.00 per credit

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Our Advisors

Faculty advisors can help you navigate your program and discuss research opportunities, teaching assistantships and more. Contact the following advisor with questions about the Piano Performance and Music Theory MM program.

Charles Abramovic is the chair of Keyboard Studies.
Email:
Phone: 215-204-7388

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Program Contacts

Charles Abramovic is the chair of Keyboard Studies and coordinator of the DMA in Performance.
Email:
Phone: 215-204-7388

Edward Latham is the program coordinator in the Music Studies Department.
Email:Ìý
Phone: 215-204-8498

Student Clubs & Organizations

Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts. There are more than 200 student clubs and organizations at 51¶¯Âþ, including the following.

  • The Boyer College Electroacoustic Ensemble Project (BEEP) brings together students who create electroacoustic music in a collaborative environment. It functions as an electronic music band, a fusion of computers and traditional instruments, and a laptop orchestra.

  • hosts numerous concerts, forums and seminars to foster a community of musicians who are dedicated to exploring contemporary musical ideas and performing new compositions.

  • gives students an open forum to discuss and develop scholarly work within the disciplines of music theory and musicology. Each semester, THEMUS hosts guest, faculty and student lectures. The group also organizes an annual graduate student conference for theory and musicology.

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Accreditation

The Boyer College of Music and Dance is accredited by the

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Additional Program Information