Master of Music in Performance

Master of Music in Performance

This degree prepares and inspires students for a professional musician’s rigorous and multi-faceted career demands. In addition, SMAT aims to equip underrepresented musicians with the opportunity to take on leadership roles in their chosen fields.

Why North Park?

• Our location gives us access to Chicago’s various music-based opportunities.
• The boutique program is personalized, with cohorts of five to eight students annually.
• We offer flexible class schedules to fit into your busy life.
• An undergraduate degree in music is not a requirement for our program.

Earn Your Master of Music in Performance

Beginning in fall 2024, North Park’s School of Music, Art, and Theatre (SMAT) will offer a new Master of Music in Performance (MMP) degree. Professional faculty who are practicing musicians lead the student-centered program in culturally rich Chicago. Coursework includes the theory and practice of music performance, pedagogy, and leadership skills. 

This degree prepares and inspires students for a professional musician’s rigorous and multi-faceted career demands. In addition, SMAT aims to equip underrepresented musicians with the opportunity to take on leadership roles in their chosen fields.

Program requirements

Students in the M.M.P. program must complete 30 semester hours. This curriculum represents a two-year program assuming that all entrance requirements have been met before beginning it. Deficiencies which need to be made up might require extra time. 

Program Description

In a student-centered learning environment led by a professional faculty and enhanced by our location in Chicago, we endeavor to prepare and inspire our students for the rigorous and multi-faceted career demands of a professional musician. 

The course of study provides an advanced educational experience in the theory and practice of music performance, pedagogy, and leadership. The curriculum includes a common core in addition to courses specific to tracks of specialization. Included are intensive studies in technique, music history, analysis, performance practice, pedagogy, and a variety of ensemble experiences. The curriculum also provides coursework and experiences to bridge the gap between the school environment and the professional world, including an optional internship experience.