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Programs

Music Leadership

The online Master of Arts in Music Leadership degree is designed for musicians who seek to lead musical arts organizations from on or off the stage. This degree combines engaging online learning, courses from Eastman’s performance and scholarly offerings, and hands-on experience through experiential and project-based learning. Drawing from a musical background, graduates are able to step into leading roles in musical arts initiatives of all kinds, connecting with leaders throughout the Eastman community and beyond. The MA in Music Leadership fulfills the New York State Department of Education requirement for K-12 music teachers to advance from an initial certificate to a professional certificate.

Information about faculty and research can be found on the Music Leadership website.

AdmissionsLink to section

Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section

MA in Music Leadership Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • A personal statement
  • A resume or CV
  • A sample writing of a past research paper and/or previously published article or submission 
  • An 8- to 10-minute video, presenting on a music topic of the candidate’s choice
  • Three recommendation letters 

After review of these materials, candidates interview with the Program Director to assess candidacy.

The MA in Music Leadership can be completed as a full-time student in as little as 14 months, or can be extended part-time for up to five years. The MA can also be part of a combined degree with the University’s Simon Business School. Application and acceptance into this program are separate from the MA in Music Leadership.

AcademicsLink to section

Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The MA in Music Leadership requires 36 units for completion. For full-time students, this requires six units of required coursework in summer 1, 10 units of required coursework in fall, 12 units of required coursework in spring, and three units of required coursework in summer 2. Additionally, five units of electives complement the required courses; these electives are taken throughout summer 1, fall, and/or spring. The final three credits in summer 2 are a capstone course. After completion of the capstone intensive, each MA in Music Leadership student delivers a final presentation to share their learning, engagement, and takeaways from the degree, and, more specifically, the project work from the capstone. 

For more specific requirements, visit this website: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/forms/audit-sheets-ma/.

Graduate Course TitlesLink to section

  • ML 410: Music Administration and Governance
  • ML 411: Economics of Musical Arts Organizations
  • ML 412: Introduction to Financial Management
  • ML 413: Law and Music
  • ML 420: Creative and Innovative Leadership in Musical Enterprises
  • MTL 421: Leadership Issues in Music
  • ML 422: Designing Creative Initiatives for Musical Enterprises: Practicum
  • ML 423: Generating and Screening Entrepreneurial Ideas in Music
  • ML 431: Marketing for Musical Enterprises
  • ML 432: Development and Fundraising in Music
  • ML 480: Internship
  • ML 485: Mentorship