in person

Music (Professional)

Professional MA in Music

This program is no longer accepting applications.

The Professional Master of Arts (PMA) in Music combines comprehensive training in musicology with mastery of a relevant sub-specialization to assist you in pursuing a managerial or organizational career in music.

As a PMA student, you receive well-rounded training that balances music performance and scholarship with the elements of professional management. Your curriculum explores music in interdisciplinary, cultural, and intellectual contexts that you will integrate with the following sub-specializations:

  • Music Communications
  • Arts Administration
  • Information Management

You’ll receive mentoring and instruction from a faculty of highly trained performers and scholars, along with an interdisciplinary bridge to programs at CGU’s Center for Information Systems & Technology and Drucker School of Management. Upon earning your master’s degree, you will possess knowledge and skills essential for management and leadership positions in the world of professional music.

Program Highlights
  • The Music Department puts on an array of concerts that offer ample performance opportunities.
  • You’ll work closely with renowned faculty from CISAT and the Drucker School of Management.
  • CGU is home to the highly respected music journal Performance Practice Review.

Program At-a-glance

  • 36 units

    required units

  • Professional MA in Music

    degree awarded

  • In Person

    modality

  • Spring, Fall

    program start

  • 2 years | full time*

    estimated completion time

Areas of Concentration

  • Music Communications

    In addition to the core curriculum, this concentration covers Introduction to Literary Theory, English electives, Music elective, a master’s thesis, and an internship.

  • Arts Administration

    In addition to the core curriculum, this concentration explores the Human Component of Organizations, Operations Management and Control, Music elective, a master’s thesis, and an internship.

  • Information Management

    In addition to the core curriculum, this concentration requires Computer Applications in Music for Teaching and Research, Data Base Concepts, Data Base Systems Planning, a master’s thesis, and an internship.

Where You Can Find Our Alumni

Faculty

  • Portrait of Robert Zappulla

    Robert Zappulla

    Professor of Music
    Fred W. Smith and Grace Hobson Smith Chair in Music
    Chair, Department of Music

    Research Interests

    Harpsichord, Historical performance practices, Baroque music

  • Portrait of Peter Boyer

    Peter Boyer

    Professor of Music
    Helen M. Smith Chair in Music

    Research Interests

    Composition, Conducting, American film music, 20th- and 21st-Century music, American composers

  • Jenny-Soonjin Kim

    Jenny Soonjin Kim

    Assistant Professor of Practice

    Research Interests

    Piano, Fortepiano, 18th & 19th-century performance practices, 20th century atonal piano compositions, digital keyboard laboratory, the board of directors of Los Angeles Master Chorale: Education Committee and Gala Host Committee

Curriculum

Program Requirements

Qualifying Examinations
All music students are required to take written and oral qualifying examinations at regularly scheduled, posted times during the academic year.

Participation and Attendance
All students are encouraged to take part in the performance groups of the Claremont Colleges.

Language and Research Tool Requirements
You can satisfy the research tools requirement by qualifying in:

  • One language – MA in musicology, composition, or instrumental performance
  • Two languages – MA in voice or choral conducting, DCM, DMA, and PhD
  • A good reading knowledge of the chosen language(s) with special regard to writings on musical subjects (German, French, or Italian if MA; German and either French, Italian, or Latin if PhD; any two of the four if DMA or DCM).

You can fulfill the language tool requirement by demonstrating competency at translating an approved language into English.

Recitals and Projects
All recitals and projects must be approved by the Music Department.

Capstone Project
For those who write music, the culmination of their CGU music education is the opportunity to present an original composition. Though there is no strictly prescribed form, in most cases, work will involve orchestra or large ensemble (soloists, choral forces, or electronics as additional components are possibilities). Whether you write and perform a symphony or concerto, it’s the best way to test and establish your musical vision.

Application Guidelines

This program is no longer accepting applications.

Review General Guidelines

Cost & Aid

Tuition and Fees

ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
Program 36 units
Tuition per unit* $2,020

*Based on 2024-2025 tuition rates.

STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
$245 Student Fee
$150 Technology Fee
International Student Services Fee*: $661 fall semester, $776 spring semester
**Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to change.

For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2024-2025.

review financial aid

Back to the tabs
Apply now