alented and technically accomplished instrumentalists who aspire to a career in performance should consider this program. Graduates may reach goals as symphony musicians, private teacher, concert soloists, or band and orchestra conductors. Many go on to graduate school for further preparation.

Each student concentrates on developing performance skills on a selected brass, percussion, string, or woodwind instrument with assistance from faculty who have proven themselves as teachers and performing musicians. The curriculum emphasizes improvement, tone, musicianship, and technical mastery of the instrument. Students also study music theory, music history and literature, and develop expertise in contemporary literature and chamber music performance. Studies in orchestral literature and teaching methods are also part of the curriculum. All undergraduate instrumental performance majors also study piano. During their last semester, students present a public recital, culminating their years of training at the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music.

Students majoring in percussion also study percussion repertoire and percussion instrument maintenance. Facility on mallet keyboard instruments is required. As a sophomore, percussion majors play one shared recital, and during their last semester they present a public recital.

For students majoring in string performance, one shared recital is required for the junior year, and a full recital for the senior year.

Performing ensembles are an important aspect of musical study in the Frost School of Music. Undergraduate majors must participate in two ensembles each semester. The instrumental ensembles include the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Contemporary Music Ensemble, Brass and Woodwind Ensembles, Percussion Ensembles, Marimba Ensembles, String Chamber Ensembles, and Guitar Ensembles. The Bergonzi String Quartet, in residence, provides a model of excellence in performance and the teaching of chamber music.

Greater Miami's metropolitan area is home to the Florida Philharmonic, the New World Symphony, the Miami Ballet, the Florida Grand Opera, and other professional ensembles. The area offers students numerous symphony orchestra, opera orchestra, chamber ensemble, and solo performance opportunities.

In addition to ensembles, weekly forums provide performance majors with informal performance opportunities. This time is also used for master classes and performances by the faculty and guest artists.




he Master of Music degree is Instrumental Performance is available in all orchestral instruments including brass, percussion, string, woodwinds, guitar, and harp as well as Instrumental Conducting.

Study with artist teachers is enhanced by a range of ensemble experiences. Supporting academic study enriches the performance experience which culminates with a final recital and a recital research paper.

Instrumental Conducting majors study conducting techniques, music literature, score preparation, and analysis.

Students have numerous opportunities to gain experience through working with the School's various ensembles. To complete their degrees, conducting majors are required to perform a recital and submit a recital paper which demonstrates their skill in dealing with literature of five historical periods.

The Doctor of Musical Arts degree, offered in Instrumental Performance of Instrumental Conducting, culminates with a defense of the doctoral essay.




n Advanced Diploma in Performance offers professional caliber students one year (24 credits) of concentration in the major performance area.  Two formal recitals are required.  The Diploma Program may be appropriate for the student with a conservatory background but may also be elected by the post-bachelor's or post-master's student who is strongly performance-oriented.

   The Advanced Diploma in Performance is also offered to highly qualified international students wishing to concentrate solely on music performance study.

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Music in
Instrumental
Performance

Master of Music in
Instrumental Conducting

Master of Music in
Instrumental
Performance

Doctor of Musical Arts
in Instrumental
Conducting

Doctor of Musical Arts
in Instrumental
Performance

Additional Info

Ensembles

 

"As a UM music

student, I

combined my

interests in

symphonic music

and jazz. I had

superb training

in double bass

from Dr. Lucas

Drew.  He's  a

wonderful

musician and

teacher who

imparted to me

the finer points

of bass playing. 

The School's jazz

program was just

getting off the

ground back then

and now it's

probably the

best in the

country.  I truly

had the best of

both worlds at

UM."

Larry Epstein is associate principal bass for the
San Francisco Symphony

 

BACHELOR OF MUSIC
IN PERFORMANCE

MASTER OF MUSIC
IN INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING
  • 4 to 6 credits in Major Performance field
  • 2 to 3 credits in Ensemble
  • 3 credits in Recital and Recital Paper
  • 2 to 4 credits in Music Education or Pedagogy
  • 2 to 4 credits in Electives

    Prior to admission to candidacy, the student must fulfill the following requirements:
  • Demonstrate by examination skills in the following areas:
    • harmony - written and aural
    • proficiency in sightsinging and in melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation
    • elementary counterpoint
    • the history and literature of music and the study of musical form, analytic or applied
  • Meet the following requirements:
    • Must possess and demonstrate a strong gift of musical leadership based upon broad experience as an ensemble performer. Should either have completed a baccalaureate degree in conducting or applied music, accumulated practical experience equivalent to the undergraduate degree, and fulfilled the undergraduate requirement in orchestration.
 
DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS
IN  INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING
A minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the master's degree is required including three required recitals, and the D.M.A. essay.




MASTER OF MUSIC
IN PERFORMANCE
  • 4 to 6 credits in Major Performance field
  • 2 to 3 credits in Ensemble
  • 3 credits in Recital and Recital Paper
  • 3 credits in Analytical Techniques
  • 2 to 4 credits in Music Education or Pedagogy
  • 2 to 4 credits in Electives

    Prior to admission to candidacy, the student must fulfill the following requirements:
  • Demonstrate, by examination, skills in the following areas:
    • harmony - written and aural
    • proficiency in sightsinging and in melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation
    • elementary counterpoint
    • the history and literature of music and the study of musical form, analytic or applied
  • Meet the following requirements:
    • Violin - must show an adequate technical grounding in scales, arpeggios, bowing, and phrasing. Must demonstrate adequate ability in sight reading, and should be able to sight read simple piano accompaniments.
    • Harp - must have mastery of scales and arpeggios in all octaves in both slow and rapid tempo, and in various rhythms. Should have orchestral and other ensemble experience and should be able to read orchestral parts at sight. Should have developed the ability to transcribe music written for keyboard or other instruments for use in orchestra, ensemble, or accompanying.
    • Other Orchestral Instruments - must demonstrate a well-grounded technique and an able control of the instrument. Should be able to perform as a soloist with orchestra in a concerto or concert piece. Have acquired a sufficiently thorough orchestral repertoire to enable employment in a professional orchestra. Should be able to read simple piano music and have completed sufficient experience in band, orchestra, and chamber music playing.
    • Multiple Woodwinds - must demonstrate by audition proficiency in at least three of the following families of instruments: clarinet, saxophone, flute, and double reed. Applied instruction will include a minimum of six credits from the listed group. The recital will consist of performance on the major instrument and on at least two woodwind instruments.
ADVANCED DIPLOMA
IN PERFORMANCE
  • 12 credits in Performance Study
  • 4 credits in Ensemble
  • 3 credits in Music History or Theory
  • 2 credits in Pedagogy
  • 1 credit in Special Projects
  • 2 credits in Recitals (2 recitals)
DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS
IN  PERFORMANCE
A minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the master's degree is required including three required recitals, and the D.M.A. essay.