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 Temple. 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 The Philadelphia Orchestra 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 keyboard studies and music theory 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: Temple’s Main Campus is located less than one mile from the city’s historic cultural institutions and celebrated music venues, including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Opera PhiladelphiaPennsylvania BalletPhiladancoPhiladelphia Museum of Art and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Sara Davis Buechner plays piano with a large ensemble.
Photo credit: 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 Temple’s Main Campus. Courses for the program include the following. 

  • 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.

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Tuition & Fees

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

Tuition rates 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 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,187.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,583.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

BC-PPMT-MMUS

Additional Program Information