Florida State University - College of Music
MA in Arts Administration
Kuersteiner Music Building
Room 228
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1180
United States
Main Phone: (850) 644-7712
Main E-Mail: ahodges@fsu.edu
Degree/Credential: Graduate (MA)
Web Site: http://www.music.fsu.edu/arts-administration.htm
Program Director: AHodges [link available to AAAE members only]
Program Goals and Objectives
The purpose of the College of Music's graduate Arts Administration program is to prepare students "for roles as leaders in designing, implementing, managing, and evaluating arts activities." It is intended for music students who seek administrative positions with such organizations as performing arts centers, symphony orchestras, opera companies, choruses, museums, government and private arts agencies, community arts programs, arts councils, college/university arts presenters, and arts service organizations.
The program is based on a student's strong foundation in music, and in the context of increasing change in our demographic, technological, and economic environments. It stresses the premise that while many arts management skills are transferable among specialties, arts organizations are well-served by skilled leaders who demonstrate significant knowledge of the art they serve.
The degree consists of at least three semesters of on-campus study, plus an internship. Internships are encouraged at such area organizations as the Orlando Opera, the Atlanta Symphony, Pensacola Symphony; arts agencies, such as the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and the Leon County Council for Culture and the Arts; national arts institutions, such as Spoleto Festival, USA and Wolftrap Foundation for the Performing Arts; or performing groups abroad as part of the FSU International program. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in music from an accredited college or university. About twenty-four candidates are enrolled at a given time, with approximately ten students accepted each fall. Many candidates are awarded assistantships within the College of Music, gaining valuable practical experience. Graduates are currently serving as arts administrators at such locations as the Chicago Symphony/Ravinia Festival, the Ohio Arts Council, the Atlanta Symphony, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Houston Symphony, Spivey Hall, Florida West Coast Symphony, and Washington National Opera.
Distinguishing characteristics:
- Focus: is on the musical arts and the administrative needs of organizations that support them.
- Flexibility: each student, in consultation with the director, may "tailor" elective courses to meet his/her profressional career goals.
Students remain involved in musical performances and attend many of the 450+ annual concerts of orchestra, band, chorus, opera, faculty and students.
Administration of the Program
The program is directed by Anne R. Hodges (D.M.). The strengths of two similar programs offered by the FSU School of Visual Arts, Theatre, and Dance give students opportunities to expand their educational experience. Many elective courses may also be pursued from other university departments, such as Public Administration, Philosophy, Communications, Education, and foreign languages.Curriculum
36 total graduate hours within the following areas:- Arts Administration- Legal/Business Issues, Fundraising Strategies; Audience Development and Marketing, Fiscal/Personnel Management, Managing the Arts Organization, Survey of Orchestra, Opera, Chorus Management.
- Music - graduate courses in Music HIstory, Bibliography, Descriptive Research in Music, Music Theory, Applied Music and/or Ensemble; Opera Literature, Music Education; Jazz Studies; Commercial Music (Note: undergraduate proficiencies are determined during orientation testing and performance valuation.
- Elective - examples are College Music Administration; Public Administration; foreign language.
- Internship - 6 semester hours with substantial written final project
- Career Seminar
- Final written and oral comprehensive examination
- Proficiency required in related computer/software applications
Admissions
Applicants must have a Bachelor of Music degree from an accredited college or university, and preferably, some practical experience with an arts organization. Undergraduate GPA must be at least 3.0, or the university requires a combined minimum score of 1000 on the GRE. (Some university fellowships and scholarships require the GRE.) Students applying from outside of FSU should commit to a fall/spring sequence to maximize course opportunities and to prepare for the internship.
To apply, read all application information located on the College of Music web site and send all materials as advised: university application; application fee; College of Music application;
official transcripts; three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the field, the applicant's background, abilities, and potential for success; and the applicant’s statement of professional goals, to demonstrate a commitment to contribute to the field and writing skills.
International students must provide additional information.
Online application is available at www.music.fsu.edu. Applications should be received by the College of Music according to the published priority deadline. Students who wish to receive priority consideration for graduate assistantships are strongly advised to submit application by the priority deadline; however, the College of Music continues to accept applications as long as openings are still available.
Applicants should also note the University Fellowship and other scholarship opportunities offered by outside organizations, such as the McKnight and Ford Foundations. Some of these are specifically designed for minority students.