Eastman School of Music
The online Master of Arts in Music Leadership degree program is designed for musicians who seek to lead traditional or non-traditional musical arts organizations. This degree combines engaging online learning, courses from Eastman’s performance and scholarly offerings, and hands-on experience through the capstone project. Drawing from a musical background, graduates will be able to assume leading roles in musical arts initiatives of all kinds, connecting with leaders in the Eastman community and beyond. This degree fulfills the NYSED requirement for K-12 Music Teachers to advance from an Initial Certificate in Music to a Professional Certificate. Additionally, in-person learners can pair this degree with a Master of Music while studying at Eastman, or an MBA from the Simon Business School of the University of Rochester.
The backbone of this degree is a combination of intense online coursework and hands-on experience with leading musical arts organizations and mentors. Full-time students complete the program over 14 months, starting in either the end of June or mid-January. The degree can also be pursued on an extended timeline, through part-time study over multiple years, as it is designed to be flexible to students’ needs. Students will advance their creative mindset, sharpen their decision-making ability, and utilize case studies to continue their individual artistic growth.
Goals and Objectives
The Master of Arts in Music Leadership degree is a combination of intense coursework and hands-on experiences with leading musical arts organizations and mentors. Students will advance their creative mindsets, sharpen their decision-making abilities, and continue individual artistic growth. Courses are taught by Eastman faculty, alumni, and other experts from the professional music field.
Curriculum
Core curriculum includes:
Creating and Innovative Leadership in Music Enterprises
Generating and Screening Entrepreneurial Ideas in Music
Designing Creative Initiatives for Music Enterprises: Practicum
Leadership Issues in Music
Music Administration and Governance
Economics of Musical Arts Organizations
Introduction to Financial Management
Law and Music
Marketing for Musical Enterprises
Development and Fundraising in Music
Students must complete 5 credits of music performance and/or academic electives.
Lastly, students will also be required to complete a personalized capstone experience, under the guidance and mentorship of senior management from nationally renowned partner organizations. This experience finishes with a summary presentation to share with their peers and faculty prior to graduation.
Admissions
Applicants will hold an undergraduate degree or its equivalent in music. They will possess a high standard of musical skill and show breadth in musical and academic preparation. They may have professional experience in performance, education, or administration. Applications are due annually on December 1st (to begin the following summer) or October for (for those planning to start the following spring)
Applicants applying to Masters of Arts programs at Eastman are required to submit an online application which collects a personal statement, a résumé, a music-related research paper, and transcripts (must represent all collegiate study). Performance experience and audition is not required for this program. Applicants will be required to upload a video-recorded presentation example for review; a performance video is optional, but may be requested if the applicant is interested in taking secondary lessons. Applicants who pass through the video presentation round will also be scheduled for an online interview with program faculty.
