THE
MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN MUSIC LEADERSHIP
AT THE EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC
The Master of Arts in Music Leadership degree is designed for musicians who seek to lead traditional and/or non-traditional musical arts organizations. This 14-month degree program uses an integrated approach to develop and hone both artistic and managerial skills for the next generation of music leaders. Because these combined skills are essential for the music leaders of today and tomorrow, this degree combines intense classroom study, courses from Eastman’s rich performance and scholarly offerings, and hands-on experiences through internships and mentorships. Learn more about the Master of Arts in Music Leadership
Half of the required courses are taught by the Eastman’s Associate Professor of Music Leadership, Rachel Roberts. The remaining required courses are taught by other experts from the field of music leadership, including the Director of the Institute for Music Leadership James Doser, Judy Ricker, Ronald Salluzzo, Ari Solotoff, and Mark Wilson. Music-based degree electives will be chosen from the rich performance and scholarly Eastman curriculum. All of the required courses are scheduled during evening hours, specifically designed to allow students the full opportunity to participate in other courses and activities throughout the Eastman community.
Administration
Music Administration and Governance
Economics of Musical Arts Organizations
Introduction to Financial Management
Law and Music
Innovative Musical Leadership
Creative and Innovative Leadership in Musical Enterprises
Designing Creative Initiatives for Musical Enterprises: Practicum
Generating and Screening Entrepreneurial Ideas in Music
Leadership Issues in Music
Marketing and Engagement
Marketing for Musical Enterprises
Development and Fundraising in Music
Electives
Academic:
Register for music courses, including music history, music theory, conducting, or humanities. Placement exams may be required for some courses.
Performance:
Select from a variety of performance opportunities, including chamber music, large ensembles, and applied lessons. Auditions may be required.
Capstone Experience
This capstone experience is individually designed to support each MAML candidate’s independent learning objectives, taking the form of an internship or mentorship.
Internships provide students with an opportunity to work with a national-level musical organization under the supervision of senior management. Mentorships pair students for individualized support of a student’s approved entrepreneurial project.
Music Leadership for the 21st Century
The Eastman School of Music and Simon Business School offer students the opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Music Leadership in combination with a Master of Business Administration for Professionals degree. This combined degree opportunity is the first to combine a conservatory level music administration degree with an MBA. It has been created to recognize and support the selected number of students who seek to further music leadership skills and acquire the skills and knowledge that an MBA offers.
Program Schedule
Students will be accepted into the combined degree program through each school’s separate admissions process, and will complete the full ESM Music Leadership curriculum and Simon’s MBA mandatory core. Students will spend the first summer and full academic year at Eastman, then transition to Simon for a second summer and full academic year, and conclude both programs with the Music Leadership capstone internship or mentorship during the third summer. This combined degree course of study provides a one-of-a-kind experience for comprehensive preparation in both music leadership and business administration.
The Minor in Music Leadership offers Eastman doctoral students the opportunity for focused study to hone both artistic and managerial skills as a future music leader. The Minor is not a stand-alone program; rather, it is to be undertaken in conjunction with an Eastman DMA or PhD program. The Minor in Music Leadership is designed to enhance a doctoral students’ musical and academic skills with managerial and business skills to be effective leaders in music. Upon applying during your third semester of your DMA/PhD program, a limited number of doctoral students (5-6) will be selected for the Minor in Music Leadership. The Minor requires 10-12 credits of Music Leadership coursework and individual advising with the Graduate Degree Program Director. In collaboration with the Graduate Degree Program Director, students will create an individualized course plan to support their independent learning objectives.
The Master of Arts in Music Leadership degree builds on the opportunities available in Eastman’s world-class Arts Leadership Program, the first of its kind in the nation, now in its third decade. As a participant in the Master of Arts in Music Leadership Degree program, you have the ability to register for ALP courses for free by registering at the ALC 400 level. Additionally, it is possible to pursue the Master of Arts in Music Leadership in conjunction with some other graduate degree programs at Eastman. It is also possible to pursue this degree as a part-time student. For more information about these options, as well as application information and degree program costs, please visit Eastman’s Graduate Admissions website.
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Contact:
- Rachel Roberts
- Associate Professor of Music Leadership
- Graduate Degree Program Director
- Institute for Music Leadership
- rroberts@esm.rochester.edu
- (585) 275-1730
Faculty Expertise
Rachel Roberts
Jim Doser
Judy Ricker
Ronald Saluzzo
Ari Solotoff
Mark Wilson