Instrumental Performance

Master's and Doctoral Programs

Graduate opportunities

By pursuing a graduate degree in Instrumental Performance at the University of North Texas, you join a community of current and former students who have won prizes in major instrumental competitions of every genre and are appointed to professional positions in orchestras, wind bands, universities and conservatories around the world.

We offer course work leading to a Master of Music degree, Doctor of Musical Arts degree or Graduate Artist Certificate in Performance. Each is offered with specializations in:

• Flute
• Oboe
• Clarinet
• Saxophone
• Bassoon
• Trumpet
• Horn
• Trombone
• Euphonium
• Tuba
• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double bass
• Guitar
• Harp
• Percussion
• Multiple woodwinds

A hallmark of our graduate program is the individual attention provided through private lessons administered by world-renowned performers, teachers and recording artists. The Division of Instrumental Studies has 34 fulltime resident faculty members and 20 adjunct faculty members drawn from ensembles such as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Dallas Opera.

About the College of Music

The College of Music is one of the nation's most comprehensive music schools and recognized internationally for its artistic and academic excellence. The college is a vital component of the region's arts community, presenting approximately 1,000 concerts annually. Its facilities include 300 practice rooms, seven performance venues (including Winspear Hall at the Murchison Performing Arts Center and Voertman Hall), numerous classrooms and rehearsal rooms, computer labs and an intermedia theater.

The College of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21; Reston, Va. 20190-5248; telephone 703- 437-0700). This accreditation means the college meets or exceeds strict academic standards for excellence in education.

Performance and research opportunities

The College of Music offers a variety and quality of performance opportunities unmatched by smaller schools, from large ensembles such as the One O'Clock Lab Band and the Wind Symphony to specialized groups such as the Baroque Orchestra and Gamelan.

In addition to the many orchestras and bands, students get chamber music experience through the Center for Chamber Music Studies and perform with instrumental choirs such as the Harp Ensemble or Trombone Choir. Percussionists can play in classical percussion ensembles and world music groups that include the Afro-Cuban Ensemble or Steel Band. Playing in College of Music ensembles gives you professional-level experience — valuable preparation for a career in music.

Many of our graduate students are also involved with the Texas Center for Music and Medicine. The center features a team of musicians, music educators, clinicians and research scientists who study, treat and prevent various medical problems associated with learning and performing music.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

You will need to meet the admission requirements for the Toulouse Graduate School® and the College of Music and complete an audition before a faculty jury. Auditions are held on campus early in the spring semester for enrollment the following fall.

After being admitted to the College of Music, you will take music history and music theory placement exams given during orientation one week prior to the beginning of classes. More information about the College of Music requirements, audition dates, repertoire and graduate placement exams is available on our website.

Degree requirements

Master of Music degree

As part of their program, graduate students are required to participate in two semesters of a large ensemble.

Orchestral instrument specialization

• 8 semester hours of private lessons in a major instrument
• 2 semester hours of chamber music, ensemble or early music ensemble courses
• 3 semester hours of a research techniques course
• 9 semester hours in a related field (for related field consult the graduate catalog)
• 9 semester hours of electives
• 1 semester hour of final recital

Multiple woodwinds specialization

• 5 semester hours of private lessons in a principal woodwind instrument
• 8 semester hours of private lessons in four other woodwinds (2 semester hours each)
• 2 semester hours of chamber music, ensemble or early music ensemble courses
• 3 semester hours of a research techniques course
• 9 semester hours in a related field (for related field consult the graduate catalog)
• 4 semester hours of electives
• 1 semester hour of final recital

Doctor of Musical Arts degree

Orchestral instrument specialization

• 16 semester hours of private lessons in a major instrument
• 6 semester hours of literature in the major instrument
• 12 semester hours in a related field
• 6 semester hours in music history
• 6 semester hours in music theory
• 2 semester hours of electives
• 12 semester hours of dissertation (three recitals and a final recital)

Multiple woodwinds specialization

• 12 semester hours of private lessons in a major instrument
• 6 semester hours of private lessons in two other instruments
• 4 semester hours of private lessons in two other instruments
• 6 semester hours of literature in the major instrument
• 12 semester hours in a related field
• 6 semester hours in music history
• 6 semester hours in music theory
• 2 semester hours of electives
• 12 semester hours of dissertation (three recitals and a final recital)

Graduate Artist Certificate

Orchestral instrument specialization

• 16 semester hours of private lessons in a major instrument
• 12 semester hours of recitals
• 2 to 4 semester hours of large ensemble participation
• 2 to 4 semester hours of chamber music

Financial assistance

Once admitted to the College of Music, students are eligible for competitive, merit-based scholarships and teaching assistantships and fellowships. Assistantships and fellowships are awarded each spring for the following academic year. More information about these opportunities is available on our website. Other financial assistance programs are outlined on the Financial Aid website.