Master's in Music Performance - String, Wind, Percussion

The Master of Music in Musical Performance with a concentration in String, Wind, or Percussion program at UNC Greensboro offers conservatory-type performance training along with academic coursework directly related to careers in performance. The M.M. in Music Performance delivers graduates the performance and entrepreneurial skills for successful careers in the music profession, or further graduate studies.

About the UNCG School of Music

• The School of Music at UNC Greensboro was ranked #1 in the U.S. by Best Value Schools in 2025.
• The UNCG School of Music offers the only comprehensive degrees in music education and music performance in the State of North Carolina, from the undergraduate level through doctoral study.
• The school is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

the master’s In STring, Wind, percussion Program Distinctions

The MM in Performance–String, Wind, Percussion concentration balances advanced artistic training with comprehensive pedagogical development.

Faculty members maintain active performance schedules across multiple continents, bringing contemporary industry relevance directly into the studio.

At UNCG, students have access to the world’s largest archive and special collection of cello and double-reed manuscripts and music scores.

The curriculum includes dedicated music entrepreneurship coursework in financial literacy, grant writing, brand marketing, and how to launch your own independent freelance career.

The Performance graduate Student Experience

The graduate student experience balances the focus of a high-level performance incubator with the camaraderie of a supportive, non-competitive community. Graduate students work closely with faculty mentors while taking on leadership roles within the school. 

Students utilize a dedicated $26 million music building featuring a specialized percussion rehearsal hall, and multiple practice rooms equipped with marimbas, vibraphones, and timpani. outstanding facilities, world-class faculty, and numerous ensemble experiences provide an environment for artistic and academic success.

Beyond the classroom, students enjoy many opportunities to experience and perform in concerts and musical ensembles across a diverse range of genres and cultures, from classical to chamber music to modern jazz.

“I realized that the UNCG Percussion Ensemble was my lab setting. Here, the students have the opportunity to work collectively to solve problems, troubleshoot, and hypothesize how to improve their craft, as well as gaining the feeling of becoming part of a larger community.”

– Dr. Eric Willie, assistant professor of percussion

Learn About Elite Performance Opportunities

After Graduating with your master of musical performance

A Master’s in Performance from UNCG prepares you for a multi-faceted career by combining elite musicianship with entrepreneurial skills. UNCG alumni successfully secure employment across several major sectors of the music industry. Some potential career paths include:

• Symphony Musician
• Military Band Member
• Chamber Musician
• Adjunct University Professor
• Private Studio Entrepreneur
• Pre-College Academy Instructor
• Ensemble Manager
• Arts Marketer

For those wanting to pursue tenure-track professor positions at the university level, the MM is the necessary academic stepping stone towards a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA).

How to Apply to the Master’s in Performance Program

Students interested in the MM in Performance complete the UNCG Graduate School admission process and the School of Music Master’s admissions process.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Master’s in Performance Program