The Master of Music in Collaborative Piano Performance

The Master of Music in Collaborative Piano Performance at UNC Greensboro is a graduate program that provides conservatory-level performance training, specialized chamber music coaching, and foreign language study. The program prepares pianists for professional careers as collaborative artists or for pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts.

About the 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).

Master’s in Collaborative Piano Program Distinctions

The Master’s in Collaborative Piano Performance is one of five dedicated concentrations within the keyboard area. Students can specialize in:

• Piano Performance
• Piano Pedagogy
• Collaborative Piano
• Organ
• Historical Keyboard Instruments

The piano program offers a direct doctoral pathway. Because UNCG hosts a highly respected Doctor of Musical Arts program, master’s students work within a rigorous, highly academic environment and can seamlessly transition into terminal degree tracks.

For graduates wishing to continue their education, UNCG offers the DMA in Collaborative Piano, which is one of only two such programs in the Southeast. 

The Collaborative Piano program is highly selective and maintains a small cohort of around nine students.

The Collaborative Piano graduate Student Experience

Students participate heavily in applied lessons, studio accompanying, and various chamber music ensembles.

Because collaborative pianists work with international singers, students take 9 hours of language courses (one semester each of French, German, and Italian).

Due to the small size of the Collaborative Piano program, students receive highly individualized mentorship. 

Students benefit from visiting artists and clinicians who offer students direct feedback on their creative processes.

Most graduate piano students gain crucial professional and instructional experience through Graduate Assistantships. GA responsibilities typically include: 

• Assisting in the UNCG Private Lesson Program
• Teaching undergraduate class piano or secondary piano lessons.
• Providing studio accompanying for instrumentalists and vocalists.
• Coaching and accompanying for the university opera or large choral ensembles.

After Graduating with Your Master’s in Collaborative Piano

A Master’s in Collaborative Piano Performance opens up a highly diverse range of careers in performance, education, and entrepreneurship. Potential career paths include:

• Vocal and Instrumental Coaching
• Opera Staff Pianist / Repetiteur
• Chamber Musician
• Freelance Audition Pianist
• Orchestral Keyboardist
• Choir Accompanist
• Music Director

How To Apply to The Master of Music in Collaborative Piano

Students interested in the Master of Music in Collaborative Piano Performance complete UNCG’s undergraduate admission process and the School of Music application/audition process.

Frequently ASked Questions About the Masters in Collaborative Piano