Master's in Historical Keyboard Performance

The Master of Music in Musical Performance — Historical Keyboard Instruments program offers conservatory-style training focusing on 16th- to 19th-century repertoire using period-accurate instruments 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 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 HIstorical Keyboard Instruments Program Distinctions

Offering the only Doctor of Musical Arts degree with a concentration in Historical Keyboard Performance in North Carolina, UNCG provides a direct doctoral pipeline.

Program faculty specialize across harpsichord, fortepiano, and organ literature to bridge performance with historical research.

The UNCG historical keyboard inventory includes dedicated harpsichords, a fortepiano, and pipe organs housed in specialized practice and performance spaces.

The HIstorical Keyboard Instruments Graduate Student Experience

Master’s in Historical Keyboard Performance students can check out keys to access restricted historical instrument practice rooms. They can also request the relocation of specific harpsichords or the fortepiano for official degree recital performances. 

Students engage directly with music from the 16th through the 19th centuries. They use period-accurate instruments to understand how touch, articulation, and historical tuning affect interpretation.

Beyond solo recitals, students collaborate across a wide range of genres. They can participate in chamber music, vocal accompaniment, and early music collaborations within the school’s active ensemble program

After Graduating with your master’s in Historical Keyboard instruments

Graduates of the M.M. in Historical Keyboard Instruments leverage their dual specialization in performance and scholarship to move into a number of professional careers including:

• Faculty Positions at universities, colleges, and conservatories
• Doctoral Track
• Solo and Chamber Freelancing
• Orchestral and Choral Performance
• Church positions
• Private Studios

How to Apply to the Certificate in Historical Keyboard Performance Program

Students interested in the M.M. in Historical Keyboard Instruments complete the UNCG Graduate School admission process and the School of Music Master’s admissions process.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Master’s in Historical Keyboard Instruments