Master of Music in Piano Performance

The Master of Music in Piano Performance at UNC Greensboro provides conservatory-level performance training, specialized coursework in literature and pedagogy, and ensemble participation. The degree heavily emphasizes applied performance studies alongside ensemble participation and academic research prepare The program prepares students for professional music careers or doctoral 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 of Music in Piano Performance Program Distinctions

The Master’s in 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.

Aside from traditional piano, UNCG stands out for its niche concentrations. It is one of the only schools in the Southeast to offer dedicated graduate training in Historical Keyboard Instruments.

The curriculum explicitly builds entrepreneurial skills directly into the performance coursework, preparing pianists to manage private studios, market their concert careers, or navigate university faculty job markets.

The Piano Performance Graduate Student Experience

Students practice, rehearse, and perform on top-tier Steinway & Sons pianos in studios and concert halls.

Grad students routinely anchor major ensemble pieces, play in chamber music groups, and perform solo recitals inside the acoustically acclaimed UNCG Recital Hall and the UNCG Auditorium.

Encouraged by faculty, students find their own creative voice, program diverse repertoire, and explore individual performance or pedagogical research.

With faculty mentoring, graduate students teach in the Community Private Lessons Program and secure hands-on pedagogy experience before graduation.

After Graduating with your Master’s in Piano Performance

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

• Chamber Musician
• Orchestral/Ensemble Pianist
• Private Studio Owner
• Community Music School Faculty
• Music Director / Minister of Music
• Church Organist or Pianist
• College of University Adjunct Teaching
• Collaborative Pianist

How To Apply to The Master of Music in Piano Performance

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

Frequently ASked Questions About the Masters in Piano Performance