The Professional Master of Arts (PMA) in Music combines comprehensive training in musicology with mastery of a relevant sub-specialization to assist you in pursuing a managerial or organizational career in music.
As a PMA student, you receive well-rounded training that balances music performance and scholarship with the elements of professional management. Your curriculum explores music in interdisciplinary, cultural, and intellectual contexts that you will integrate with the following sub-specializations:
- Music Communications
- Arts Administration
- Information Management
You’ll receive mentoring and instruction from a faculty of highly trained performers and scholars, along with an interdisciplinary bridge to programs at CGU’s Center for Information Systems & Technology and Drucker School of Management. Upon earning your master’s degree, you will possess knowledge and skills essential for management and leadership positions in the world of professional music.
Program Highlights
- The Music Department puts on an array of concerts that offer ample performance opportunities.
- You’ll work closely with renowned faculty from CISAT and the Drucker School of Management.
- CGU is home to the highly respected music journal Performance Practice Review.
Program At-a-glance
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36 units
required units
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Professional MA in Music
degree awarded
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In Person
modality
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Spring, Fall
program start
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2 years | full time*
estimated completion time
Areas of Concentration
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Music Communications
In addition to the core curriculum, this concentration covers Introduction to Literary Theory, English electives, Music elective, a master’s thesis, and an internship.
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Arts Administration
In addition to the core curriculum, this concentration explores the Human Component of Organizations, Operations Management and Control, Music elective, a master’s thesis, and an internship.
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Information Management
In addition to the core curriculum, this concentration requires Computer Applications in Music for Teaching and Research, Data Base Concepts, Data Base Systems Planning, a master’s thesis, and an internship.
Where You Can Find Our Alumni
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Berklee College of Music
Associate Professor of Voice
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Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute
Musical Theater Teacher
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The Master's College
Professor
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Arcadia High School
Music Director, Department of Theater
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St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church of Rolling Hills Estates
Director of Music Ministries
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California Baptist University
Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Bands
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USC's Thornton School of Music
Adjunct Professor, Pop Voice
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Claremont School of Theology
Accompanist
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Orange County High School of the Arts
Teacher, Ballet Pianist
Faculty
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Robert Zappulla
Professor of Music
Fred W. Smith and Grace Hobson Smith Chair in Music
Chair, Department of MusicResearch Interests
Harpsichord, Historical performance practices, Baroque music
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Jenny Soonjin Kim
Assistant Professor of Practice
Research Interests
Piano, Fortepiano, 18th & 19th-century performance practices, 20th century atonal piano compositions, digital keyboard laboratory, the board of directors of Los Angeles Master Chorale: Education Committee and Gala Host Committee
Curriculum
Program Requirements
Qualifying Examinations
All music students are required to take written and oral qualifying examinations at regularly scheduled, posted times during the academic year.
Participation and Attendance
All students are encouraged to take part in the performance groups of the Claremont Colleges.
Language and Research Tool Requirements
You can satisfy the research tools requirement by qualifying in:
- One language – MA in musicology, composition, or instrumental performance
- Two languages – MA in voice or choral conducting, DCM, DMA, and PhD
- A good reading knowledge of the chosen language(s) with special regard to writings on musical subjects (German, French, or Italian if MA; German and either French, Italian, or Latin if PhD; any two of the four if DMA or DCM).
You can fulfill the language tool requirement by demonstrating competency at translating an approved language into English.
Recitals and Projects
All recitals and projects must be approved by the Music Department.
Capstone Project
For those who write music, the culmination of their CGU music education is the opportunity to present an original composition. Though there is no strictly prescribed form, in most cases, work will involve orchestra or large ensemble (soloists, choral forces, or electronics as additional components are possibilities). Whether you write and perform a symphony or concerto, it’s the best way to test and establish your musical vision.
Application Guidelines
This program is no longer accepting applications.