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Eastern Illinois University

Music Performance

The Master of Arts in Music: Keyboard, Instrumental, and Vocal Concentrations prepare you for a career in the performing arts by focused study in advanced music performance, ensembles, recitals, and studio performance opportunities.

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Music Performance

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Degree Level
Master of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
32 Total, 32 in Major
Careers
Drama,, Postsecondary, Directors, Composers, Musicians, Singers
Music Performance students at EIU

Why Study Music Performance at EIU?

  • Weekly one-on-one lessons with accomplished faculty members
  • Gain valuable performance experience through concerts, recitals, masterclasses, and a wide variety of ensembles
  • Broaden musical knowledge through advanced coursework in music theory, history, pedagogy, and research
  • Learn essential skills and knowledge for a professional music career or graduate study
"I chose EIU because of EIU's encouraging philosophy of music and commitment to excellence in both performance and education. I am forever grateful to the professors here who have seen me as an individual and have supported me as I find my place in music."
Kaity Harr
MUS | Class of 2027
Kaity Harr, MUS at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Refine your artistry through intensive instruction and performance.
  • Develop your skills through rehearsals, master classes, and performances.
  • Prepare for a career through practical, real-world performance experiences.
  • Gain practical experience teaching and mentoring music students.
Hands-On Experience, Music Performance students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The M.A. in Music Performance prepares you for a career in the performing arts through focused study in advanced music performance, ensembles, recitals and studio performance. It is a fit if you are an accomplished instrumentalist, keyboardist or vocalist who wants to enter the professional performance world as a performer or teacher, or continue to doctoral study.

View in Catalog
$80,190
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers,…
  • Music Directors & Composers
  • Musicians & Singers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook Average OutlookO*NET doesn't currently flag any of the careers linked to this program as Bright Outlook. That doesn't mean jobs aren't out there. It just means these careers aren't expected to grow quickly, don't have 75,000 or more projected openings, and aren't new and emerging.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit ArtisticArtistic interest typeYou like to create. This could mean visual art, performance, writing or music, or using design to shape objects and materials.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,160 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 16% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
16% of lifetime limit

$16,160 total, just 16% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Jamie Ryan
Professor of Percussion
jvryan@eiu.edu
1660 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-2251
Jamie Ryan Message Jamie

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Rebecca Johnson
Flute
rrjohnson2@eiu.edu
Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-6627
Rebecca Johnson Message Rebecca

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or email rrjohnson2@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
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