Keyboard Studies

The Department of Music offers a Master of Music degree in Piano and a Master of Music degree in Fortepiano. Both degrees are open to advanced players interested in careers in performance and teaching. Students have the opportunity to study under the direction of an outstanding keyboard faculty. The goal of the curriculum is to prepare the student musically, technically, and intellectually for the demands of a career or for entrance into a doctoral program in music.

Students in the program are encouraged to pursue appropriate related keyboard work in addition to their major concentration. A pianist, for example, could also study fortepiano, harpsichord, or organ. Performance opportunities are plentiful, encompassing the entire range of solo, chamber and concerto repertoire.

Washington University students in these programs are expected to be both accomplished musicians and academically well-motivated, as the program is rigorous in both areas. The musicology and theory faculties are internationally known and the department boasts an active opera program. Full-time faculty in piano and voice are complemented by part-time performance faculty, many of whom are musicians with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Graduate students benefit from the resources of a major university that is an important musical and cultural center.