The Degree of Master of Music (M.Mus.) is offered by full-time study, normally commencing in the Fall semester. Three areas of specialization are offered: Conducting, Performance and Performance/pedagogy. The specialization of Ethnomusicology is available through the degrees Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. See the section Regulations Governing the Degree of Master of Arts and the section Regulations Governing the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, respectively.

Within the three broad areas of specialization offered for the M.Mus., there is considerable flexibility available to further focus the program to meet specific interests and needs. These programs offer the musician the tools to make accelerated advances in comprehension, skills and abilities as a performing musician or conductor while offering at the same time, insights and experience into the métier of the musician/entrepreneur in the modern world. The School of Music has forged active partnerships with many of the professional music organizations and institutions within the arts community in the greater St. John's region which afford an exceptional range of professional experiences to its graduate students. Included among these partners are the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Broadcasting Company, Heritage Canada, the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council and many others.

Graduate instruction is offered in instrumental and choral conducting, as well as in the following performance media: voice, piano, organ, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, euphonium, trombone, tuba, percussion, guitar, violin, viola, cello and double bass.

1. Admission regulations and procedures are outlined in the General Regulations Governing the School of Graduate Studies and apply to the Master of Music Degree. Candidates for admission will normally hold a Bachelor of Music Degree with first-class standing from a recognized university. Applicants with other types of preparation should enquire with the School of Music regarding the likelihood of admission. Entrance auditions are normally held in late February or early March.

2. In addition to meeting the requirements above, admission is further determined by audition and diagnostic examinations.

   1. Auditions for September entry will be held in February of each year on the St. John’s campus. Where exceptional circumstances prevail and with the approval of the Director, the audition may be submitted as an audio or video recording. The audition program should display a range of performance styles and repertoire. Prospective Candidates should contact the School of Music for details on length of audition and appropriate repertoire. Applicants to the M.Mus. in Conducting program should submit professional quality video recordings of their work with a minimum of two different types of ensembles. These video recordings should include both rehearsals and performances.

   2. Candidates for admission will be required to write diagnostic examinations measuring their skills and knowledge in the standard areas of musical literacy. These include music theory and analysis, aural skills, and music history and literature which includes repertoire knowledge in the performance area. Candidates who display deficiencies in any of these areas may still be considered for admission. Once admitted, however, they will be required to take remedial course work in addition to the required program. Voice and choral conducting applicants will have language competency assessed during the audition. Students admitted in voice and in choral conducting who lack sufficient background in English, German, French and Italian will be required to take remedial undergraduate course work.