The Master of Music degree in Performance is an applied-based degree, requiring 30 units of study in private lessons, ensembles, chamber music, history and literature, and theory. Cal State Fullerton School of Music faculty include nationally and internationally recognized performers. Students thrive in an environment large enough to engage in challenging, vital music-making, but intimate enough for specialized individual attention. For those intending to pursue doctoral studies, the Master of Music degree normally leads to the DMA. Classes in guitar history and literature complement the student's individual instruction. In addition, the guitar performance workshop and the guitar chamber ensembles provide frequent opportunities for performance, both solo and with groups of various sizes. State-funded lessons are available, as is scholarship assistance in various forms.
The Master of Music offers two concentrations: theory/composition and performance. The M.M. is designed to produce graduates who: have advanced and proficient knowledge of music history, literature, and theory, are advanced, reflective and independent practitioners of music through performance/improvisation, composition and analysis at a pre-professional level, demonstrate competence to enter their professional field with a high level of knowledge and skills, are scholars who exercise professional standards of oral and written communication through research documents and oral presentations, demonstrate leadership through successful collaborative experiences, academically and in performance, are intellectually curious in exploring new avenues of expression and creativity in programming, and apply global perspectives and current trends to their acquired knowledge and skills in performance/improvisation, composition, education and career development.