Portland State University’s graduate music program provides advanced, rigorous training for musicians ready to refine their craft, deepen their scholarly expertise, and build dynamic professional careers in performance, conducting, education, and creative leadership.
The curriculum offers a comprehensive foundation in music literature, orchestration, research methods, music theory, history, arranging, and pedagogy, balanced with individualized applied lessons in primary and secondary focus areas. Working alongside faculty mentors–who are active professional performers, conductors, and educators–graduate students combine intensive one-on-one instruction with ensemble leadership, academic coursework, and frequent public performance opportunities in the heart of Portland.
Why choose Portland State University for your graduate music education? PSU offers a rare combination of deeply personalized artistic mentorship and extensive real-world performance opportunities.
- Small Cohorts & High-Impact Mentorship: Programs in conducting, performance, jazz, and general music are intentionally small. Students receive generous individual attention, direct career advice, and substantial podium or solo performance time that is often rare in larger university settings.
- Active Professional Faculty: Learn directly from accomplished professionals, including Oregon Symphony musicians, internationally recognized choral conductors, and active recording and performing artists.
- Downtown Portland Arts Ecosystem: Situated in the center of Portland's performing arts district, PSU connects graduate students to vibrant professional opportunities, including freelance gigs, church positions, private studio teaching, and collaborations with regional arts organizations.
- Core Values for the Modern Musician: Grounded in artistic excellence, discipline, collaboration, professionalism, and adaptability, the program empowers students to cultivate their unique artistic voice and navigate modern portfolio careers.
- Top Innovation & Recognition: Graduate from one of the nation’s top 10 “most innovative” universities and a recognized national College of Distinction.
Specialized Degree Tracks & Curriculum Highlights
Tailor your Master’s degree to your specific artistic and professional goals through focused graduate study in Music Performance (voice, instrumental, jazz, or conducting) or Conducting.
- Music Performance (Voice, Instrumental — classical or jazz): Focuses on advanced solo execution, chamber music, collaborative performance, opera productions, and ensemble leadership, supported by deep study in performance pedagogy and repertoire.
- Music Conducting (Orchestra, Choir, or Band): Focuses on music literature, research methods, and orchestration, music theory, music history, and arranging with hands-on experience participating in and leading our ensembles (choirs, bands, and orchestra), and rigorous instruction in advanced conducting, including repertoire and rehearsal techniques.
Hands-On & Co-Curricular Learning
- Guest artist residencies, master classes, clinics, and professional workshops.
- Performance opportunities in orchestral, choral, opera, jazz, chamber, and contemporary music settings.
- Practical career experience through private teaching, church music positions, accompanying, and community arts partnerships.
A graduate degree in music from PSU prepares graduates to enter the professional workforce directly or proceed to top doctoral programs.
Career Outcomes
- Professional Performer and Soloist
- Ensemble Conductor and Music Director
- Private Studio Instructor and K-12 Music Educator
- Collegiate Faculty and Professor
- Church Musician and Sacred Music Leader
- Collaborative Pianist, Arranger and Composer
- Arts Administrator and Music Entrepreneur
Top Regional Employers & Collaborators
PSU music alumni perform and work with leading organizations, including:
- Oregon Symphony
- Oregon Ballet Theater Orchestra
- Portland Opera
- Vancouver Symphony
- Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra
- Pacific Youth Choirs & Chor Leoni
- Regional school districts, churches (such as Portland's First Congregational Church and Rose City Park Presbyterian Church), and arts non-profits
Faculty Placements & Doctoral Pathways
- Academic Appointments: Recent graduates hold faculty and teaching positions at institutions such as Pacific University, Portland Community College, Washington State University, Clackamas College, and Portland State University.
- Post-Graduate Study: Graduates have successfully completed DMA, PhD, Artist Diploma, and advanced certificate programs at top institutions, including the University of Miami and the University of North Texas.
National Recognition & Accreditation
Portland State University’s music programs are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and hold the prestigious All-Steinway School designation.