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Graduate Programs

  1. UNO
  2. College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
  3. School of Music
  4. Graduate Programs

Now Offering Conducting and Music Education Concentrations Totally Online!

Current and Prospective Students

View the School of Music course rotation for the next few semesters to help you plan your degree.

Graduate Degrees | Graduate Certificates | Graduate Handbook


Graduate Degrees (Master of Music, M.M.)

The University of Nebraska at Omaha is a comprehensive, urban-oriented institution dedicated to breadth and quality. It contributes to the community and to the state through its strong academic programs, research and creative activity of its faculty, and through a very special orientation to public service. Through these and through the accomplishments of its graduates, UNO takes advantage of its unique role in the area and serves both students and community through relevant programs of high quality.

The Master of Music degrees offered by the School of Music are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

The Master of Music degree at UNO is divided into four concentrations:

  • Music Performance
  • Conducting
  • Jazz
  • Music Education

Please visit the Graduate Degree Admissions page to find the admissions requirements for your area.


Music Performance Concentration

PianistThe Music Performance concentration is a 30-credit hour program that emphasizes performance and applied music. Courses in history, theory and pedagogy as they relate to performance are included, and opportunities for internships and performances in local professional organizations such as Opera Omaha and the Omaha Symphony are enjoyed by students at UNO.

Students may choose to study with talented artist-faculty in brass, woodwind, percussion, string, keyboard or voice. Students must audition for acceptance into the Master of Music in Music Performance degree.

Program Requirements: Master of Music, Performance (M.M. Performance)

Student Learning Outcomes

Conducting Concentration

141003_bandrehearsal_027a.jpgThe conducting concentration is a 30-credit hour program that emphasizes individualized instruction in conducting and maximizes experiences in front of an ensemble.

Courses in music history, literature, and theory supplement the practical experience to help produce well-rounded graduates with considerable knowledge of techniques and literature.

Program Requirements: Master of Music, Conducting (M.M. Conducting)

Student Learning Outcomes

Music Education Concentration

140930_musicedstudents_013a.jpgMusic Education graduate courses emphasize pedagogy and practical application of music skills and research for teachers at all levels.

Special courses like Pedagogy of World Music and Pedagogy of Theory, flexibility in elective options, and the ability to complete the degree online or hybrid make this program unique.

Learn more about certificate options that may be completed concurrently with the Music Education Concentration

Program Requirements: Master of Music, Music Education (M.M. Music Education)

Student Learning Outcomes

Jazz Concentration

thumbnail_img-6303.jpgThe Jazz concentration is a 30-credit hour program that emphasizes individualized instruction in applied lessons and maximizes experiences in large and small jazz ensembles.

Courses in African-American Popular Music and jazz arranging supplement the practical experience to help produce well-rounded graduates with considerable knowledge of standard and modern jazz repertoire.

Program Requirements: Master of Music, Jazz (M.M. Jazz)


Graduate Certificates

Looking to advance your career?

The UNO School of Music offers certificates in Kodaly and Conducting. All certificate courses can be counted towards the Master of Music Education concentration and may be completed concurrently with that degree program.

Nebraska Kodály Certification

Kodály levels courses at UNO are designed to provide participants with strategies for teaching music based on the philosophies and practices of musician-composer-educator Zoltan Kodály—commonly known as “Kodály” nationally and internationally.

The Kodály approach to music teaching and learning is appropriate for pre-school children through students in middle school grades and has applications for high school and adult education, particularly in choral settings. The focus of Kodály is music literacy, achieved through listening, singing, reading, writing, and creating music. Kodály pedagogy emphasizes developing music literacy through the indigenous music of the culture, beginning with folk songs.

All Kodály levels courses are offered for graduate credit or non-degree credit. Visit the Kodály Certification Program Website for more information.

View certificate requirements

Please visit the Graduate Certificate Admissions page to find specific admissions requirements.

Conducting Certification

The conducting graduate certificate is designed to provide practitioners with an opportunity to enhance their conducting skills through a program emphasizing applied experiences in front of a performing ensemble. The program may be completed as a stand-alone certificate, or concurrently with the Master of Music-Education concentration. 

It is available through in-person instruction, online/remote instruction, or hybrid instruction. In order to pursue the online/remote delivery option students must have an off-campus lab ensemble approved by graduate conducting faculty as part of the audition process.

View certificate requirements


this is a PDF with information about the master of music options from the university of nebraska omaha's school of musici


Contact Information

For any other questions about Graduate Programs in the UNO School of Music, please contact Dr. Pete Madsen by email petermadsen@unomaha.edu or phone at 402.554.2297.


Graduate Comprehensive Exam Schedule
  • April 5, 2025
  • Summer 2025 TBA
Access to Exceptional: UNO Graduate Student Viewbook

Thinking About a Graduate Assistantship?

Get the details here!

Contact Us

  • Dr. Karen Fannin, Director, School of Music: kfannin@unomaha.edu

  • Adam Hilt, Coordinator of Outreach and Recruitment: ahilt@unomaha.edu

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