Master of Fine Arts in Music
The Master of Fine Arts in Music (MFA) Program at Notre Dame de Namur University is recognized as one of the region's outstanding music programs, offering emphases in pedagogy, vocal, instrumental, or musical theatre performance, and collaborative piano.
The program provides a thorough preparation for a professional career in performance and studio teaching. Offered within the College of Arts and Sciences, the MFA Program combines valuable educational course and individual instruction by dedicated faculty in addition to remarkable performance opportunities in beautiful venues on the Belmont campus.
NDNU's Master of Fine Arts in Music Program attracts students from a broad spectrum of musical backgrounds and international cultures. Some students have just recently finished their bachelor degrees in music, while others are returning to graduate education to 
enhance their careers or simply to enrich their lives while maintaining careers in other fields
Alumni have often gone on to distinguished careers in performance, accompaniment, studio and classroom teaching, recording engineering, or other related fields. Others have gone on to other universities or conservatories to pursue doctoral degrees in music.
The Department of Music and Vocal Arts also offers a certificate in music performance.
Distinctions of the NDNU Master of Fine Arts in Music Program
- Recognition of Excellence: In addition to the University's accreditation by WASC, the Master of Music program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
- Flexibility: The MFA curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, yet offer our students flexibility to adapt to their own needs and goals.
- Performance Opportunities: MFA students are involved in performances throughout the year in recitals, classes, orchestra, chamber music, opera, musical theatre, chorus and chamber singers, in addition to the annual Concerto Competition. Students perform in some of the most beautiful and acoustically satisfying facilities in the Bay Area, located on the NDNU campus. These include the 250-seat historic Ralston Ballroom, 615-seat NDNU Theatre, 80-seat Herzo Recital Hall and 300-seat Cunningham Chapel.
- Capstone Experiences: All MFA students research, prepare and deliver a Graduate Lecture Recital. They also perform Graduate Final Recitals or present Graduate Final Projects, depending upon their areas of specialty or interest.
- Partial Grants and Financing: Full and part time students may be eligible for a limited number of Music Assistance Grants and limited Teaching Assistantships, in additional to federal and alternative loan programs.
Master of Fine Arts in Music Curriculum
The Master of Fine Arts in Music program offers emphasess in Pedagogy, Vocal, Instrumental, or Musical Theatre Performance, and Collaborative Piano. See the NDNU General Catalog for degree requirements and course descriptions.
Admission Process
NDNU admits students throughout the year for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Please review the NDNU General Catalog for complete admission requirements.
NDNU’s College of Arts and Sciences
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, NDNU is a multifaceted university offering 21 bachelor's degrees, 12 graduate degrees and seven credentials. The College of Arts and Sciences, under the leadership of the Interim Dean, Dr. Arnell Etherington, offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts and humanities, as well as in the natural and social sciences. The College also offers master’s degrees and certificates in art therapy (MFT), clinical psychology (MFT), clinical gerontology, English, and music, as well as post-baccalaureate premedical, performance (music), and TESL certificates.
Contact:
Debra Lambert, Program Chair
(650) 508-3694 or dlambert@ndnu.edu
Graduate Admissions
Ralston Hall
Tel: (650) 508-3600
Fax: (650) 508-3426
E-mail: grad.admit@ndnu.edu
M – Th 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
F 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.