College of Arts and Sciences

Master of Fine Arts in Musical Performance

The Master of Fine Arts in Musical Performance (MFA) program provides intensive, professional-level training for performers in opera, musical theatre, concert and collaborative piano performance, as well as pedagogy. Studies are also available in composition, conducting and music management. Programs are tailored to the individual needs, talents and career goals of each student. The integrated curriculum of individual instruction, classes, workshops and performance prepares the qualified student for the realities of a career in the performing arts.

Student in ChicagoThe faculty and visiting master teachers are established professionals, with performance and directing credits on stages from Broadway to New York City Opera, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Symphony and Carnegie Hall. This outstanding faculty of accomplished individuals works as a unified team, coordinating our work in the various disciplines, with the common goal of mentoring and providing the best possible training to the next generations of performing artists.

Performance opportunities throughout the year include opera and musical theatre productions, concerts, cabarets, and recitals by students, faculty, visiting artists. A single season's productions will range from performances of "Chicago" and "RENT" to "The Marriage of Figaro" and "Dialogues of the Carmelites." New works by professional and student composers are encouraged, workshopped and presented under the guidance of faculty composers and directors.

The NDNU MFA and Certificate programs are integrated into professional performance companies through partnerships with Bay Area musical theatre and concert organizations. These affiliations provide apprenticeship and performing opportunities for qualified students as performers, coach-accompanists and performance staff in a professional environment. The intensive summer Music Theatre Conservatory offers students a 6-week course of study in performance and audition skills for the lyric theatre in the company of participants accepted by audition from across the country.

NDNU and Music Theatre Conservatory alumni are performing on Broadway, national tours, international opera houses and festivals, winning awards as musical and stage directors of musicals for Bay Area theatres and directing award-winning music and musical theatre programs for Bay Area schools.

The Department of Music and Vocal Arts also offers a certificate in music performance.

See the NDNU General Catalog for program requirements and course descriptions.

Distinctions

  • 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, chamber music, opera, and musical theatre.
  • Capstone Experiences: All MFA students 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.

Admission Process

Student in The Magic FluteNDNU admits students throughout the year for fall, spring and summer semesters.  Please review the NDNU General Catalog for complete program and admission requirements.

Related Links

Contact

Debra Lambert, Chair, Department of Music and Vocal Arts
dlambert@ndnu.edu

Graduate Admissions
Tel: 1 (800) 263-0545 or
(650) 508-3600
Fax: (650) 508-3426
E-mail: grad.admit@ndnu.edu
M-Th 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.