Music
Turn your passion into your profession. The Music program blends creativity with real-world experience. Whether you're composing, performing, managing behind-the-scenes business details, or preparing to teach, you'll find space to grow your passion. Our comprehensive curriculum goes beyond expectations—academically and artistically—while expert faculty guide students through hands-on learning in professional settings.
Careers in Music
The Music Program prepares students for diverse careers in producing, managing, and performing, as well as composing for film and multimedia, teaching, music therapy, and leading community ensembles. With this degree, you can turn your passion for music into a rewarding profession in various dynamic fields.- Musician
- Music Educator
- Music Therapist
- Music Director
- Arts Administration
- Music Composer
- Music Instrument Repair
Potential Salary
Median Salary $63,670
Music Degrees at MSU
Music Performance, Bachelor of Arts
The degree is ideal for students seeking a career on stage, in the teaching studio, or in a sacred setting. The degree provides students the opportunity to practice and refine their craft. Students studying performance will have more access to one-on-one applied lessons with faculty and work side-by-side with other performers to create dynamic, professional-level concerts and media projects.
Music, Minor
The music minor combines elements from Music Performance, Music Education, and Music Industry, while also developing creative and critical thinking skills applicable to various professions.
Music Education Instrumental General Music K-12, Bachelor of Science
This degree is a pathway to teacher licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students build the skills to teach music in a variety of settings, from public to private K–12 schools. The program prepares future educators to confidently lead instruction in brass, woodwind, string, and percussion instruments—combining musical expertise with hands-on teaching experience.
Music Education Vocal General Music K-12, Bachelor of Science
This degree is a pathway to teacher licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students build the skills to teach music in a variety of settings, from public to private K–12 schools. Students gain confidence leading large and small vocal ensembles, choral ensembles, solo vocal repertoire, and teaching general music classes—developing the skills to inspire and engage learners through every facet of vocal music education.
Music, Master of Music
The Master of Music degree is a professional pathway for students who desire to increase their knowledge as public school teachers, to teach at the college level, or to work towards a doctorate. It is also a useful degree for those who perform professionally, compose, or conduct at an advanced level. The Master of Music degree is offered in four areas of specialization: Piano Performance, Choral Conducting, Wind Band Conducting, and Music Education.
Music Performance, Bachelor of Arts
The degree is ideal for students seeking a career on stage, in the teaching studio, or in a sacred setting. The degree provides students the opportunity to practice and refine their craft. Students studying performance will have more access to one-on-one applied lessons with faculty and work side-by-side with other performers to create dynamic, professional-level concerts and media projects.
Music, Minor
The music minor combines elements from Music Performance, Music Education, and Music Industry, while also developing creative and critical thinking skills applicable to various professions.
Music Education Instrumental General Music K-12, Bachelor of Science
This degree is a pathway to teacher licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students build the skills to teach music in a variety of settings, from public to private K–12 schools. The program prepares future educators to confidently lead instruction in brass, woodwind, string, and percussion instruments—combining musical expertise with hands-on teaching experience.
Music Education Vocal General Music K-12, Bachelor of Science
This degree is a pathway to teacher licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students build the skills to teach music in a variety of settings, from public to private K–12 schools. Students gain confidence leading large and small vocal ensembles, choral ensembles, solo vocal repertoire, and teaching general music classes—developing the skills to inspire and engage learners through every facet of vocal music education.
Music, Master of Music
The Master of Music degree is a professional pathway for students who desire to increase their knowledge as public school teachers, to teach at the college level, or to work towards a doctorate. It is also a useful degree for those who perform professionally, compose, or conduct at an advanced level. The Master of Music degree is offered in four areas of specialization: Piano Performance, Choral Conducting, Wind Band Conducting, and Music Education.
Music Ensembles
Sing or play an instrument? All students can audition for ensembles like Jazz Mavericks, Concert Choir, Maverick Machine, Chamber Strings Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and more—no music major required!
Music Events
The Music program hosts concerts and events year-round, featuring student ensembles and nationally renowned artists through the Performance Series. Many events are free for students and open to the public—inviting campus and community to experience live music and support student musicians.
Maverick Machine Athletic Bands
The Maverick Machine Athletic Bands offer student and community musicians an opportunity to bring spirit, energy and enthusiasm to Minnesota State Mankato athletic events. Musicians of all levels can participate in our musically innovative bands without making an intensive time commitment.
Related Programs
Theatre Arts
The Theatre Arts program offers opportunities to explore dramatic literature and movement in three performance venues. We provide top-tier theatre training and a multifaceted, high-quality theatrical experience in southern Minnesota.
Film and Media Studies
Students in Film and Media Studies look at all aspects of film and media, including aesthetic, creative, critical, cultural, technical, and theoretical perspectives.
Music Industry
Our Music Industry program equips students to identify opportunities and develop solutions for industry needs through coursework, technical experience, and real-world opportunities, preparing them for careers in management, marketing, studio operations, and more.
Dance
Our Dance Program is a dynamic and growing field of study that provides students with a rich program of study, five degree options, diverse performance opportunities and off-campus events. Students receive a comprehensive education grounded in a liberal arts education that prepares them for a lifetime in dance such as: teaching, performing, private studio ownership, choreographing, dance therapy, arts administration, dance writing and related fields.
Music Department
College of
Humanities and Social Sciences
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.
Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences