Illinois State University

Master in Music, Music Performance

Normal, United States 1 year Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • Applications currently open

About Master in Music, Music Performance

Tuition comes to 26,332 USD per year. Applications for the Aug 2027 intake are due by May 1, 2027.

The Master in Music, Music Performance at Illinois State University is a Master degree for students who want to improve their music skills. It takes a few years to complete and is taught in English.

This program helps students develop skills like performance, music theory, and history. They also get to practice performing in front of an audience and working with other musicians.

After graduating, students can become Concert Performers, Music Teachers, Orchestra Musicians, or Session Musicians. They can work for schools, music companies, or orchestras.

About Illinois State University

Illinois State University (ISU), founded in 1857 and located in Normal, is a comprehensive public university with a long tradition of teacher education and broad academic offerings across 252 programs. Serving roughly 20,878 students, including an international cohort of about 1,000, ISU combines strong undergraduate teaching with expanded graduate and professional programs in education, business, health sciences, arts and applied disciplines.

ISU emphasizes career-ready learning, small class sizes and strong faculty mentorship. Programs integrate experiential learning through internships, community partnerships and applied research, helping students build professional portfolios and practical experience. The university’s commitment to student success is reflected in advising services, career centers and active employer engagement that support transitions into regional and national job markets.

Campus life in Normal offers a welcoming college-town atmosphere with cultural events, clubs and practical support for international students, from orientation to career counseling. ISU’s location in central Illinois combines affordable living with access to metropolitan centers for internships and networking. For international applicants seeking a supportive, student-centered campus with a balance of academic breadth and applied opportunities, Illinois State provides a stable, professionally oriented environment to develop skills and begin a global career.

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

Duolingo

English Test · fastest & cheapest

85–95

Take the Duolingo Test We earn a referral credit
TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
CEFR level
B1/B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Master in Music, Music Performance: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for Master in Music, Music Performance?
Tuition: USD 26,331.6 per year. Application fee: USD 70. Service fee: USD 100.
What are the entry requirements for Master in Music, Music Performance?
Entry requirements include: Education: Bachelor's Degree; Academic performance: Grade C-B (55%-60%, GPA 2-2.5); English: IELTS 5.5-6.0; Age: 18-35.
How long is the Master in Music, Music Performance program?
The program duration is 1 year.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 2027-05-01.
Is Master in Music, Music Performance available online?
This is an on-campus program at Illinois State University in Normal.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

Edit Program

Related Blog Posts

Show More Blog Posts →

Takes about 15 minutes

Complete your profile to unlock

Direct application links unlock once your profile is at least 80% complete. You're currently at 0%. It only takes a minute.