Graduate Studies

Welcome to graduate studies at the Townsend School of Music. The School prepares musical artists for professional careers in performance, conducting and music education. In addition, we offer intensive preparation for careers in church music ministry through The Townsend-McAfee Institute. If you seek to be a collegiate conductor, professional performer or church musician, we will help you achieve your goals.

Master of Music in Performance

The Master of Music degree is designed for exceptional musicians who have completed an undergraduate degree in music and wish to pursue intensive graduate studies in performance (voice, piano, organ, or instrument) or collaborative piano (vocal or instrumental).

Get more information about the Master of Music in Performance.

Master of Music in Collaborative Piano (Vocal or Instrumental)

The Master of Music in Collaborative Piano is intended to allow talented pianists, who have completed an undergraduate degree in music to enter an intense period of graduate, professional study that will prepare them for a career in collaborative piano. This is distinct from an Master in Music in Performance (Piano), in that piano performance is directed towards solo performance.

Get more information about the Master of Music in Collaborative Piano.

Master of Music in Conducting

The Master of Music in Conducting is designed for exceptional musicians who have completed an undergraduate degree in music and wish to pursue intensive graduate studies in choral or instrumental conducting.

Get more information about the Master of Music in Conducting.

Master of Music in Church Music

The Master of Music in Church Music degree is intended for talented persons who have completed an undergraduate degree in music and who want to enter an intense period of graduate, professional study that would prepare them for the practice of church music ministry.

Get more information about the Master of Music in Church Music.

Artist Diploma

The Artist Diploma is a non-degree program that admits only the artistically gifted and motivated students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in music. Because the Artist Diploma (AD) is a performance-enhancing program, the awarding of the AD is assessed on the attainment of a level of artistry commensurate with the professional performance standards as determined by the Artist Diploma committee. This will be evaluated through at least one recital per year and through performances in chamber and major ensembles. The focus of the AD is to achieve the highest level of performance and to allow the student to develop in both artistry and professionalism. It is a two-year program that is structured to the individual student’s needs and focuses on the practical aspects of musical performance.

Additional Information

If you have questions or would like to receive more information about the Graduate Studies programs, please contact Dr. Richard Kosowski, Director of Graduate Studies, at (478) 301-4167 or kosowski_rg@mercer.edu.

For information regarding The Townsend-McAfee Institute for Church Music Studies, please contact Dr. Jack Mitchener via e-mail at mitchener_je@mercer.edu.