Master of Music Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet Performance

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Master of Music in

Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet Performance

The LACM Master of Music in Saxophone, Trombone, and Trumpet Performance program is designed to develop successful artist entrepreneurs through advanced performance skills combined with music business and technology studies. The program encourages students to balance technical skill with artistic expression, to help them find their voice on their instrument. With a faculty that includes world-class touring and recording musicians, students learn from the best and start engaging with the music industry from the very first day.

Learn the skills you need as a musician to adapt to any musical situation. Instruction in all styles, including jazz, blues, rock, funk, big band and world music as well as supportive courses in arranging, music directing, pedagogy, music technology and music business provide the foundation of a professional career. LACM alumni include performing and recording artists, touring musicians, published songwriters, composers for film, television and other media, and teachers of music.

Entrance Requirements

The institution maintains a rigorous admissions policy that aligns with the objectives and goals of the Master of Music programs. The Graduate Studies Committee evaluates applicants for academic accomplishment, musicianship, talent, artistry, and level of commitment.

All Master of Music and Master of Arts applicants are required to hold a Bachelor of Music (BM) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music from an accredited institution. Bachelor’s degrees in other fields of study are accepted if applicants have the musical training and musicianship necessary to pursue a graduate-level education. Degrees from international institutions are considered with a US equivalency evaluation report from a certified credential evaluator.
A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 from the applicant’s baccalaureate degree is recommended for admission.
Applicants must submit an essay on their goals in pursuing a career in music and what they expect to gain and contribute to the master’s program.
Applicants must pass an entrance audition and demonstrate advanced proficiency in their major field of specialization.
Applicants may be asked to take placement exams that demonstrate competency at the baccalaureate level in Musicianship, Music History, Music Technology and Music Business.

Audition Portfolio

Audition Recording Guidelines

The audition must be submitted as a video recording (audio-only submissions will not be accepted).
Applicants may perform solo, self-accompanied, with other musicians, or with a full band, as long as they are clearly the featured performer.
Pre-recorded accompaniment tracks are allowed.
Each performance should be recorded in a single take without any edits and must showcase the applicant’s performance, artistic, and creative abilities.
Studio enhancements such as pitch correction or timing adjustments are not permitted.

Audition Requirements

The portfolio must include 20 minutes of solo and/or ensemble material.
It must feature at least:
- One jazz standard
- One published song in any genre
- One original composition

Course Highlights

Commercial Horn Practices 1 (2 credits)

A survey of performance practices of the current studio recording artist and touring musician. Emphasis placed on mastering styles form the R&B, Funk, Fusion and “Horn Section” genres. Concepts are developed by improvising with a professional rhythm section in an interactive workshop. This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture and two-hour lab.

Master's Forum with Industry Leaders (1 credit)

This seminar series covers the practical, technical, and creative elements of the contemporary music industry. Meeting five times per quarter, each two-hour symposium features leaders in the field of music performance, recording, composition, production and business and provides a learning, networking and mentoring environment for students. Students prepare for the seminars by researching the guest and topics of discussion and formulating questions. Following each seminar, students submit detailed reports on the speaker, the topic, what they learned and how it applies to their artistic and career goals.

Horn Tracking and Stacking For Home Studio (1 credit)

This course focused on the recording strategies, equipment and techniques for tracking in a home studio environment. Includes experimentation with the digital audio workstation, interfaces, a variety of microphones, signal processing plug-ins, digital delivery formats and more. A focus on creative practices involving collaboration and communication with producers and recording/mixing engineers. This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture and two-hour lab.

Entrepreneurship and Marketing for the Professional Musician (1.5 credits)

Entrepreneurial and business strategies will be presented, along with advanced marketing and promotion strategies. Culminates in initial individualized business plan with marketing assets developed. This class consists of a weekly 90-minute lecture.

Conducting/Music Leadership (1 credit)

Effective music directing and leadership combines a variety of skills including arranging, conducting, management, communication and musicianship. This course brings them together in examining what makes a good music director and in practical application as students lead undergraduate ensembles as part of the Performance Ensemble requirement. This class consists of a weekly one hour lecture.

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