Master of Music Keyboard Performance

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Master of Music in

Keyboard Performance

The LACM Master of Music in Keyboard Performance program is a launching pad for the modern Keyboardist.

Today’s music industry offers a wide variety of jobs to Keyboardists such as recording, performing, songwriting, producing, tv/film composing, musical directing, sound designing, education and much more. We prepare students to be entrepreneurs through advanced performance skills combined with music business and technology studies.

Our curriculum balances technical skill with artistic expression, to help students hone their unique voice. With a faculty that includes world-class touring and recording musicians, students begin engaging with music industry greats from day one. 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 for a successful and diverse professional career.

LACM alumni include performing and recording artists, touring musicians, published songwriters, composers for film, television and other media, and music educators.

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

Performance Styles and Technology 1 (2 credits)

Students will demonstrate command of multiple genres as musical director of their ensembles. Advanced conducting techniques, set pacing, track triggering and keyboard programming will be employed to match and complement recordings. Techniques are applied in Performance Ensemble classes. This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture and one-hour lab.

Synth Bass for Keyboard Players (2 credits)

Bass synth playing techniques and sounds are explored in this class. Extensive listening to the recordings of bass players and demonstrations by bassists in class introduce keyboard players to the stylistic elements that make an effective bass part. Synth bass sounds are examined and replicated through synthesizer plug-ins in the DAW. This class consists of a weekly two-hour lecture/lab.

Creative Practices for Today's Keyboardists 1 (1 credits)

This project-based course focuses on the research skills required to thrive in multiple audition and live gigging scenarios. Sound matching, tone complimenting, advanced accompaniment techniques, reference tracks, artist message and branding will be discussed. This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture/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.

EQ And Mixing Techniques for Keyboardists (1 credit)

This course is a delves into the sonic spectrum and provides keyboardists with the tools necessary to manipulate EQ of popular sounds and sonic landscapes to suit multiple live performance and recording scenarios. This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture.

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