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 graduate work by successfully passing our entrance exams. Degrees from international institutions are considered with a US equivalency evaluation report from a certified credential evaluator.
A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 from the applicant’s baccalaureate degree is required for admission.
Applicants must submit and 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 must pass entrance exams that demonstrate competency at the baccalaureate level in Musicianship, Music History, Music Technology and Music Business.

Entrance Exam Overview

Audition Portfolio

The audition recording (in video format- audio only will not be accepted) may be solo, self-accompanied, accompanied by other musician(s), or by a band as long as the applicant is prominently featured. The use of pre-recorded accompaniment tracks is acceptable. The audition recording should be performed in one take and not edited, and best demonstrate the applicant’s performance, artistic, and creative abilities. The use corrective studio effects such as pitch or timing correction is not allowed.

Twenty minutes of solo and/or ensemble pieces, which includes a minimum of one jazz standard and one published song in any genre, and a minimum of 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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