Horn trio on Stage

Master of Music Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet Performance

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.

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

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

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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Master of Music Vocal Performance

Master of Music in

Vocal Performance

The Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance is a practice-oriented degree designed to focus on the development of professional competence for students who intend to pursue a career in music as artists and educators.

The degree, including its curricular structure, requirements for admission, continuation and graduation, is guided by the mission statement and purposes/objectives of the Los Angeles of Music graduate degree program.

Mission Statement
The Los Angeles College of Music master’s program provides a rich environment where students develop a competitive career path through artistic endeavor, rigorous training, scholarship and unparalleled exposure to the music industry to become influential creative artists, educators, and entrepreneurs.

Purposes/Objectives
Directed by the guiding principle to develop students as successful artistic entrepreneurs, the purposes and objectives, structure and content of the Master of Music and Master of Arts programs focus on in-depth knowledge and competence in a major field of specialization and a breadth of competence through practice and scholarship.

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

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

Repertoire Development (1 credit)

To better prepare vocalists for more performance opportunities, this class focuses on building repertoire: great versions of cover songs & originals. Students will create arrangements of songs appropriate to their artistic bent, and will perform weekly. This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture/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.

Performing Beyond Your Limits (1.5 credits)

Building on what was learned in “Performing at Your Limits”, students will focus on cultivating greater authenticity in performance; with more work with camera & staging. This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture and one-hour lab. Prerequisite: Performing At Your Limits

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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Master of Music Keyboard Performance

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.

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

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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The Master of Music degree in Guitar Performance is a practice-oriented degree designed to focus on the development of professional competence for students who intend to pursue a career in music as artists and educators.

The degree, including its curricular structure, requirements for admission, continuation and graduation, is guided by the mission statement and purposes/objectives of the Los Angeles of Music graduate degree program.

Mission Statement
The Los Angeles College of Music master’s program provides a rich environment where students develop a competitive career path through artistic endeavor, rigorous training, scholarship and unparalleled exposure to the music industry to become influential creative artists, educators, and entrepreneurs.

Purposes/Objectives
Directed by the guiding principle to develop students as successful artistic entrepreneurs, the purposes and objectives, structure and content of the Master of Music and Master of Arts programs focus on in-depth knowledge and competence in a major field of specialization and a breadth of competence through practice and scholarship.

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

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

Improvisation And Harmony Development (1 credit)

Analyzing solos, improvisation techniques, tonal decisions, and advanced harmony in order develop as an improviser and artist. This class consists of a weekly two-hour lecture/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.

The Art of The One-Minute Guitar Arrangement (1.5 credits)

There is an art to creating a dynamic one-minute guitar arrangement. In this course, students develop how to arrange short guitar pieces for online content. This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture.

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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The Master of Music degree in Drum Performance is a practice-oriented degree designed to focus on the development of professional competence for students who intend to pursue a career in music as artists and educators.

The degree, including its curricular structure, requirements for admission, continuation and graduation, is guided by the mission statement and purposes/objectives of the Los Angeles of Music graduate degree program.

Mission Statement
The Los Angeles College of Music master’s program provides a rich environment where students develop a competitive career path through artistic endeavor, rigorous training, scholarship and unparalleled exposure to the music industry to become influential creative artists, educators, and entrepreneurs.

Purposes/Objectives
Directed by the guiding principle to develop students as successful artistic entrepreneurs, the purposes and objectives, structure and content of the Master of Music and Master of Arts programs focus on in-depth knowledge and competence in a major field of specialization and a breadth of competence through practice and scholarship.

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

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

Advanced Hand Percussion Techniques 1 (1.5 credits)

The course focuses on techniques and rhythms that apply to the various instruments in the common Brazilian percussion ensemble. The goal is to gain professional proficiency on those instruments. In addition, the drum set will be used to apply the rhythmic, conceptual and sonic elements of the Brazilian percussion ensemble. This course consists of a weekly one-hour lecture and a one 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.

Advanced Studio Technology for Drummers (1.5 credits)

This course takes a close look at music technology for drummers and percussionists from electronic kits and sound libraries to drum programming and sound processing equipment. How to use the technology in the studio and in the home recording environment. Studio professionals are recording more and more at home for producers all over the world. This class shows how to set up the equipment and use it. This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture and one-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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Master of Music in

Bass Performance

The LACM Master of Music in Bass Performance program is designed to develop successful artist entrepreneurs through advanced performance skills combined with music business and technology studies and academic scholarship. The program encourages students to balance technical skill with artistic expression, to help them find their voice on the 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.

No matter what style you call your own, learn the skills you need as a bass player to adapt to any musical situation. The Bass Department provides individualized instruction in all styles, including jazz, blues, rock, funk, and world music as well as supportive courses in arranging, music directing, pedagogy, music technology and music business. LACM alumni include performing and recording artists, touring musicians, published songwriters, composers for film, television and other media, and teachers of music.

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

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

Advanced Improvisational Concepts 1 (1.5 credits)

Advanced techniques for exploring and expanding the understanding and mastery of contemporary improvisational concepts. Harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, and conceptual aspects of modern improvisation are explored, emphasizing the development of each student’s unique musical voice. This class consists of a weekly two hour lecture/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.

Contemporary Touring Bassist (1.5 credits)

Analysis and preparation for real-world live performance scenarios encountered by the touring bassist: performance technology, instrument selection, gear, rehearsal strategies, etc. This class consists of a weekly 30-minute 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.

View Complete Course GuideView Catalog
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