Florida State University - College of Music
MA in Arts Administration
Kuersteiner Music Building
Room 228
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1180
United States
Main Phone: (850) 644-7712
Main E-Mail: ahodges@fsu.edu
Degree/Credential: Graduate (MA)
Web Site: http://www.music.fsu.edu/Areas-of-Study/Arts-Administration
Program Director: AHodges [link available to AAAE members only]
Program Goals and Objectives
The purpose of the College of Music's graduate Arts Administration program is to prepare students "for roles as leaders in designing, implementing, managing, and evaluating arts activities." Accredited by the National Association Schools of Music (NASM), the program is intended for music students who seek administrative positions with performing arts centers, symphony orchestras, opera companies, choruses, museums, government and private arts agencies, community arts programs, arts councils, college/university arts presenters, and arts service organizations.
The program is based on a student's strong foundation in music, and in the context of increasing change in our demographic, technological, and economic environments. It stresses the premise that while many arts management skills are transferable among specialties, arts organizations are well-served by skilled leaders who demonstrate significant knowledge of the art they serve.
The degree consists of at least three semesters of on-campus study, plus an internship. Internships are encouraged at such area organizations as the Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Tallahassee symphonies; Atlanta Opera; Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Leon County Council for Culture and the Arts; national arts institutions, such as Spoleto Festival USA, National Repertory Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Guild, Wolftrap Foundation for the Performing Arts; and performing groups abroad as part of the FSU International program. About twenty-four candidates are enrolled at a given time, with approximately twelve students accepted each fall. Many candidates are awarded assistantships within the College of Music, to gain valuable practical experience. Graduates are currently serving as arts administrators at such locations as the Chicago Symphony/Ravinia Festival, the Utah Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, Rochestra Philharmonic, the Juilliard School, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Washington Performing Arts Society, Spivey Hall, Florida West Coast Symphony, and Washington National Opera.
Distinguishing characteristics:
- Focus: is on the musical arts and the administrative needs of the organizations that support them.
- Flexibility: each student, in consultation with the director, may "tailor" elective courses to meet his/her profressional career goals.
Students remain involved in musical performances and attend many of the 500+ annual concerts of orchestra, band, chorus, opera, faculty and students.
Administration of the Program
The program is directed by Anne R. Hodges (D.M.). The strengths of two similar programs offered by the FSU School of Visual Arts, Theatre, and Dance give students opportunities to expand their educational experience. Many elective courses may also be pursued from other university departments, such as Public Administration, Philosophy, Communications, Education, and foreign languages.Curriculum
36 total graduate hours within the following areas:- Arts Administration- Legal/Business Issues, Fundraising Strategies; Audience Development and Marketing, Fiscal/Personnel Management, Budgeting for Non-profits, Managing the Arts Organization, Survey of Orchestra, Opera, Chorus Management.
- Music - graduate courses in Music HIstory, Bibliography, Descriptive Research in Music, Music Theory, Applied Music and/or Ensemble; Opera Literature, Music Education; Jazz Studies; Commercial Music (Note: undergraduate proficiencies are determined during orientation testing and performance valuation.
- Elective - examples are College Music Administration; Public Administration; foreign language.
- Internship - 6 semester hours with substantial written final project
- Career Seminar
- Final written and oral comprehensive examination
- Proficiency required in related computer/software applications
Admissions
Applicants must have a Bachelor of Music degree from an accredited college or university, and demonstrate effective, practical experience. Undergraduate GPA must be 3.0 or higher. (Some university fellowships/scholarships require the GRE.) Students applying from outside of FSU should commit to a fall/spring sequence to maximize course opportunities and to prepare for the internship.
Application information is available at www.music.fsu.edu. Requirements: university application/ fee; College of Music application; official transcripts; three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's background and potential for success; and a statement of professional goals.
International students must provide additional information.
Students who wish to receive consideration for graduate assistantships are strongly advised to submit application by the priority deadline; however, the College of Music continues to accept applications as long as openings are still available.
Applicants should also note the University Fellowship and other scholarship opportunities offered by outside organizations, such as the McKnight and Ford Foundations. Some of these are specifically designed for minority students.