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@mailer.fsu.edu

Degree/Credential: Graduate (MA)
Web Site: http://www.music.fsu.edu/arts-administration.htm

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, and managing arts activities." (FSU Graduate Bulletin, 2003-05). It is intended for music students who seek administrative or management positions with such organizations as 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 the various specialties, arts organizations are often best served by skilled professionals who commit to significant understanding of the creation and performance of the art they serve.

The M.A. typically consists of two years of on-campus course study, plus an internship, which is usually accomplished off-campus at an arts organization of significant reputation. Internships are encouraged at such area organizations as the Orlando Opera, the Atlanta Symphony, Pensacola Symphony; state arts agencies, such as the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and Florida Music Educators Association; national arts institutions, such as Spoleto Festival, USA and the Kennedy Center; or performing groups abroad as part of the FSU International program, such as the Philharmonia Orchestra in London. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in music from an accredited college or university. About twenty-four candidates are enrolled at a given time, with approximately ten students accepted each fall. Many candidates are awarded assistantships within the College of Music. They gain valuable experience marketing and managing College of Music performances. Graduates are currently serving as arts administrators at such locations as the Ohio Arts Council, the Houston Symphony, National Repertory Orchestra, Opera Carolina, Florida West Coast Symphony, and Washington National Opera.

Distinguishing characteristics include:

    * Flexibility: each student, in consultation with the director, “tailors” core and elective courses to best suit his/her goals.
    * Focus: is on the musical (and other performing) arts, as they relate to the administrative needs of the organizations in which they function. Students are encouraged to continue performance activities if they choose and to attend many of the over 450 concerts of orchestra, opera, faculty chamber concerts and recitals, and student performances presented by the College of Music each year.

---

Administration of the Program

The program is offered through the College of Music and is directed by Anne R. Hodges, D.M. The strengths of two similar programs offered by the FSU School of Visual Arts and Dance through the School of Theatre and the Department of Art Education 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

After consultation with the director, students select a program of 39 total hours from within the following requirements:

    * Arts Administration Core - 9 semester hours. Examples: Introduction to Arts Administration, Legal and Business Issues in the Arts, Fundraising Strategies and Practices in the Arts; Audience Development and Arts Marketing, Financial Management Seminar, Managing the Arts Organization or Survey of Orchestra Management.
    * Music Core - 12 semester hours, Examples: Music History - Graduate Survey, Music Bibliography, Descriptive Research in Music, Applied Music or Ensemble Performance, Opera Literature, Music Education courses.
    * Elective Courses - 9 semester hours. Examples include Psychology of Music, Women in Administration, any core course after completion of the requirement; or any related graduate course with director approval.
    * Internship - 9 semester hours with substantial written final project
      Arts Administration Seminar - 1 semester hour. The Seminar includes career development and job search strategies and distinguished guest speakers from the field.
    * Attainment of principal level in music performance - determined by faculty audition/jury.
    * Music Theory Review - determined by entrance exam.
    * Final Comprehensive Exam - consists of written answers to three questions posed by the student's graduate faculty committee, including an oral defense.
    * Proficiency requirements in the use of related computer applications, including spreadsheet, database management, and presentation software - determined by the director.

---

Admissions

Applicants must have a Bachelor of Music degree from an accredited college or university, and preferably, some practical experience with an arts organization. Undergraduate GPA must be at least 3.0, or the university required a combined minimum score of 1000 on the GRE. (Some university fellowships and scholarship programs require the GRE.) Students applying from outside of FSU must commit to a fall/spring/fall/spring sequence in order to maximize opportunities to take core courses and prepare for the internship, which may not be done until after spring semester of the first year.

To apply, read all application information located on the web site and send all materials to the College of Music at the stated address:

    * University application;
    * Application fee;
    * College of Music application;
    * Official transcripts - two copies from every school attended (International applicants must send certified English translations);
    * Letters of recommendation - three from persons familiar with the field, the applicant's background, abilities, and potential for success; and
    * Applicant’s statement of professional goals and objectives, which should demonstrate commitment and motivation to contribute to the field, as well as excellent writing skills.

International students must provide additional information as stated on the application forms.
information as stated on the application forms.

Online application is available at www.music.fsu.edu. Enrollment is limited each fall to approximately ten full-time students. Applications should be received by the College of Music no later than March 1. Students who wish to receive priority consideration for graduate assistantships are strong advised to submit application by mid-January.

Financial assistance is available through assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and student loans. A limited number of SOM Arts Administration assistantships provide stipends for students to work as orchestra manager(s) for two university orchestras; recording manager for College of Music performance halls; assistants with special events, patrons association, and alumni activities; coordinator for a Winter Festival of Music for the area community; coordinator for FSU Opera activities; assistants to the Dean for Public Service, and coordinators for the FSU Summer Music Camps. Stipends vary depending upon the amount of service rendered, the nature of the assistantship, and the qualifications of the student. Graduate assistants usually receive a waiver of some portion of both in- and out-of-state tuition.

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.