Master's Degree in Music - Sacred Music
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
This program is best suited for musicians who are passionate about performing or leading music in religious or liturgical settings and wish to develop advanced skills in sacred repertoire and worship leadership. It is ideal for vocalists, conductors, and keyboardists seeking careers in church music, sacred performance, or further graduate study in sacred music.
Program Overview
The School of Music offers a Sacred Music emphasis within the Master of Music in Performance program. This specialized track is designed for vocalists, conductors, and keyboard musicians seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of music within liturgical and worship settings. Students receive advanced training in performance, conducting, and sacred repertoire while exploring the historical, theological, and cultural contexts of sacred music traditions. With mentorship from experienced faculty and opportunities to collaborate with local faith communities, graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in church music, worship arts, and sacred performance careers.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
The applicant for the master’s degree is expected to have earned an appropriate undergraduate degree in music (which should involve a performance component) and successfully audition for the faculty.
Applicants must meet the entrance requirements of The Graduate School as well as those of the School of Music. Applicants for performance degrees must audition. Some areas require a pre-recorded preliminary audition as part of the screening process. Live auditions should be scheduled by contacting the faculty member in charge of the student’s performing area or filling out an audition request form on the School of Music web page.
For performance majors, the entrance exams in Music History and Music Theory (written and aural) are given the week before classes begin to determine whether review classes are necessary in the first semester of study. For academic degrees, entrance exams and an interview are required of the application process. Specialized exams may be required in certain performance and academic areas. Students should contact the Division Coordinator or Director of Graduate Studies to schedule exams. Admission for all degrees is conditional upon passing the entrance exams or passing any required review classes with a grade of A or B before accumulating 12 credit hours.
Application Deadlines
Domestic
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Fall
- 07/25/2025
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Spring
- 12/12/2025
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Summer
- 04/18/2026
International
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Fall
- 04/15/2025
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Spring
- 09/15/2025
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Tuition Rate
For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.
Missouri
West Virginia
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