Programs

Contemporary Performance Program

CPP students collaborate with living classical composers, develop new works, and perform repertoire of the 20th and 21st centuries with MSM’s premier contemporary ensemble, Tactus.

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The Contemporary Performance Program (CPP) is a graduate program for students wishing to focus on contemporary classical music. Our students are creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial. Our alumni thrive as soloists and members of prestigious ensembles.

Degree Offered

  • Master of Music (MM in Contemporary Performance)

Contemporary Performance Majors

  • All instruments and voice

Program Details

The Contemporary Performance Program at MSM is a vibrant community of graduate students who are passionate about the music of our time. The curriculum includes classes tailored to the specific needs of the contemporary performing musician.

The program features private instruction, group classes, composer collaborations, and groundbreaking performances with MSM’s premier contemporary ensemble, Tactus.

The intense level of collaboration and discussion among the students provides a fertile environment for experimentation and innovation.

Erin Rogers and Matt Ward serve as Co-Chairs of the CPP Department and as Artistic Directors of it’s ensemble, Tactus.

10th Anniversary Alumni Showcase: Celebrating 10 years of graduates from MSM's Contemporary Performance Program

“The deepest, grandest noise of the musical season so far”

From a review of Tactus, the CPP Ensemble

Audition & Prescreening Information

Prescreening & Audition Procedures

Handbook for Current Students

Contemporary Performance Handbook

Plan of Study & Course Descriptions

MSM Academic Catalog
(A plan of study may also be found at the bottom of this page.)

Contemporary Performance Administration

  • Erin Rogers

    Artistic Advisor and Co-Chair, Contemporary Performance Program
    erogers@simplelifelayout.com

  • Matthew Ward

    Artistic Advisor and Co-Chair, Contemporary Performance Program
    mward@simplelifelayout.com

 

Success Stories

See All
  • Jun 12, 2023 Contemporary Performance
    Alumni
    Contemporary Performance alumna and trumpeter Laura Bibbs on tour with Harry Styles
  • Jun 2, 2023 Contemporary Performance, Piano
    Alumni
    MSM Piano alumni Lucy Yao (MM ’18) and Dorothy Chan (MM ’12) featured in New York Philharmonic’s new cabaret style series NIGHTCAP
  • Feb 9, 2023 Contemporary Performance
    Faculty
    MSM faculty member Todd Reynolds is concertmaster for Broadway production of Parade in previews beginning February 21

NOTE: Curriculum is subject to change. In case of a discrepancy, the MSM Academic Catalog is the authoritative source of requirements. View the Academic Catalog here.

Sample Schedule for Master of Music / Contemporary Performance Major

Total Program Hours: 54-57

  • Major Instrument Seminar (CT6000)
    8 cr
  • Composer/Reading Workshop (CT1999)
    2 cr
  • Contemporary Ensemble (CT1071)
    4 cr
  • Contemporary Musicianship (CT2200)
    4 cr
  • Performing with Electronics (CT2700)
    2 cr
  • Contemporary Music Survey (CT1960-1961)
    6 cr
  • Concert Attendance (CA1000)
    0 cr
  • Jury
    0 cr
Total Credits for Year 1:
26 cr
  • Major Instrument Seminar (CT6000)
    8 cr
  • Composer Reading/Workshop (CT1999)
    2 cr
  • Contemporary Ensemble (CT1071)
    4 cr
  • Composer/Performer Project (CT1700)
    2 cr
  • Advanced Practicum Entrepreneurship (ME2001)
    2 cr
  • Independent Study (IS1999)
    2 cr
  • Graduate Electives
    6 cr
  • Graduate Theory Electives (TH2000-2999)
    2 cr
  • 5 Setting the Stage Workshops (ME1000)
    0 cr
  • Jury
    0 cr
  • Graduation Recital/Lecture Presentation
    0 cr
Total Credits for Year 2:
28 cr

Members of MSM's critically-praised Tactus ensemble

Success Stories

See All
  • Jun 12, 2023 Contemporary Performance
    Alumni
    Contemporary Performance alumna and trumpeter Laura Bibbs on tour with Harry Styles
  • Jun 2, 2023 Contemporary Performance, Piano
    Alumni
    MSM Piano alumni Lucy Yao (MM ’18) and Dorothy Chan (MM ’12) featured in New York Philharmonic’s new cabaret style series NIGHTCAP
  • Feb 9, 2023 Contemporary Performance
    Faculty
    MSM faculty member Todd Reynolds is concertmaster for Broadway production of Parade in previews beginning February 21

The first CPP performance of the 2022-23 season. Tactus performs multiple times throughout the academic year. 

“One of the huge benefits of MSM is its location in NYC, home to the richest and most saturated scene in contemporary classic, jazz and other genres.”

Viola, Contemporary Performance (MM '16)

 MSM's critically-praised Tactus ensemble following a Soundpainting performance led by CPP faculty Todd Reynolds (front, right).

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