Overview
The Master of Music (M.Mus) is an advanced postgraduate degree focusing on a specific area of musical study, such as performance, composition, conducting, or musicology. It aims to hone a student's artistic and scholarly abilities to a professional or academic level.
Quick Highlights
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Level | Masters Degree |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in Music or equivalent |
| Entrance Exam | University Specific Entrance/Audition, GATE (rarely) |
| Avg Fees | INR 20,000 - 2,00,000 per year |
| Sarkari Jobs | Limited |
Why Study This Course?
Market Demand:
Niche/10
- Deep specialization in a chosen musical discipline.
- Develop advanced performance, composition, or research skills.
- Prepare for careers in professional music, academia, or arts administration.
- Networking opportunities with faculty and peers in the music industry.
Who should study?
This course is ideal for individuals with a strong undergraduate foundation in music who wish to pursue advanced studies and careers as professional musicians, composers, conductors, music educators, scholars, or arts administrators. It requires dedication, exceptional musical talent, and a passion for continuous learning.
Eligibility & Admission
Minimum Qualification:
Bachelor's degree in Music (B.Mus), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Music, or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. A minimum aggregate score (e.g., 50-60%) is usually required. Some universities may require specific combinations of subjects or prior musical training.
Entrance Exams
| Exam Name |
Conducting Body |
| University Entrance Exam/Audition |
Individual Universities/Institutes |
| GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) |
IITs |
Top Institutes
Selection Criteria:
Performance audition, written entrance examination (theory, aural skills), portfolio review (for composers), previous academic record, and sometimes an interview. Some may accept GATE scores for specific interdisciplinary or research-oriented paths.
Government Hubs
| Government Institutes |
| Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh |
| Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata |
| University of Delhi (Faculty of Music and Fine Arts) |
| Banaras Hindu University (Department of Music) |
| University of Mumbai (Department of Music) |
| Jadavpur University, Kolkata (Department of Music) |
Notable Private Hubs
| Government Institutes |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth (Pune) |
| Christ University, Bangalore |
| Symbiosis Institute of Performing Arts, Pune |
| Many private music academies offering specialized M.Mus like degrees. |
Top Cities Offering This Course
Delhi
Mumbai
Kolkata
Chennai
Bangalore
Pune
Lucknow
Indore
Career Opportunities
Private Sector Scope
Top Industries: Music Companies (Record Labels),
Music Production Houses,
Film Industry,
Television Industry,
Concert Halls and Performing Arts Centers,
Private Music Schools and Academies,
Online Music Platforms,
Event Management Companies
| Role | Average Starting Salary (INR/Month) | Potential Growth |
|---|
| Professional Musician (Live Performance) | 30,000 - 70,000+ (Gig-based) | Band Leader, Solo Artist, Session Musician |
| Music Producer/Sound Engineer | 40,000 - 90,000 | Senior Producer, Studio Manager |
| Composer (Film/Games) | 50,000 - 1,20,000+ (Project-based) | Renowned Composer, Music Director |
| Music Teacher (Private Institute) | 25,000 - 60,000 | Department Head, Centre Manager |
| Arts Administrator | 35,000 - 70,000 | Program Director, CEO |
Government Sector Jobs
Graduates are eligible for exams conducted by:
Universities and Colleges (as faculty),
Government Music Colleges,
All India Radio (AIR),
Prasar Bharati,
Cultural Ministries/Departments (e.g., ICCR),
Public Schools (Music Teacher)
| Position | AverageSalary (INR/Month) | Growth Opportunity |
|---|
| Music Professor/Lecturer | 60,000 - 1,50,000+ | Head of Dept., Dean |
| Music Teacher (Govt. Schools/Colleges) | 40,000 - 80,000 | Senior Teacher, Administrator |
| Program Executive (AIR/Prasar Bharati) | 50,000 - 90,000 | Producer, Director |
| Music Archivist/Curator | 45,000 - 70,000 | Senior Curator |
IndCareer Editorial Take
Ideal Candidate:
Highly passionate and talented individual with a strong foundation in music, excellent performance or compositional skills, a drive for scholarly inquiry, and aspirations for a professional career in music or academia. Discipline, creativity, and effective communication are key.
Critical Checks before Admission:
- Verify specific specialization options (performance, composition, etc.) offered by the institute.
- Check faculty expertise and their active involvement in the music industry or academia.
- Understand the audition requirements and their weightage in the admission process.
- Inquire about opportunities for internships, collaborations, and performance platforms.
- Review placement statistics or alumni career paths, especially for niche specializations.
Common Misconceptions:
That an M.Mus is only for performance. The degree encompasses composition, conducting, musicology, and education, among other specializations. Also, that career prospects are limited solely to performing.
State-Specific Note:
West Bengal and Chhattisgarh have historically strong government institutions dedicated to music and performing arts which offer robust M.Mus programs. Other states have many universities with music departments, quality can vary.
Content Accuracy: This content is
curated by experts and verified against current educational standards. While we strive for
accuracy, fees and admission criteria may vary by institute. Please verify with official
sources.
