The department encourages its graduate students to take courses both of a broad scope and of a detailed nature. The latter courses mark the beginning of professional specialization. Performance students are permitted to take private lessons for up to 12 credits with a Hunter College faculty member or one of the instructors who serve as performance associates on the faculty. Students may also study with an outside teacher of their choice, pending approval by the Music Department. The Cutler Scholarships in Orchestral Performance offer new opportunities for support for MA students who qualify to be leaders in the orchestra and chamber music programs.

The Department of Music offers courses of study leading to the MA degree, with concentrations in composition, ethnomusicology, music history, music theory, and performance. Modifications to these programs may be made in consultation with the graduate adviser.