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 Contempoary 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.

Pianist Margaret Kampmeier serves as Chair of the Department and Artistic Director of 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 Course Catalog
(A plan of study may also be found at the bottom of this page.)

Contemporary Performance Administration

Margaret Kampmeier, Artistic Director and Chair
mkampmeier@msmnyc.edu

 

Success Stories

See All
  • Feb 9, 2023 Contemporary Performance
    Faculty
    MSM faculty member Todd Reynolds is concertmaster for Broadway production of Parade in previews beginning February 21
  • Sep 1, 2022 Contemporary Performance
    Alumni
    Recent MSM alumna Teagan Faran (MM ‘22) joins faculty of DePauw University
  • Nov 14, 2021 Contemporary Performance
    Students
    MSM CPP students and alumnus take part in music festival in Magdeburg, Germany

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

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

Members of MSM's critically-praised Tactus ensemble

Success Stories

See All
  • Feb 9, 2023 Contemporary Performance
    Faculty
    MSM faculty member Todd Reynolds is concertmaster for Broadway production of Parade in previews beginning February 21
  • Sep 1, 2022 Contemporary Performance
    Alumni
    Recent MSM alumna Teagan Faran (MM ‘22) joins faculty of DePauw University
  • Nov 14, 2021 Contemporary Performance
    Students
    MSM CPP students and alumnus take part in music festival in Magdeburg, Germany

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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