A student working on her string instrument up close.

Explore the Finest Musical Instruments in the World

Become an Expert in the History of Musical Instruments

Gaining entry to the esteemed master's degree program that specializes in the history of musical instruments is an opportunity that simply cannot be overlooked. The University of South Dakota Department of Music and the National Music Museum have joined forces to create this accredited and prestigious program – it is the only one of its kind in the world! You will have direct access to some of the most historical musical instruments ever to have been preserved.

Collaborate one-on-one with the museum's renowned staff of scholars and explore the specialized library and archives, as well as the instruments themselves. You can choose to focus on conservation, research, cataloging and museum practices or many other topics that best align with your interests and career goals. USD's program is the perfect choice to expand your knowledge and explore the history of musical instruments.

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to be part of a select few who can say that they were part of this program! Apply now to gain access to one of the most exclusive master's programs in musical instrument history.

The entrance of the national music museum.

As Good as Gold: The National Music Museum

Learn more about how the National Music Museum empowers those whose passion and creativity have set the tempo for the collection. Over 14,000 historical instruments are housed in the newly expanded museum on the campus of the University of South Dakota.

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become inspired

Highlights of the museum's collection include Cremonese stringed instruments, early keyboard instruments, saxophones from the inventor, Nuremberg-made trumpets, and highly important guitars from 20th-century America.

The National Music Museum guitar gallery.

The National Music Museum piano storage.

The ribbon cutting of the national music museum.

National Music Museum Grand Piano and String Gallery

National Music Museum Beauty of Instruments Gallery

Known for Excellence

With qualities like small class sizes, specialized programs and incredible student opportunities, USD is not your typical university. What makes us unique is what makes your education exceptional.

A HARMONIOUS COLLABORATION

In addition to the instruments themselves, and the opportunity to learn from and collaborate one-on-one with the museum's renowned staff of scholars there is also the chance to study with the excellent staff of the University of South Dakota's Music Department.

Darryl Martin working on a string instrument.

Dr. Darryl Martin
Curator
National Music Museum
University of South Dakota
(605) 658-3447

Curious about what you will get to see, do and learn inside the National Music Museum?

As the conservator of the museum, as well as the History of Musical Instruments Program Director, Darryl can answer any questions you may have about the types of instruments in the archives, library resources, research opportunities and more.

Darryl is an invaluable resource if you want to learn more about the history and cultural significance of the music museum's collection. He and his colleagues are experts in the history and provenance of each object, as well as the conservation techniques used to preserve the collection. He can share the history and cultural significance, provide advice on how to best care for the collection and create exciting, engaging exhibitions.

Questions? Contact Darryl at Darryl.martin@usd.edu or (605) 658-3447

David Moskowitz, Ph.D.
Professor of Music History
Graduate Program Director
USD Department of Music
UFA #124 | (605) 658-3472

Curious about the curriculum or what you will get to learn in the USD Department of Music?

While you’ve already discovered a lot about the programs at USD, I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you as the main contact for our department. I am a professor of music history at the University of South Dakota. I would like to invite you to email me to set up a time to chat or feel free to email me your questions if it is more convenient for you.

As the program contact, I can answer any detailed questions you may have about coursework, opportunities and research within the Music Department. We can even review the program of study to make sure it meets your educational and career goals. I am here to help, just give me a call at 605-658-3472 or email me at dave.moskowitz@usd.edu with any questions you may have.

Brett Mockler
Assistant Director
Office of Graduate Admissions
USL #306B | (605) 658-6156

Learn what you need to apply to graudate school at USD?

I know researching graduate programs can be a detailed process, especially with all of the options available. I'm here to help you every step of the way and speak with you about the program in more depth. As your enrollment coordinator in the office of Graduate Admissions, I will be your dedicated resource to address questions or concerns that you may have about the cost, application process deadlines and more.

I am here to help, so don't let any questions slow you down. Instead, just give me a call at 605-658-6156 or email me at brett.mockler@usd.edu now or let me know a day and time that works for you.

If you are an international student, you can find additional information on our USD website here.

Take the next step

Student Success story

The National Music Museum and the master’s program opened up the world to me. The extraordinary collections allowed me to connect my love of music with other interests about art, culture, history, geography and more. It gave me the tools for research, a grounding in museum work, and connections that have taken me around the world. It is the only place that this could happen and it changed my life.

Jayson Kerr Dobney, '04

Frederick P. Rose Curator in Charge
Musical Instruments
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, NY