Admission
Admission to the MM program in performance requires a performance background, with a bachelor's degree in music in the performance area of specialization or the equivalent of the BM, as well as contact information for three people to provide letters of recommendation. Background deficiencies must be satisfied before admission to candidacy. All performance degree candidates must complete a satisfactory audition in their performance area of specialization.
Program Requirements
Students must complete the coursework listed below.
Students entering all MM programs will take a music theory assessment and are recommended to one of two music theory entry courses. The program requires a total of 32 credit hours, at least half of which must be in courses numbered 700 and above.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements for All MM Programs | ||
| MUSC 852 | Introduction to Bibliography and Research | 3 |
| MUSC 829 | Practical Application of Tonal Analysis | 2 |
| or MUSC 831 | Music Theory Pedagogy | |
| Musicology/Theory Electives | ||
| Select 7 credit hours from the following courses | 7 | |
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Performance and Analysis | ||
| Topics in Analysis: Music in Media | ||
| Topics in Analysis: Popular Music Analysis | ||
| Topics in Musicology: Aesthetics | ||
| Topics in Musicology: Ethnography | ||
| Topics in Musicology: Gender | ||
| Topics in Musicology: Popular Musics | ||
| Music Theory Pedagogy 1 | ||
| Seminar in Music Theory | ||
| Seminar in Music History | ||
| Chamber Music Requirements | ||
| Graduate performance study — instruction in major medium (applied lessons) | 10 | |
MUSA 732_ | Applied Music Instruction (repeatable) | |
MUSA 734_ | Applied Music Instruction (repeatable) | |
| Chamber Music Ensemble — appropriate chamber ensemble | 4 | |
MUSP 710__, MUSP 711__, MUSP 712__, MUSP 713__, MUSP 714__ (A) Orchestra, (B) Symphonic Wind Ensemble or Concert Band, (J) Piano Accompaniment, (M) Jazz Combo, (N) Woodwind Ensemble, (O) Saxophone Quartet, (P) Brass Chamber Ensemble, (R) Percussion Ensemble, (S) String Ensemble and String Chamber Ensemble, (T) Jazz Arts Ensembles I and II, (V) Guitar Ensemble, (X) New Music Ensemble. Repeatable for credit. | ||
| Other Required Coursework | ||
| MUSC 786 | Chamber Music Literature I | 2 |
| MUSC 787 | Chamber Music Literature II | 2 |
| Graduate Recital | ||
| MUSP 873 | Graduate Recital | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 32 | |
A formal graduate recital, in lieu of a thesis, must be presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the MM degree with emphasis in performance. In order to receive permission to schedule a degree recital, students must satisfy the expectations of the respective performance area. Recital permission must be obtained no later than the semester before the semester in which the recital is to be performed. The student’s performance repertoire and the recital program must be in accordance with the guidelines and expectations established by the respective performance area.
Examinations
All degree candidates in the School of Music who are not defending a thesis must pass a two-part comprehensive exam: one in musicology/music theory and one which is discipline specific.
Note: Students studying for the MM degree with emphasis in performance should plan to be in residence during at least one fall or spring semester, since continuous study opportunities may not exist in summer session.
Applied Learning
Students in the Masters of Music in performance - chamber music concentration are required to complete an applied learning or research experience to graduate from the program. The requirement can be met by a terminal recital ( MUSP 873) given in their second year.