The Master of Music (MM) degree with a concentration in piano pedagogy gives primary attention to the development of tutorial concepts specific to keyboard skills and artistry; secondary, but significant, emphasis is placed on an acceptable demonstration of keyboard performance at the master’s degree level. The pedagogy option includes extensive preparation in the area of keyboard literature and stresses the relationship of performance to selected repertoire and teaching-skill development.

Admission

Students must have completed a bachelor's degree in music in piano performance or its equivalent. All candidates must complete a satisfactory audition. Applicants must also submit (1) a letter of recommendation from a professor or teacher familiar with the applicant's teaching, or if the applicant has no prior teaching experience a general letter of recommendation will be accepted; and (2) a personal statement outlining the applicant's goals and objectives for study and/or a statement of teaching philosophy. Deficiencies, if noted, must be satisfied before admission to candidacy for the degree.

Program Requirements

The MM degree, piano pedagogy concentration, requires the completion (minimum) of 32 graduate credit hours, including a graduate degree recital or a two-hour professional inservice presentation project ( MUSP 874) as the terminal requirement. The degree must include the following:

Examinations

All degree candidates in the School of Music must pass an oral comprehensive examination. The oral comprehensive examination for thesis candidates includes a thesis defense.

Applied Learning

Students in the Master of Music in piano pedagogy program are required to complete an applied learning experience to graduate from the program. The requirement can be met by a terminal recital ( MUSP 873) given in their second year, or by a professional inservice presentation ( MUSP 874).