Master of Music in Performance

The Master of Music degree in Performance is designed for students with exceptional skill planning for professional performance-based careers. It consists of courses in applied and ensemble studies, core supporting subjects, and a graduate recital. The initiative for this degree comes primarily through student requests and the availability of faculty qualified to teach and supervise graduate applied studies exemplary of the skill and musicianship expected at the master’s level. Students would have opportunities to hear professional-level performances through recitals by faculty and guest artists. The program is supported in addition through performance opportunities for students in solo settings, chamber music, and large ensembles. It is anticipated that many students completing this degree will continue into doctoral studies and seek collegiate teaching positions or pursue a professional performance-based career.

Specific Admissions Criteria

Students are initially admitted into the Master of Arts in Music program and audition for acceptance into the Master of Music in Performance program at the end of the first semester of applied study. Specific requirements for admission into the Performance program include:
  1. Possession of a bachelor's degree in music or permission from the Graduate Music Admissions Committee.
  2. Completed application for admission.
  3. Official transcripts of all college work from accredited institutions (both undergraduate and graduate) confirming a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale and a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the applicant's undergraduate major or academic emphasis.
  4. Two letters of recommendation including one from an individual who can speak to the applicant's academic and/or professional capabilities or potential.
  5. One page essay on the applicant's Philosophy of Music.
  6. Proof (such as a printed program) of presentation of a public recital in the applicant's applied area, or, in the absence of an undergraduate recital, presentation of an entrance audition.
  7. Satisfactory scores on entrance examinations in music theory, and music history and literature. If entrance exams are unsatisfactory, review courses are required. Vocal candidates must also possess adequate skills in English, German, French, Latin and Italian diction. Entrance exams are administered in the two days before classes begin for each term, fall, spring and summer. Review courses do not count toward the completion of the degrees.

Degree Requirements

  1. Successful completion of 30 semester hours of graduate studies in the degree plan.
  2. No D grades and no more than three hours of C grades will count toward degree completion:  no grade below B- will be allowed for musicology classes; the candidate must also have an overall 3.0 grade point average for graduation.
  3. A maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit (excluding applied and ensemble credit) may be transferred from other accredited graduate institutions if those credits match the course requirements of the graduate program. Approval of transfer credits will result from an examination of the transcript(s) (accompanied by appropriate documentation) by the Graduate Music Admissions Committee.
  4. A maximum of six hours may be taken by appointment.
  5. A final comprehensive examination in the student's degree curriculum is required.
  6. The candidate for graduate study will be required to compile a portfolio of work related to the curriculum of the student. It may include research projects, writing projects, video tapes of rehearsals and performances related to graduate studies.
The degree program is designed to be completed in 2 calendar years of full-time study.  Degree candidates must complete all requirements within an eight-year period following completion of the first applicable course.

Degree Plan

Instrumental Emphasis
Performance 15 hrs
Applied Studies in primary area 8 hrs
Ensembles 3 hrs
MUS 691 Master's Recital 1 hr
MUS xxx Instrumental Literature 3 hrs
Supporting Courses 9 hrs
MUS 501 Survey of Music Theory 3 hrs
MUS 543 Advanced Conducting I 3 hrs
MUS 544 Methods of Research 3 hrs
Electives 6 hrs
To be selected from:
Musicology
Music Education
Church Music
Conducting
Applied Study in a secondary area
(No ensembles)
Total Hours 30 hrs

Organ Emphasis
Performance 15 hrs
Applied Organ 8 hrs
Ensembles 3 hrs
MUS 691 Master's Recital 1 hr
MUS 526 Organ Literature 3 hrs
Supporting Courses 12 hrs
MUS 501 Survey of Music Theory 3 hrs
MUS 543 Conducting I 3 hrs
MUS 544 Methods of Research 3 hrs
MUS 554 Studies in Hymnology 3 hrs
Electives 3 hrs
To be selected from:
Musicology
Music Education
Church Music
Conducting
Applied Study in a secondary area
(No ensembles)
Total Hours 30 hrs

Piano Emphasis
Performance 15 hrs
Applied Piano 8 hrs
Ensembles 3 hrs (2 credits must be in Piano Ensemble)
MUS 691 Master's Recital 1 hr
MUS 548 Piano Literature 3 hrs
Supporting Courses 12 hrs
MUS 501 Survey of Music Theory 3 hrs
MUS 541 Introduction to Piano Pedagogy 3 hrs
MUS 544 Methods of Research 3 hrs
Music History (one 500-level course 3 hrs
Electives 3 hrs
To be selected from:
Musicology
Music Education
Church Music
Conducting
Applied Study in a secondary area
(No ensembles)
Total Hours 30 hrs

Vocal Emphasis
Performance 21 hrs
Applied Voice 7 hrs
Ensembles 4 hrs (1 credits must be in Opera Workshop)
MUS 691 Master's Recital 1 hr
MUS 542 Voice Research and Pedagogy 3 hrs
MUS 647 Vocal Literature and Performance Practice 3 hrs
MUS 648 Opera and Oratorio Literature 3 hrs
Supporting Courses 6 hrs
MUS 501 Survey of Music Theory 3 hrs
MUS 544 Methods of Research 3 hrs
Electives 3 hrs
To be selected from:
Musicology
Music Education
Church Music
Conducting
Applied Study in a secondary area
(No ensembles)
Total Hours 30 hrs

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Updated 10/02/2008