This is the first version of the 2025–26 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
The MA concentrations in performance, conducting, jazz studies, composition, music theory, musicology, music therapy, and music education require a recital, capstone project, or thesis. Performance majors present a public recital in place of a written thesis. Music therapy majors complete a capstone research project. Jazz studies majors present a public recital and a separate performance project. The Master of Arts in music education is offered with thesis and nonthesis options.
Learning Outcomes
- Acquisition of knowledge and skills that will prepare students for careers in performance or academia.
- Knowledge and skills in one or more fields of music outside the student's area of study, such as theory, musicology, performance, composition, etc.
- Preparation for doctoral study in music.
The Master of Arts in music requires a minimum of 32–40 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a graduate college program grade-point average of at least 2.75 to earn the degree. The degree offers subprograms in brass, choral conducting, composition, jazz studies, music education, music theory, music therapy, musicology, orchestral conducting, organ, percussion, piano, string, voice, wind conducting, and woodwind.
Entering MA students must take two School of Music advisory examinations prior to registering for music history and music theory classes. These examinations are given on the Friday and Saturday preceding the opening of classes in the fall semester. MA students in music therapy are not required to take the advisory examinations.
Graduate students in the performance subprograms (brass, choral conducting, jazz studies, orchestral conducting, organ, percussion, piano, string, voice, wind conducting, and woodwind) are required to complete four semesters of major ensemble participation. Students enroll in major ensemble participation during consecutive semesters beginning early in their degree work to ensure completion of the major ensemble requirements in a timely manner. Ensemble assignments are made at the discretion of the ensemble director and/or major professor. Specific information about the ensemble requirement for these subprograms follows. The subprograms in composition, music education, music theory, music therapy, and musicology do not have the same ensemble requirement.
Common Requirements
Introductory Course
Students in all subprograms except music therapy and music education must complete MUS:5300 Introduction to Graduate Study in Music (3 s.h.) on an A–F graded basis.
Music Theory Requirement
All subprograms except music education and music theory require 6 s.h. from the following course list taken on an A–F graded basis. Music education students complete 3 s.h. from the following course list taken on an A–F graded basis. Music theory students should instead refer to their subprogram's requirements.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS:4200 | Counterpoint Before 1600 | 3 |
| MUS:4201 | Counterpoint After 1600 | 3 |
| MUS:4730 | Jazz Theory | 3 |
| MUS:5235 | Tonal Analysis | 3 |
| MUS:5236 | Non-Tonal Analysis | 3 |
| MUS:5237 | Analysis of Popular Music | 3 |
| MUS:5240 | Special Topics in Theory and Analysis (may be repeated) | 3 |
| MUS:6211 | Theoretical Approaches to Music | 3 |
| MUS:6215 | Music Theory Pedagogy | 3 |
Music History Requirement
Students in all subprograms except music education and musicology earn 6 s.h. from the following course list taken on an A–F graded basis; at least one course numbered 6000 or above must be taken. Students in music education take 3 s.h. from the course list taken on an A–F graded basis. Musicology students should instead refer to their subprogram's requirements.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS:4320 | Music and Gender | 3 |
| MUS:4325 | Medieval and Renaissance Music | 3 |
| MUS:4330 | Baroque Music | 3 |
| MUS:4335 | Eighteenth-Century Music | 3 |
| MUS:4340 | Nineteenth-Century Music | 3 |
| MUS:4345 | Twentieth-Century Music (may be repeated) | 3 |
| MUS:4350 | Advanced Jazz History | 3 |
| MUS:4355 | American Music | 3 |
| MUS:4360 | Jazz Matters | 3 |
| MUS:4610 | Studies in Film and Music (may be repeated) | 3 |
| MUS:6305 | Teaching Music History and Culture | 3 |
| MUS:6310 | Topics in Musicology (may be repeated) | 3 |
| MUS:6312 | Historical Approaches to Music | 3 |
| MUS:6314 | Topics in Ethnomusicology (may be repeated) | 3 |
| MUS:6315 | Foundations of Ethnomusicology | 3 |
| MUS:6326 | Renaissance Music Notations | 3 |
| MUS:6375 | Music Editing | 3 |
Subprograms
Brass
The MA in music with a brass subprogram requires 36 s.h. of graduate credit. Students do not complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to the common requirements, the brass subprogram requires the following coursework.
Brass Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| MUS:5111 | Advanced Brass Pedagogy and Literature I | 2 |
| MUS:5112 | Advanced Brass Pedagogy and Literature II | 2 |
| MUS:5115 | Advanced Brass Ensemble Literature | 2 |
| MUS:6900 | MA Recital | 1 |
Brass Ensemble
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 4 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:3160 | Symphony Band/Concert Band (may be repeated) | 1 |
| MUS:3180 | Orchestra (may be repeated) | 1 |
Brass Applied Lessons
Students must choose one instrument for all 8 s.h. in applied lessons.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| MUS:6032 | Major Horn (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6033 | Major Trumpet (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6034 | Major Trombone (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6035 | Major Euphonium (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6036 | Major Tuba (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
Brass-Wind Chamber Music
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 2 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:3485 | Wind Chamber Music (may be repeated) | 1 |
| MUS:3489 | Chamber Music Residency Program (may be repeated) | 1 |
Choral Conducting
The MA in music with a choral conducting subprogram requires 38 s.h. of graduate credit and satisfaction of a world language proficiency requirement. Students do not complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to the common requirements, the choral conducting subprogram requires the following coursework.
Choral Conducting Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (19 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:6120 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Voice | 1 |
| MUS:6561 | Seminar: Choral Literature and Analysis I | 2 |
| MUS:6562 | Seminar: Choral Literature and Analysis II | 2 |
| MUS:6563 | Seminar: Choral Literature and Analysis III | 2 |
| MUS:6564 | Seminar: Choral Literature and Analysis IV | 2 |
| MUS:6581 | Advanced Choral Conducting I | 2 |
| MUS:6582 | Advanced Choral Conducting II | 2 |
| MUS:6583 | Advanced Choral Conducting III | 2 |
| MUS:6584 | Advanced Choral Conducting IV | 2 |
| MUS:6585 | Score Reading | 1 |
| MUS:6900 | MA Recital | 1 |
Choral Conducting Ensemble
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 4 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:3170 | Kantorei (may be repeated) | 1 |
| MUS:3172 | Camerata Singers (may be repeated) | 1 |
| MUS:3174 | University Choir (may be repeated) | 1 |
Choral Conducting World Language Proficiency
Proficiency in French, German, or Italian is required. Other languages may replace these if approved by the choral conducting faculty. The requirement must be met by the end of the fourth semester of residency. Students may satisfy the proficiency requirement in one of these ways.
- Testing out of the second semester of the language at the University of Iowa by individual testing through the individual world language area. See the director of choral activities regarding this option.
- Passing one of the following courses with a grade of C or above.
- Passing a course of similar scope with a grade of C or above from another institution. Check with the director of choral activities before enrolling in a course.
Composition
The MA in music with a composition subprogram requires 40 s.h. of graduate credit and satisfaction of a keyboard proficiency requirement. Students are required to complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to the common requirements, the composition subprogram requires the following coursework.
Composition Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (16 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:3230 | Composition Seminar (taken four times for 1 s.h. each) | 4 |
| MUS:5220 | Advanced Composition (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:5820 | Electronic Music Production | 3 |
| MUS:6950 | MA Thesis | 1 |
Composition Electives
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:3280 | Spectral Nature of Sound: Acoustics, Analysis, and Resynthesis | 3 |
| MUS:3285 | New Musical Instruments: From Design to Performance | 3 |
| MUS:4201 | Counterpoint After 1600 | 3 |
| MUS:4220 | Orchestration | 3 |
| MUS:5800 | Interactive Music | 3 |
Composition Keyboard Examination
Students are required to demonstrate basic keyboard ability by either passing MUS:4210 Keyboard Harmony (1-2 s.h.) with a grade of B or higher or passing the final examination for MUS:4210 by arrangement with the organ faculty.
Jazz Studies
The MA in music with a jazz studies subprogram requires at least 36 s.h. of graduate credit. Students do not complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to the common requirements, the jazz studies subprogram requires the following coursework.
Jazz Studies Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (20 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:3730 | Jazz Band (taken four times for 1 s.h. each) | 4 |
| MUS:3740 | Small Jazz Ensembles (taken twice for 1 s.h. each) | 2 |
| MUS:4750 | Transcription | 2 |
| MUS:4760 | Jazz Composition and Arranging | 2 |
| MUS:6038 | Major Jazz (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6900 | MA Recital | 1 |
| MUS:6920 | MA Performance Project | 1 |
Jazz Studies Electives
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| MUS:3140 | Audition Repertoire | 1 |
| MUS:4761 | Advanced Jazz Composition and Arranging | 2 |
| MUS:5990 | Graduate Special Studies | 2 |
Music Education
The MA in music with a music education subprogram requires 33 s.h. of graduate credit and satisfaction of a world language proficiency requirement. Students have the option to complete a thesis but are not required to do so.
In addition to 6 s.h. of common requirements, the music education subprogram requires the following courses.
Music Education Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (11 s.h.): | ||
| EDTL:4630 | Psychology of Music | 2 |
| EDTL:4640 | Introduction to Music Research | 3 |
| EDTL:5610 | Foundations of Music Education Curricula | 3 |
| EDTL:7600 | Seminar: Current Topics in Music Education | 3 |
Music Education Performance/Pedagogy and Literature
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 3 s.h. from these (all courses may be repeated unless otherwise noted): | ||
| MUS:3160 | Symphony Band/Concert Band | 1 |
| MUS:3163 | Iowa Steel Band | 1 |
| MUS:3170 | Kantorei | 1 |
| MUS:3172 | Camerata Singers | 1 |
| MUS:3174 | University Choir | 1 |
| MUS:3180 | Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS:3730 | Jazz Band | 1 |
| MUS:5220 | Advanced Composition | 1-2 |
| MUS:5990 | Graduate Special Studies | 0-4 |
| MUS:6120 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Voice | 1 |
| MUS:6121 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Piano | 1 |
| MUS:6122 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Organ | 1 |
| MUS:6123 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Violin | 1 |
| MUS:6124 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Viola | 1 |
| MUS:6125 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Cello | 1 |
| MUS:6126 | Graduate Secondary Performance - String Bass | 1 |
| MUS:6127 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Flute | 1 |
| MUS:6128 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Oboe | 1 |
| MUS:6129 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Clarinet | 1 |
| MUS:6130 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Bassoon | 1 |
| MUS:6131 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Saxophone | 1 |
| MUS:6132 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Horn | 1 |
| MUS:6133 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Trumpet | 1 |
| MUS:6134 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Trombone | 1 |
| MUS:6135 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Euphonium | 1 |
| MUS:6136 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Tuba | 1 |
| MUS:6137 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Percussion | 1 |
| MUS:6138 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Jazz | 1 |
| MUS:6580 | Advanced Orchestral Conducting (may not be repeated) | 2 |
| MUS:6581 | Advanced Choral Conducting I | 1-3 |
| MUS:6582 | Advanced Choral Conducting II | 1-3 |
| MUS:6583 | Advanced Choral Conducting III | 1-3 |
| MUS:6584 | Advanced Choral Conducting IV | 1-3 |
| MUS:6589 | Advanced Wind Conducting | 1-2 |
| MUS:6590 | Seminar in Advanced Band Literature and Band History (may not be repeated) | 2 |
| EDTL:7380 | Practicum in College Teaching | 1-3 |
Music Education Capstone
Student completing a thesis take MUS:6950 MA Thesis for a total of 3 s.h. Students not completing a thesis take EDTL:6600 Individual Projects in Music Education for 1 s.h.
Music Education Electives
Students completing a thesis take 10 s.h. of electives. Students not completing a thesis take 12 s.h. of electives. Courses are chosen in consultation with an advisor and may include music courses (prefix MUS), psychological and quantitative foundations courses (prefix PSQF), and educational policy and leadership studies courses (prefix EPLS) numbered 3000 or above, and teaching and learning courses (prefix EDTL) numbered 4000 and above.
Music Theory
The MA in music with a music theory subprogram requires 33 s.h. of graduate credit and satisfaction of a world language proficiency requirement. Students are required to complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to 9 s.h. of common requirements, the music theory subprogram requires the following coursework.
Music Theory Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (9 s.h.) | ||
| MUS:4290 | Music Theory Colloquium (taken four times for 1 s.h. each) | 4 |
| MUS:6215 | Music Theory Pedagogy | 3 |
| MUS:6950 | MA Thesis | 2 |
| Two of these: | ||
| MUS:5235 | Tonal Analysis | 3 |
| MUS:5236 | Non-Tonal Analysis | 3 |
| MUS:5237 | Analysis of Popular Music | 3 |
Music Theory Additional Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Two of these (6 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:4200 | Counterpoint Before 1600 | 3 |
| MUS:4201 | Counterpoint After 1600 | 3 |
| MUS:4730 | Jazz Theory | 3 |
| MUS:5235 | Tonal Analysis (if not taken as subprogram required course) | 3 |
| MUS:5236 | Non-Tonal Analysis (if not taken as subprogram required course) | 3 |
| MUS:5237 | Analysis of Popular Music (if not taken as subprogram required course) | 3 |
| MUS:5240 | Special Topics in Theory and Analysis (may be repeated) | 3 |
| MUS:6211 | Theoretical Approaches to Music | 3 |
Music Elective
Students must take 3 s.h. of music coursework (prefix MUS) numbered 3000 or above not related to music theory. Courses listed under "Music Theory Required Courses" or "Music Theory Additional Courses" may not be counted.
Music Theory World Language Proficiency
Students must demonstrate the ability to read pertinent scholarly literature in a language determined in consultation with the theory faculty.
This requirement may be met in one of the following ways.
- Completing two semesters of a graduate-level reading course approved by the theory faculty with a passing grade of C or higher on the final examination.
- Two years of coursework while enrolled as a graduate student.
- Written examination administered by the theory faculty. The exam consists of reading a short article in the designated language, answering a series of questions about said article, and translating a short excerpt.
Music Therapy
The MA in music with a music therapy subprogram requires 30 s.h. of graduate credit. Students do not complete a thesis for this subprogram.
Music therapy students are not held to the common requirements. The music therapy subprogram requires the following coursework.
Music Therapy Research Core Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Both of these (5 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:6675 | Research in Music Therapy - Graduate (taken three times for 1 s.h. each) | 3 |
| MUS:6685 | Theory and Research in Music Therapy (taken twice for 1 s.h. each) | 2 |
| One of these (at least 2 s.h.): | ||
| EDTL:4640 | Introduction to Music Research | 2-3 |
| EDTL:7640 | Advanced Research in Music Education | 3 |
| PSQF:6206 | Advanced Child Development | 3 |
| PSQF:6220 | Quantitative Educational Research Methodologies | 3 |
Music Therapy Research Electives
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 5 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:7140 | Seminar in Music Research | 2 |
| EDTL:4640 | Introduction to Music Research | 2-3 |
| EDTL:5099 | Conducting School-Based Action Research | 3 |
| EDTL:7008 | Seminar: Research and Current Issues | arr. |
| EDTL:7070 | Qualitative Research Methods in Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| EDTL:7071 | Critical Discourse Analysis in Educational Research | 3 |
| EDTL:7410 | Mixed Methods Research | 3 |
| EDTL:7640 | Advanced Research in Music Education | 3 |
| EDTL:7751 | Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis | 3 |
| EDTL:7953 | Seminar: Single Subject Design Research | 3 |
| EPLS:6209 | Survey Research and Design | 3 |
| PSQF:6206 | Advanced Child Development | 3 |
| PSQF:6220 | Quantitative Educational Research Methodologies | 3 |
| PSQF:6230 | Research in Educational Psychology | 1-3 |
| PSQF:6248 | Research Synthesis and Meta-Analysis | 3 |
| PSQF:7270 | Scholarly Integrity and Responsible Conduct of Educational Research and Evaluation | arr. |
| PSQF:7331 | Qualitative Educational Research Methods | 3 |
| PSQF:7476 | Research in Educational Measurement and Statistics | 3 |
Music Therapy Special Topics
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 6 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:6690 | Special Studies in Music Therapy (may be repeated) | 1-3 |
| EDTL:7600 | Seminar: Current Topics in Music Education (may be repeated) | 1-3 |
Music Therapy Advanced Clinical, Supervision, and Teaching
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 2 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:6670 | Graduate Music Therapy Practicum (may be repeated) | 1-2 |
| MUS:6680 | College Teaching and Clinic Supervision in Music Therapy | 1-2 |
Music Therapy Electives
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Sociocultural, Historical, Theoretical, or Educational | ||
| At least 3 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:3400 | Methods of Teaching Piano (may be repeated) | 2 |
| MUS:4320 | Music and Gender | 3 |
| MUS:4350 | Advanced Jazz History | 3 |
| MUS:4355 | American Music | 3 |
| MUS:4730 | Jazz Theory | 3 |
| MUS:6315 | Foundations of Ethnomusicology | 3 |
| Performance, Ensemble, and Composition | ||
| 2 s.h. from these (all courses may be repeated unless otherwise noted): | ||
| MUS:3001 | Introduction to Jazz Improvisation (may not be repeated) | 3 |
| MUS:3160 | Symphony Band/Concert Band | 1 |
| MUS:3163 | Iowa Steel Band | 1 |
| MUS:3170 | Kantorei | 1 |
| MUS:3172 | Camerata Singers | 1 |
| MUS:3174 | University Choir | 1 |
| MUS:3180 | Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS:3710 | Intermediate Jazz Improvisation | 2 |
| MUS:3730 | Jazz Band | 1 |
| MUS:5220 | Advanced Composition | 1-2 |
| MUS:6120 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Voice | 1 |
| MUS:6121 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Piano | 1 |
| MUS:6122 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Organ | 1 |
| MUS:6123 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Violin | 1 |
| MUS:6124 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Viola | 1 |
| MUS:6125 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Cello | 1 |
| MUS:6126 | Graduate Secondary Performance - String Bass | 1 |
| MUS:6127 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Flute | 1 |
| MUS:6128 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Oboe | 1 |
| MUS:6129 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Clarinet | 1 |
| MUS:6130 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Bassoon | 1 |
| MUS:6131 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Saxophone | 1 |
| MUS:6132 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Horn | 1 |
| MUS:6133 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Trumpet | 1 |
| MUS:6134 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Trombone | 1 |
| MUS:6135 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Euphonium | 1 |
| MUS:6136 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Tuba | 1 |
| MUS:6137 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Percussion | 1 |
| MUS:6138 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Jazz | 1 |
| MUS:6580 | Advanced Orchestral Conducting (may not be repeated) | 2 |
| MUS:6581 | Advanced Choral Conducting I | 1-3 |
| MUS:6582 | Advanced Choral Conducting II | 1-3 |
| MUS:6583 | Advanced Choral Conducting III | 1-3 |
| MUS:6584 | Advanced Choral Conducting IV | 1-3 |
| MUS:6589 | Advanced Wind Conducting | 1-2 |
Music Therapy Supporting Electives
In consultation with their advisor, students must take 5 s.h. of coursework numbered 3000 or above from any course subject excluding music (prefix MUS) and English as a second language (prefixes ESL and TAPE).
Musicology
The MA in music with a musicology subprogram requires at least 32 s.h. of graduate credit and satisfaction of a world language proficiency requirement. Students are required to complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to 9 s.h. of common requirements, the musicology subprogram requires the following coursework.
Musicology Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (minimum 10 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:4390 | Musicology Colloquium (taken three times for 1 s.h. each) | 3 |
| MUS:6312 | Historical Approaches to Music | 3 |
| MUS:6315 | Foundations of Ethnomusicology | 3 |
| MUS:6950 | MA Thesis | 1-3 |
Musicology Seminars
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 6 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:6310 | Topics in Musicology (may be repeated) | 3 |
| MUS:6314 | Topics in Ethnomusicology (may be repeated) | 3 |
Musicology Electives
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 3 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:4320 | Music and Gender | 3 |
| MUS:4325 | Medieval and Renaissance Music | 3 |
| MUS:4330 | Baroque Music | 3 |
| MUS:4335 | Eighteenth-Century Music | 3 |
| MUS:4340 | Nineteenth-Century Music | 3 |
| MUS:4345 | Twentieth-Century Music | 3 |
| MUS:4350 | Advanced Jazz History | 3 |
| MUS:4355 | American Music | 3 |
| MUS:4360 | Jazz Matters | 3 |
| MUS:4610 | Studies in Film and Music (may be repeated) | 3 |
| MUS:6305 | Teaching Music History and Culture | 3 |
| MUS:6312 | Historical Approaches to Music | 3 |
| MUS:6326 | Renaissance Music Notations | 3 |
| MUS:6375 | Music Editing | 3 |
Musicology Ensemble Requirement
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least 1 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:3151 | Percussion Chamber Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS:3160 | Symphony Band/Concert Band | 1 |
| MUS:3162 | All University Steel Band | 1 |
| MUS:3163 | Iowa Steel Band | 1 |
| MUS:3170 | Kantorei | 1 |
| MUS:3172 | Camerata Singers | 1 |
| MUS:3174 | University Choir | 1 |
| MUS:3180 | Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS:3190 | Center for New Music Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS:3481 | Piano Chamber Music | 1 |
| MUS:3482 | String Chamber Music | 1 |
| MUS:3485 | Wind Chamber Music | 1 |
| MUS:3489 | Chamber Music Residency Program | 1 |
| MUS:3502 | Opera Production | 2 |
| MUS:3730 | Jazz Band | 1 |
| MUS:3740 | Small Jazz Ensembles | 1 |
Additional Musicology Elective
Students must take 3 s.h. of music coursework (prefix MUS) numbered 3000 or above not related to musicology. Courses listed under "Musicology Required Courses", "Musicology Seminars", or "Musicology Electives," and MUS:5300 may not be counted.
Musicology World Language Proficiency
Students must demonstrate the ability to read musicological literature in either French or German, or another language chosen in consultation with the advisor and approved by the musicology faculty.
The requirement can be met in one of the following ways.
- Successful completion of one semester of a graduate-level reading course approved by the musicology faculty with a grade of C or higher.
- Two years of coursework in the language in the last ten years with grades of C or higher.
- Testing out of the second semester of a language at the University of Iowa through individual testing in a specific language area, as approved by the musicology faculty.
- Written examination administered by the musicology faculty. The exam consists of a short article in the designated language, which the student summarizes and from which they translate a short excerpt.
Orchestral Conducting
The MA in music with an orchestral conducting subprogram requires 41 s.h. of graduate credit. Students do not complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to the common requirements, the orchestral conducting subprogram requires the following coursework.
Orchestral Conducting Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (21 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:5510 | Graduate Diction | 2 |
| MUS:6120 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Voice | 1 |
| MUS:6580 | Advanced Orchestral Conducting | 2 |
| MUS:6585 | Score Reading | 1 |
| MUS:6586 | Advanced Orchestral Literature and Professional Development (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6900 | MA Recital | 1 |
Orchestral Conducting Applied Lessons
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| MUS:6120 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Voice | 1 |
| MUS:6121 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Piano | 1 |
| MUS:6122 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Organ | 1 |
| MUS:6123 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Violin | 1 |
| MUS:6124 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Viola | 1 |
| MUS:6125 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Cello | 1 |
| MUS:6126 | Graduate Secondary Performance - String Bass | 1 |
| MUS:6127 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Flute | 1 |
| MUS:6128 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Oboe | 1 |
| MUS:6129 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Clarinet | 1 |
| MUS:6130 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Bassoon | 1 |
| MUS:6131 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Saxophone | 1 |
| MUS:6132 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Horn | 1 |
| MUS:6133 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Trumpet | 1 |
| MUS:6134 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Trombone | 1 |
| MUS:6135 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Euphonium | 1 |
| MUS:6136 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Tuba | 1 |
| MUS:6137 | Graduate Secondary Performance - Percussion | 1 |
Orchestral Conducting Ensemble Requirement
Choral Ensemble
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| MUS:3170 | Kantorei | 1 |
| MUS:3172 | Camerata Singers | 1 |
| MUS:3174 | University Choir | 1 |
Orchestral Conducting
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| An additional 3 s.h. from these (all courses may be repeated): | ||
| MUS:3160 | Symphony Band/Concert Band | 1 |
| MUS:3170 | Kantorei | 1 |
| MUS:3172 | Camerata Singers | 1 |
| MUS:3174 | University Choir | 1 |
Organ
The MA in music with an organ subprogram requires 34 s.h. of graduate credit. Students do not complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to the common requirements, the organ subprogram requires the following coursework.
Organ Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (13 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:4450 | Organ Literature Survey (taken twice for 2 s.h. each) | 4 |
| MUS:6022 | Major Organ (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6900 | MA Recital | 1 |
Organ Ensemble Requirement
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 4 s.h. from these (all courses may be repeated): | ||
| MUS:3160 | Symphony Band/Concert Band | 1 |
| MUS:3170 | Kantorei | 1 |
| MUS:3172 | Camerata Singers | 1 |
| MUS:3174 | University Choir | 1 |
| MUS:3180 | Orchestra | 1 |
Organ Electives
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 2 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:4452 | Liturgics | 2 |
| MUS:4454 | Service Playing and Improvisation | 2 |
| MUS:5450 | History of Organ Building and Design | 2 |
| MUS:5452 | Organ Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUS:5475 | Organ Literature Special Topics | 2 |
Percussion
The MA in music with a percussion subprogram requires 35 s.h. of graduate credit. Students do not complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to the common requirements, the percussion subprogram requires the following coursework.
Percussion Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (16 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:3150 | Percussion Ensemble (taken four times for 1 s.h. each) | 4 |
| MUS:5130 | Advanced Percussion Pedagogy and Literature | 2 |
| MUS:6037 | Major Percussion (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6900 | MA Recital | 2 |
Percussion Ensemble
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 4 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:3160 | Symphony Band/Concert Band (may be repeated) | 1 |
| MUS:3180 | Orchestra (may be repeated) | 1 |
Piano
The MA in music with a piano subprogram requires 37 s.h. of graduate credit. Students do not complete a thesis for this subprogram. Students choose to emphasize either pedagogy or performance.
In addition to the common requirements, the piano subprogram requires the following coursework.
Piano Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (13 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:3480 | Piano Accompaniment | 1 |
| MUS:6021 | Major Piano (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6900 | MA Recital | 2 |
| MUS:7401 | Special Studies in Piano Accompaniment and Chamber Music (taken twice for 1 s.h. each) | 2 |
Piano Chamber Music Requirement
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| MUS:3481 | Piano Chamber Music | 1 |
| MUS:3489 | Chamber Music Residency Program | 1 |
Piano Pedagogy Emphasis
Students completing the pedagogy emphasis complete the following coursework.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 6 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:3400 | Methods of Teaching Piano | 2 |
| MUS:5400 | Piano Pedagogy I | 2 |
| MUS:5401 | Piano Pedagogy II | 2 |
| MUS:5990 | Graduate Special Studies (may not be repeated) | 2 |
| One of these (2 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:5410 | Piano Literature I (may be repeated) | 2 |
| MUS:5411 | Piano Literature II | 2 |
Piano Performance Emphasis
Students completing the performance emphasis complete the following coursework.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 4 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:3400 | Methods of Teaching Piano | 2 |
| MUS:5400 | Piano Pedagogy I | 2 |
| MUS:5401 | Piano Pedagogy II | 2 |
| MUS:5990 | Graduate Special Studies | 2 |
| 4 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:5410 | Piano Literature I (may be repeated) | 2 |
| MUS:5411 | Piano Literature II (may be repeated) | 2 |
String
The MA in music with a string subprogram requires 35 s.h. of graduate credit. Students do not complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to the common requirements, the string subprogram requires the following coursework.
String Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (9 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:3180 | Orchestra (taken four times for 1 s.h. each) | 4 |
| MUS:5121 | Advanced String Methods and Literature I | 2 |
| MUS:5122 | Advanced String Methods and Literature II | 2 |
| MUS:6900 | MA Recital | 1 |
String Applied Lessons
Students must choose one instrument for all 8 s.h. in applied lessons.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| MUS:6023 | Major Violin (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6024 | Major Viola (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6025 | Major Cello (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6026 | Major String Bass (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
String Chamber Music
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 3 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:3482 | String Chamber Music (may be repeated) | 1 |
| MUS:3489 | Chamber Music Residency Program (may be repeated) | 1 |
Voice
The MA in music with a voice subprogram requires 38 s.h. of graduate credit and satisfaction of a world language proficiency requirement. Students do not complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to the common requirements, the voice subprogram requires the following courses.
Voice Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (14 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:5510 | Graduate Diction | 2 |
| MUS:6020 | Major Voice (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6520 | Voice Pedagogy | 3 |
| MUS:6900 | MA Recital | 1 |
Voice Ensemble
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 4 s.h. from these (all courses may be repeated): | ||
| MUS:3170 | Kantorei | 1 |
| MUS:3172 | Camerata Singers | 1 |
| MUS:3174 | University Choir | 1 |
Voice Survey of Song Literature
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| MUS:6541 | Survey of Song Literature I | 3 |
| MUS:6542 | Survey of Song Literature II | 3 |
Voice Opera/Musical Theater
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these (at least 2 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:3500 | Opera Workshop | 2 |
| MUS:3502 | Opera Production | 2-4 |
| MUS:3530 | Musical Theatre Workshop | 2 |
Voice Language Proficiency Requirement
Students must have completed at least two semesters of college-level language study with a grade of B or above in two of the three major singing languages (French, German, and Italian) within the six years prior to taking the final exam. Students may also verify proficiency in any or all of these languages by testing out of the second semester of the language at the University of Iowa through individual testing with the individual world language area.
Wind Conducting
The MA in music with a wind conducting subprogram requires 39 s.h. of graduate credit. Students do not complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to the common requirements, the wind conducting subprogram requires the following coursework.
Wind Conducting Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (24 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:3160 | Symphony Band/Concert Band (taken four times for 1 s.h. each) | 4 |
| MUS:6589 | Advanced Wind Conducting (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6590 | Seminar in Advanced Band Literature and Band History | 2 |
| MUS:6900 | MA Recital (taken twice for 2 s.h. each) | 4 |
Woodwind
The MA in music with a woodwind subprogram requires 35 s.h. of graduate credit. Students do not complete a thesis for this subprogram.
In addition to the common requirements, the woodwind subprogram requires the following coursework.
Woodwind Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (6 s.h.): | ||
| MUS:5101 | Advanced Woodwind Pedagogy and Literature I | 2 |
| MUS:5102 | Advanced Woodwind Pedagogy and Literature II | 3 |
| MUS:6900 | MA Recital | 1 |
Woodwind Ensemble
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 4 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:3160 | Symphony Band/Concert Band (may be repeated) | 1 |
| MUS:3180 | Orchestra (may be repeated) | 1 |
Woodwind Applied Lessons
Students must choose one instrument for all 8 s.h. in applied lessons.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| MUS:6027 | Major Flute (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6028 | Major Oboe (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6029 | Major Clarinet (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6030 | Major Bassoon (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
| MUS:6031 | Major Saxophone (taken four times for 2 s.h. each) | 8 |
Woodwind Wind Chamber Music
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 2 s.h. from these: | ||
| MUS:3485 | Wind Chamber Music (may be repeated) | 1 |
| MUS:3489 | Chamber Music Residency Program (may be repeated) | 1 |
Individuals applying to graduate programs in music must audition and/or submit supporting materials in their area of concentration in order to be considered for admission. Information about Graduate College admission and curriculum requirements for each area is available on the School of Music website.
For detailed information about Graduate College admission and policies, see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.
Preliminary Procedures for Music Therapy Graduate Students
Because music therapists work with vulnerable populations, the School of Music is required to run a criminal background check on all students when they begin their clinical experiences. Criminal convictions could negatively impact a student's ability to continue in the music therapy program and/or gain placement at an internship site. For more information, contact the director of the music therapy program.
The Grad Success Center within the Graduate College offers multiple resources to help students explore their potential career options.