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 program in music requires a minimum of 30–39 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the degree.
Advisory Examinations
Entering Master of Arts 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.
All MA programs—except music therapy and music education—require the following coursework.
Introductory Course
Course List
| Course # |
Title |
Hours |
| |
| MUS:5300 | Introduction to Graduate Study in Music | 2 |
Music Theory
Students earn 6 s.h. from the following.
Course List
| Course # |
Title |
Hours |
| |
| MUS:5200 | Review of Undergraduate Theory (unless exempt by advisory exam) | 3 |
| |
| MUS:4200 | Counterpoint Before 1600 | 3 |
| MUS:4201 | Counterpoint After 1600 | 3 |
| MUS:5235 | Tonal Analysis | 3 |
| MUS:5236 | Non-Tonal Analysis | 3 |
| MUS:5240 | Special Topics in Theory and Analysis | 3 |
| |
| MUS:4200 | Counterpoint Before 1600 | 3 |
| MUS:4201 | Counterpoint After 1600 | 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 | 3 |
| MUS:6210 | History of Ideas of Music | 3 |
| MUS:6211 | Theoretical Approaches to Music | 3 |
| MUS:6250 | Advanced Tonal Theory and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS:6251 | Advanced Non-Tonal Theory and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS:6252 | Advanced Theory and Analysis of Popular Music | 3 |
Musicology
Students earn 6 s.h. from the following; at least one course numbered 6000 or above must be taken.
Ensemble Participation
Graduate students in the performance and pedagogy tracks of all graduate programs 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 major teacher and ensemble director.
Major ensembles are as follows.
For more information, visit the School of Music website.
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.
Applicants that complete the application/audition process are reviewed for potential awards (teaching or research assistantships, fellowships, or scholarships). Qualified graduate students are nominated by the area faculty for a potential award. Inquiries should be directed to the head faculty member in the applicant's area of interest.
The Grad Success Center within the Graduate College offers multiple resources to help students explore their potential career options.
