Music

College of Creative Arts
Dean: Keith Morrison

Department of Music
CA 214
415-338-1432
Chair: Patricia Taylor Lee

Undergraduate Advisers: Caltabiano, Festinger, Habermann, Jones, Lindeman, Modirzadeh, Neve, Sanchez-Gutierrez, Spencer, Suzuki
Graduate Coordinator: Richard Festinger

Faculty

Professors—Hopkins, Jones, W., Lee, P., Lindeman, Neve, Peterson, W., Roach, Spencer

Associate Professors—Caltabiano, Festinger, Suzuki

Assistant Professors—Habermann, Modirzadeh, Sanchez-Gutierrez

Programs

B.A. in Music
Bachelor of Music
Minor in Music
M.A. in Music
Master of Music


Program Scope

The Department of Music offers both professional and liberal arts degree programs in music as well as courses that enrich the general education and cultural life of the university. The Bachelor of Arts in Music provides a humanistic approach to the study of music as a significant part of human tradition and culture. The Bachelor of Music is an intensive curriculum designed for students wishing to study music for specific professional purposes or for students seeking to attain professional levels without necessarily planning to become professional musicians. The Master of Arts in Music is designed to provide advanced training for students with highly developed interest and talent in specific areas of music study; to prepare teachers for both two- and four-year college music positions; to provide prospective doctoral aspirants with a sound foundation for advanced graduate study; to make graduate programs available to public school teachers involving intensive study of specific areas of music; and to prepare students for professional careers in composition and arranging. The Master of Music is designed to provide graduate study for the superior performer and to allow for maximum development of specialized skills. The department also offers two minors in music: a liberal arts minor, designed to provide a planned sequence of musical development from which future enjoyment and learning can proceed, and a Non-Western/Cross Cultural Musical Arts Minor, which is interdisciplinary in character. The faculty of the Department of Music includes internationally recognized performers, composers, music educators, and scholars.

A wide variety of individual and ensemble performance opportunities are available to all students at SFSU. These include Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, University Symphony, Chamber Singers, Women’s Chorus, and University Chorus. The department also participates in opera and musical-comedy productions in the College of Creative Arts and sponsors many small, specialized ensembles such as Chamber Music, Collegium Musicum, Jazz Combos, and ensembles for woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The Alexander String Quartet is quartet-in-residence at San Francisco State University.

The Music Department offers numerous scholarships, based on musical and scholastic performance as well as need. The May Treat Morrison Trust supports scholarships and instruction in chamber music. An endowed scholarship and loan fund in memory of Paul M. and Edith Pone has been established in support of academically promising music students who demonstrate financial need. The Janis D. Getz Scholarship is awarded to talented piano majors with strong academic records. Other awards include the Eugene Fulton Vocal Scholarship, the Presser Scholarship, the DeBellis Scholarship, the Vernazza Scholarship for Music Education, the Bielawa Student Composer-in-Residence Award, and the Peter Frampton Contemporary Music Award. For further information and an application, contact the Department of Music.

The Department of Music is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Facilities

The Music Department is housed in the Creative Arts Building. Facilities include McKenna and Knuth Theatres, seating 750 and 320 respectively; an up-to-date electronic music laboratory; three piano laboratories; choral and instrumental ensemble rehearsal space; classroom and practice facilities; and a music materials resource center, containing instruments and scores.

The J. Paul Leonard Library provides music listening facilities; computer access; and extensive scores, recordings, and books on music. The Frank V. deBellis collection of Italian culture, located on the sixth floor of the Library, contains historic musical instruments, rare books, musical manuscripts, and scores and archival sound recordings.

Career Outlook

Career options for music majors are very diverse. The analytical and listening skills, collaborative experiences, concentration and broad historical and cultural knowledge gained through the study of music prepare students to achieve in many professional arenas. Their individual talents may lead them into specific aspects of music, including performance, composition, scholarship, and teaching. Graduates of the SFSU music department currently perform as soloists or in symphony orchestras, opera, chamber ensembles, choruses, rock groups, and jazz combos; they conduct Broadway musicals, church choirs, community choruses, commercial music, opera, and symphony; they compose and arrange music in a wide variety of styles; they teach every aspect of music from pre-school through university in independent studios and in public and private schools and colleges; they write record and program notes, serve as music librarians, design and work with music technology, and act as critics and lecturers. They occupy key positions as music administrators and provide leadership for professional music organizations. They continue to create, perform, analyze, write about, lobby for, and listen to music both for profit and for pleasure.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN MUSIC

Enrollment priority in the lower division sequence of theory and musicianship courses is given to music majors. All students intending to enroll in these courses are required to take diagnostic placement examinations in music theory, aural skills, and piano. These exams are given twice each semester on university advising days.

All music majors are assigned a faculty adviser with whom they confer each semester to develop an appropriate program. Individual instrumental and vocal instruction is restricted to music majors. Participation in a large ensemble is required of all students enrolled in applied lessons. In order to qualify for individual instruction, students must pass an audition and qualify on the undergraduate placement examinations for admission into the lower division theory and musicianship sequence.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC

The Bachelor of Arts in Music provides a humanistic approach to the study of music as a significant part of human tradition and culture. Students may choose the Traditional Emphasis, the Emphasis in Jazz/Popular Styles, or the Emphasis in Electronic Music. As a liberal arts curriculum, the Bachelor of Arts is not intended as vocational preparation, although many career opportunities are open to students with such a background.

The curriculum for this degree consists of two segments: the preparation for the major and an upper division major of thirty-two units. The preparation for the major involves competency and/or course work requirements in theory, ear training, and piano. Additional electives may be taken in music, but a maximum of 60 units in music may be counted towards the 124 units required for graduation.

Preparation for the Bachelor of Arts in Music should be completed during the freshman and sophomore years. In order to be accepted into the major in the junior year, students must satisfy the criteria listed below.

Upper Division Courses

Students must obtain departmental acceptance into the upper division major no later than the end of the first semester of the junior year.

Core Requirements Units
MUS 150 Concert Music (each semester in residence up to and including eight semesters) 0
MUS 420 Twentieth Century Techniques 3
MUS 505 Music of the World's Peoples 3
Units selected from the following 3
MUS 520 Seminar in Music Literature
MUS 530 Music of the Middle East, Far East, and Sub-Continental India
MUS 531 Music of the Pacific Basin
MUS 532 Music of Latin America
MUS 598 Senior Thesis 3
Total for core 12
Emphasis (see below) 20
Total for major 32
Traditional Emphasis
History/Literature/Theory
MUS 405 Tonal Counterpoint 3
MUS 415 Orchestration 3
Units selected from the following 6
MUS 550 Music from the Middle Ages to 1750
MUS 551 Classic and Romantic Music
MUS 552 Twentieth Century Music
Major Instruction/Ensembles
A minimum of two units must be major instruction in one instrument or voice.
8
Total for emphasis 20
Jazz/Popular Styles Emphasis
History/Literature/Theory
MUS 440 Practical Jazz/Pop Harmony 3
MUS 506 Survey of Jazz 3
MUS 511 Roots of Rock 3
MUS 552 Twentieth Century Music 3
Major Instruction/Performance Laboratories
Major instruction in one instrument or voice: 2 units required
Jazz or rock performance class: 2 units required
Traditional ensemble (wind ensemble, orchestra, choir) for students studying traditional acoustical instruments or voice: 2 units required
8
Total for emphasis 20
Electronic Music Emphasis
History/Literature/Theory
MUS 415 Orchestration 3
MUS 504 Survey of Electronic Music 3
MUS 552 Twentieth Century Music 3
Units selected from the following on advisement 3
MUS 550 Music from the Middle Ages to 1750
MUS 551 Classic and Romantic Music
Major Instruction/Performance Laboratories
MUS 436 Introduction to the Electronic Music Studio 2
MUS 438 Computer Music 2
Units selected from MUS 303, Piano Major; MUS 313, Voice Major; or MUS 353, Instrumental Major (1 each) 2
Units of concurrent enrollment in MUS 371-390, Ensemble Series (1 each) 2
Total for emphasis 20

BACHELOR OF MUSIC

The Bachelor of Music is an intensive curriculum, designed for students wishing to study music for specific professional purposes or for students seeking to attain professional levels without necessarily planning to become professional musicians. Emphasis areas within the program provide specialized study in music education (credential preparation), in various performance areas, in music history/literature, or in composition. These specializations are intended to prepare students for graduate study or for various professional opportunities. The department expects every graduate of the professional degree program to demonstrate a significant technical and artistic level of accomplishment in at least one area of performance.

In addition to possessing musical ability and motivation, each student planning to pursue a professional music curriculum should come to San Francisco State University with significant background and training in some performance area. A maximum of 70 units in music may be counted toward this 132-unit degree.

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education is designed for students preparing to teach in the elementary and secondary schools. Completion of this curriculum satisfies academic requirements for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music, leaving only the professional education sequence to be taken in the College of Education.

Students in the Composition Emphasis have early and continued opportunities through Composers' Workshop and other specialized classes to study with nationally recognized faculty composers and to have their works performed before student audiences.

Performance majors receive up to eight semesters of free private lessons with the department's distinguished artist faculty, many of whom are members of the San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet Orchestras, and maintain active professional careers. The degree program culminates in a formal senior recital in the department's concert hall.

Students in the History/Literature Emphasis pursue core courses in music history as well as specialized courses in such areas as keyboard literature, jazz, ethnic music, and courses focused on the works of individual composers. The culminating project for the undergraduate degree in Music History/Literature, a senior thesis of an analytical or historical nature, gives each student an opportunity to work closely with a member of the music history faculty in developing research and analytical skills.

Bachelor of Music students must complete a core of 25 units which includes concert attendance and one of the following fields of emphasis: Music Education; Piano, Organ, Orchestral Instrument, Classical Guitar, or Vocal Performance; Composition; or History and Literature. Students who select the Music Education Emphasis must complete one of the three concentrations.

Online course descriptions are available.

Core Courses Units
MUS 150 Concert Music [each semester in residence up to and including eight semesters] 0
MUS 221 Fundamentals of Ear-training and Musicianship I 2
MUS 222 Fundamentals of Ear-training and Musicianship II 2
MUS 231 Contrapuntal Analysis and Synthesis 3
MUS 232 Diatonic Analysis and Synthesis 3
MUS 233 Chromatic Analysis and Synthesis 3
MUS 420 Twentieth Century Techniques 3
MUS 550 Music from the Middle Ages to 1750 3
MUS 551 Classic and Romantic Music 3
MUS 552 Twentieth Century Music 3
Total for core 25
Emphasis (select one of the emphases listed below) 45
Total for major 70

In addition to the core requirements, all candidates must pass the junior qualifying examination in one instrument or voice.

Music Education Emphasis
Candidates must pass the senior comprehensive performance examination or present a recital. One field of concentration from Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, or the Diversified Program as shown below.

Instrumental Music Concentration Units
Units on advisement from MUS 203, 301, 302 Class Piano (1 each) 2
MUS 311-312 Class Voice I-II (1 each) 2
MUS 351 Class Percussion I 1
MUS 351 Class Guitar I 1
MUS 353 Instrumental Major (1 each) 8
MUS 371-390 Ensemble Series (1 each) 1, 2 or 7
MUS 394 Vocal Performance Practicum or
MUS 430 Improvisation
MUS 415 Orchestration 3
MUS 433 Introduction to Music Technology 2
MUS 505 Music of the World's Peoples 3 3
MUS 608 Early Field Experience in Music Education 2
MUS 610 General Music 3
MUS 613 Practicum in Conducting 2
MUS 616 Woodwinds 2
MUS 618 Strings 2
MUS 620 Brass 2
MUS 630 Instrumental Materials and Literature 3
MUS 640 Instrumental Conducting 3
Total for emphasis 45

 

Vocal Music Concentration Units
Units on advisement from MUS 301, 302 Class Piano (1 each) 1
MUS 313 Voice Major (1) 6
MUS 360 Major Repertoire—Voice (1) 2
MUS 351 Class Percussion 1
MUS 351 Class Guitar 1
MUS 371-390 Ensemble Series (1 each) 1, 2 or 7
MUS 394 Vocal Performance Practicum or
MUS 430 Improvisation
MUS 433 Introduction to Music Technology 2
MUS 505 Music of the World's Peoples 3 3
MUS 560 Lyric Diction 3
MUS 608 Early Field Experience in Music Education 2
MUS 610 General Music 3
MUS 612 The Voice 3
MUS 613 Practicum in Conducting 2
MUS 616 Woodwinds 2
MUS 618 Strings 2
MUS 620 Brass 2
MUS 635 Choral Literature 3
MUS 645 Choral Conducting 3
Total for emphasis 45

 

Diversified Program Concentration (Keyboard/Choral)
This concentration is designed for students with keyboard as the major performance study.
Units
MUS 210 Keyboard Harmony 1
MUS 303 Major Instruction—Piano (1) 8
Units selected upon advisement 3
MUS 311 Class Voice I (1)
MUS 312 Class Voice II (1)
MUS 313 Voice Major (1) [by audition]
MUS 351 Class Percussion 1
MUS 351 Class Guitar 1
MUS 371-390 Ensemble Series 1, 2, 4 (1 each) or 7
MUS 394 Vocal Performance Practicum or
MUS 430 Improvisation
MUS 433 Introduction to Music Technology 2
MUS 505 Music of the World's Peoples 3 3
MUS 560 Lyric Diction or 3
MUS 612 The Voice
MUS 608 Early Field Experience in Music Education 2
MUS 610 General Music 3
MUS 613 Practicum in Conducting 2
MUS 616 Woodwinds 2
MUS 618 Strings 2
MUS 620 Brass 2
MUS 635 Choral Literature 3
MUS 645 Choral Conducting 3
Total for emphasis 45

Piano Performance Emphasis

Program Units
MUS 210 Keyboard Harmony 1
MUS 223 Fundamentals of Ear-training and Musicianship III 2
MUS 303 Piano Major (1) 8
MUS 360 Major Repertoire—Piano (1) 8
MUS 371-390 Ensemble Series (1 each) 1
MUS 378 Chamber Music (1) 3
MUS 383 Piano Accompaniment (1) 1
MUS 384 Piano Ensemble 1
MUS 391 Piano Sightreading (1) 2
MUS 392 Piano Performance Practicum (1) 6
MUS 405 Tonal Counterpoint 3
MUS 505 Music of the World’s Peoples 3 3
MUS 510 Keyboard Literature 3
MUS 614 Piano Pedagogy 2
MUS 640 Instrumental Conducting or 3
MUS 645 Choral Conducting
Related performance area to be selected from MUS 311, 312, 321, or 341 1
Senior Recital is required 0
Total for emphasis 45

Organ Performance Emphasis

Program Units
MUS 210 Keyboard Harmony 1
MUS 223 Fundamentals of Ear-training and Musicianship III 2
MUS 323 Organ Major (1) 8
MUS 360 Major Repertoire—Organ (1) 8
MUS 371-390 Ensemble Series (1 each) 9
MUS 405 Tonal Counterpoint 3
MUS 415 Orchestration 3
MUS 505 Music of the World’s Peoples 3 3
MUS 510 Keyboard Literature 3
MUS 640 Instrumental Conducting or 3
MUS 645 Choral Conducting
MUS 614 Piano Pedagogy 2
Piano, harpsichord, or voice (1) 3
Senior Recital is required 0
Total for emphasis 45

Vocal Performance Emphasis

Program Units
MUS 201-202-203 Class Piano (1 each) 3
MUS 223 Fundamentals of Ear-training and Musicianship III 2
MUS 301-302 Class Piano (1 each) 2
MUS 313 Voice Major (1) 8
MUS 360 Major Repertoire—Voice (1) 6
MUS 371-390 Ensemble Series (1 each) 9
Units selected on advisement from the following: 3
MUS 405 Tonal Counterpoint
MUS 415 Orchestration
MUS 450 Projects in Theory and Composition
MUS 505 Music of the World’s Peoples 3 3
MUS 560 Lyric Diction 3
MUS 565 Vocal Literature 3
MUS 612 The Voice 3
MUS 645 Choral Conducting 3
Senior Recital is required 0
Total for emphasis 45

In addition, reading proficiency in French, German, or Italian must be demonstrated no later than the first semester of the junior year.

Orchestral Instrument or Classical Guitar Performance Emphasis

Program Units
MUS 201-202-203 Class Piano (1 each) 3
MUS 223 Fundamentals of Ear-training and Musicianship III 2
MUS 353 Instrumental Major (1) 8
MUS 360 Major Repertoire (1) 8
MUS 371-390 Ensemble Series (1 each) 12
Units selected upon advisement from the following: 3
MUS 405 Tonal Counterpoint
MUS 450 Projects in Theory and Composition
MUS 415 Orchestration 3
MUS 505 Music of the World’s Peoples 3 3
MUS 640 Instrumental Conducting 3
Music electives on advisement 3
Senior Recital is required 0
Total for emphasis 45

Composition Emphasis
The Theory/Composition Committee must approve the student's entrance into and graduation from the program. For these purposes the committee will expect to examine the student's compositions at the junior qualifying level and at the end of the senior year.

Program Units
MUS 201-202-203 Class Piano (1 each) 3
MUS 223 Fundamentals of Ear-training and Musicianship III 2
MUS 301-302 Class Piano (1 each) 2
Units on advisement from MUS 303, 313, 323, or 353: Piano, Voice, Organ, or Instrumental Major (1 each) 4
MUS 371-390 Ensemble Series (1 each) 5
MUS 405 Tonal Counterpoint 3
MUS 415 Orchestration 3
MUS 416 Theory Seminar 3
MUS 425 Workshop in Composition (1) 1
MUS 436 MIDI Electronic Music Studio 2
MUS 450 Projects in Theory and Composition (1) 4
MUS 460 Repertoire for Composers (1) 4
MUS 504 Electronic Music 3
One of the following selected upon advisement 3
MUS 505 Music of the World’s Peoples
MUS 530 Music of the Middle East, Far East, and Sub-Continental India
MUS 531 Music of the Pacific Basin
MUS 532 Music of Latin America
or other adviser approved elective
MUS 640 Instrumental Conducting or 3
MUS 645 Choral Conducting
Total for emphasis 45

In addition, candidates must pass the junior qualifying examination in one instrument or voice.

History and Literature Emphasis

Program Units
MUS 201-202-203 Class Piano (1 each) 3
MUS 223 Fundamentals of Ear-training and Musicianship III 2
MUS 301-302 Class Piano (1 each) 2
Units on advisement from MUS 303, 313, 323, or 353 [Piano, Voice, Organ, or Instrumental Major] (1 each) 4
MUS 371-390 Ensemble Series (1 each) 5
Units selected on advisement from the following: 6
MUS 405 Tonal Counterpoint
MUS 415 Orchestration
MUS 450 Projects in Theory and Composition
MUS 505 Music of the World's Peoples 3
Units selected on advisement from the following: 12
MUS 520 Seminar in Music Literature
MUS 530 Music of the Middle East, Far East, and Sub-continental India
MUS 531 Music of the Pacific Basin
MUS 532 Music of Latin America
Or other adviser approved elective
MUS 598 Senior Thesis 3
MUS 640 Instrumental Conducting or 3
MUS 645 Choral Conducting
Music electives on advisement 2
Total 45

In addition, candidates must pass the junior qualifying examination in one instrument or voice and demonstrate basic reading knowledge of French, German, or other appropriate language.

MINOR IN MUSIC

The program is designed to provide students with a planned sequence of musical experiences upon which future enjoyment and learning can be built. The minor may be designed, in consultation with a music adviser, to meet the particular goals of the individual student.

Twelve of the total units must be in upper division work and taken in residence at SFSU.

Program Units
MUS 120 Basic Music I 5 3
MUS 121 Basic Music II 5 3
Units on advisement from the following :
[A minimum of one unit each in voice and piano is required.]
6
MUS 201-203 Class Piano (1 each)
MUS 310-311 Class Voice (1 each)
MUS 371-390 Ensemble Series (1 each)
MUS 501 Music, The Listener's Art or 3
MUS 505 Music of the World's Peoples
Music units on advisement 6
Total 21

MINOR IN NON-WESTERN/CROSS-CULTURAL MUSICAL ARTS

Refer to online program description.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN MUSIC

The Music Department offers a Master of Arts in Music with an emphasis in composition, music education, or music history; and a Master of Music in Performance with an emphasis in vocal or instrumental performance, chamber music, or conducting (choral or orchestral).

Admission to Program

Students should apply by April 1 for the following Fall or October 1 for the following Spring. Applicants are required to file two applications, one with the university and one with the Music Department. Admission to conditionally classified status requires acceptance by both the university and the Music Department. A departmental application form may be obtained by writing to the Music Department, or by calling (415) 338-1431. University applications must be requested from the graduate admissions office.

Departmental requirements for admission to conditionally classified status are as follows.

  1. A baccalaureate degree, with a major in music or equivalent musical experience.
  2. A minimum 2.5 grade point average in the last 60 units of undergraduate study.
  3. A completed application form for graduate study in the Music Department.
  4. A 200-500 word narrative statement of purpose. This statement should include a description of the applicant's previous accomplishments.
  5. An official copy of the applicant's undergraduate transcripts, and graduate transcripts if the student has been previously enrolled in a program of graduate study.
  6. Two letters of recommendation from current or former teachers or professionals who are familiar with the applicant's qualifications.
  7. The Music Department Graduate Classification Examination in Music History, Theory, Aural and Keyboard Skills and, for music education candidates, the Music Education Master's Advisory Exam. These examinations must be taken prior to entry into the program. Students who demonstrate deficiencies in one or more areas may be accepted into the program contingent upon remediation of all deficiencies within one academic year of entry into the program. Undergraduate course work taken to remove deficiencies may not be used as part of the 30 units required for the master's degree in music.Specific requirements for each individual program are:
    1. For applicants to the Master of Music program: a live audition before members of the Music Department faculty or, for applicants unable to travel to San Francisco, a high quality audio cassette or videotape 30-45 minutes in duration demonstrating the student's current level of accomplishment. A repertoire list is also required, including an indication of those works on the list which have been performed in recital.
    2. For applicants in the Master of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Music Education: a written description of the nature and extent of teaching experience. Applicants must also provide evidence of at least two years of school music teaching and/or a valid teaching credential.
    3. For applicants in the Master of Arts program in Music History: representative examples of student analytical papers.
    4. For applicants in the Master of Arts program in Composition: representative scores and, if possible, tapes of recent musical compositions.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: Newly admitted students are required to take the Graduate Essay Test (GET), administered by the Testing Center, prior to registering for MUS 700. If writing deficiencies exist, remedial work in appropriate writing classes will be required. Level Two: satisfactory completion of the Music History seminar from the 750 series.

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to candidacy occurs when a Graduate Approved Program (GAP) form has been completed by the student and approved by the major adviser, college graduate coordinator, and the Dean of the Graduate Division. Prior to completion of the GAP form, the student must have been granted fully classified status (see #8 above); have satisfactorily completed both Written English Proficiency Requirements; have completed at least twelve semester units applicable to the degree with a B average or above; and have successfully completed review of the student's program with the faculty adviser.

Master’s Examination. All candidates for the master’s degree (M.A. and M.M.) must pass a comprehensive examination that demonstrates their ability to communicate, both in speech and in writing, their command of music theory, history, research and analytical skills, and musical repertoire. This examination must be taken during the semester in which the student completes all course work.

MASTER OF ARTS IN MUSIC

This program is designed to provide advanced training for students with highly developed interest and talent in specific areas of music study; to prepare teachers for both two- and four-year college music positions; to provide prospective doctoral aspirants with a sound foundation for advanced graduate study; to make available to public school teachers graduate programs involving intensive study of specific areas of music; and to prepare students for professional careers in composition and arranging. The composition emphasis culminates in a major creative project. All other emphases require a master's thesis.

All students must complete a nine-unit core requirement and complete an emphasis as designated below. Enrollment is required during the semester of graduation.

Online course descriptions are available.

Core Requirements Units
MUS 700 Introduction to Graduate Study 3
MUS 710 Advanced Analysis 3
One graduate seminar in Music History (MUS 750-755) 3
Total for core 9
Emphasis (listed below) 21
Minimum total 30
Music Education Emphasis
Music Education Courses: units selected from the following 9
MUS 821 Research in Music Education
MUS 822 Designing Curricula in Music
MUS 852 Directed Experiences in Music (1-3)
One of the following: 3
MUS 894 Creative Work Project
MUS 898 Master's Thesis  
Non-music electives on advisement 6
Electives in music on advisement 3
Total for emphasis 21
Music History Emphasis
Music History Seminars—selected from MUS 750-755 6
MUS 899 Special Study (2) 6 4
Non-music electives on advisement 6
Electives in music on advisement 2
MUS 898 Master's Thesis 3
Foreign Language Competency Examination 7(French, German, Italian, or other approved language)
Total for emphasis 21
Composition Emphasis
MUS 716 Graduate Theory Seminar 3
MUS 720 Directed Projects in Theory or Composition 6 (1) 4
MUS 725 Practicum in Composition 6 (1) 4
MUS 894 Creative Work Project (Composition) 3
Non-Music electives on advisement 6
Approved elective in Music 1
Foreign Language Competency Examination 7(French, German, Italian, or other approved language)
Total for emphasis 21

MASTER OF MUSIC

This program is designed to provide graduate study for the superior performer and to allow for maximum development of specialized skills in the particular areas of talent. Students may emphasize solo performance, chamber music, or conducting. This degree is particularly appropriate for students intending to perform or conduct music professionally, to teach applied performance in college/university settings or private studio, or to pursue doctoral studies in performance. The program culminates in a formal graduate recital.

All students must complete a nine-unit core requirement and complete an emphasis as designated below. Participation in a large ensemble is required of all graduate students (orchestral instruments and voice) enrolled in applied lessons. Enrollment is required during the semester of graduation.

Core Requirements Units
MUS 700 Introduction to Graduate Study 3
MUS 710 Advanced Analysis 3
One graduate seminar in Music History (selected from MUS 750-755) 3
Total for core 9
Emphasis (listed below) 21
  Total for major 30
Solo Performance Emphasis
MUS 776 Graduate Piano, Voice, Organ, or Instrumental Major (2) 8, 9
[Maximum of six units allowed]
4
MUS 780 Graduate Major Repertoire (2)
[Maximum of six units allowed]
4
Music electives on advisement 10
MUS 894 Creative Work Project 3
Total for emphasis 21
Chamber Music Emphasis
MUS 701 Chamber Music Literature 3
MUS 776 Graduate Piano, Voice, Organ, or Instrumental Major (2) 8, 9
4
MUS 780 Graduate Major Repertoire (2)
[Maximum of six units allowed]
4
Music electives on advisement
[Must include one unit each of MUS 778, Chamber Music Performance; advanced score reading and transposition (MUS 852); and keyboard instruction. Performance ability in another instrument or voice is strongly encouraged.]
7
MUS 894 Creative Work Project 3
Total for emphasis 21
Conducting Emphasis
MUS 701 Choral Literature or 3
MUS 701 Symphonic Literature
MUS 781 Instrumental Conducting (2) or 8
MUS 782 Choral Conducting (2)
[Students may elect a maximum of 6 units each of MUS 781 and 782. Concurrent enrollment in major ensembles is required each semester. Students will normally elect three semesters of their particular emphasis (instrumental or choral).]
Music electives on advisement
[Must include graduate or undergraduate major instruction as appropriate.]
7
MUS 894 Creative Work Project 3
Total for emphasis 21


Footnotes

  1. MUS 371, 372, 373, and 379 fulfill General Education requirements; therefore, an additional three units may be taken for GE and are not counted in the emphasis total.
  2. At least 1 unit must include MUS 388, 390, or 430.
  3. MUS 505 fulfills a General Education requirement and is not counted in the emphasis total.
  4. For the Diversified Concentration a minimum of six units must be in choral ensembles.
  5. Students with extensive background in music may substitute more advanced courses.
  6. Unit totals indicate the minimum requirement. Additional instruction may be required before the thesis/composition is undertaken.
  7. To be successfully completed prior to advancement to fully classified status in the program.
  8. Unit total indicated for MUS 776 is the minimum requirement. Additional instruction may be required before permission to present the recital is granted.
  9. Graduate piano majors who enroll in MUS 776 and 780 are also required to enroll concurrently in MUS 392.