Music, M.A.
Master of Arts
About this program
The Master of Arts in Music gives you advanced study in music. You take a 9‑unit core in graduate-level analysis, history and research. Then you focus through one emphasis — Music Education, Music History or Composition — each offering a creative project or thesis. You deepen your skills in theory, performance, scholarship and professional expression through flexible, rigorous study.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
The Masters of Arts in Music program provides advanced study for students with highly developed interest and attainment in specific areas of music.
This program:
- Prepares teachers for certain college music positions
- Provides prospective doctoral aspirants with a sound foundation for advanced graduate study
- Provides advanced academic qualifications for public school teachers
- Prepares students for professional careers in composition.
All focus areas require either a culminating creative project or a master's thesis.
Music Education Emphasis
The School of Music offers two options for the Music Education Emphasis:
Primary / Secondary Education Credential Track
This option is a terminal degree for those wishing to advance their career in K-12 education while enrolled in the teaching credential program. Students learn research techniques specific to music education, participate in classes on designing and implementing curricula, and seminars on secondary education. In addition, students complete fieldwork and a master’s thesis in an area of interest, in consultation with the faculty.
Doctoral Preparation Track
The second option is preparation for doctoral study and is an opportunity for teachers with a credential and two years of experience to lay the groundwork for advanced studies. In addition to classes in research methods specific to music education and in curricular development, students are encouraged to take non-music classes in areas related to future doctoral study. Many classes are scheduled after working hours.
Music History Emphasis
Prepared to study. Prepared to teach others. Prepared to teach yourself.
Surrounded by vibrant classical music and vital cultural life in San Francisco, our music history students advance to careers in college and university teaching; or as doctoral students. Graduates in the Music History Emphasis are well-equipped to continue research in their topic areas after graduating. Classes and seminar topics include music research techniques and study music of all periods.
Composition Emphasis
Students work closely with faculty mentors, some of the most highly respected composers in the country. Composition majors have opportunities to write for faculty ensembles, and advanced student ensembles coached by the Alexander String Quartet, as well as opportunities for large-ensemble readings. Performances and readings are digitally recorded, preparing a portfolio for doctoral programs. In addition to private lessons, courses are available in a variety of topics including tonal and post-tonal analysis and composer-specific seminars. Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships are available.
Admissions Information
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 School of Music. Admission to conditionally classified status requires acceptance by both the University and the School of Music. A departmental application form may be obtained by writing to the School of Music, or by calling (415) 338-1431. University applications may be requested from the graduate admissions office.
Requirements for admission to conditionally classified status in music are as follows.
- A baccalaureate degree, with a major in music or equivalent musical experience.
- A minimum 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 units of undergraduate study.
- A completed Application form for graduate study in music.
- A 200–500 word narrative statement of purpose. This statement should include a description of the applicant's previous accomplishments.
- 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.
- Two letters of recommendation from current or former teachers or professionals who are familiar with the applicant's qualifications.
- Completion of Graduate Classification Examinations in Music History, Theory, Aural 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 coursework taken to remove deficiencies may not be used as part of the 30 units required for the master's degree in music.
- Additional requirements for specific programs are:
- For applicants to 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 a valid teaching credential.
- For applicants to the Master of Arts program with an emphasis in Music History: representative examples of student analytical papers.
- For applicants to the Master of Arts program with an emphasis in Composition: representative scores and, if possible, tapes of recent musical compositions.
Fall: June 1
Spring: December 1
Ready to apply? Visit the Graduate Students page to get started.
We’re Here to Help
Questions about the program or how to apply? Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Benjamin Sabey
- Professor/Chair