Program Overview

Music, MM: String Pedagogy

The Music, MM: String Pedagogy program is designed for music students who wish to concentrate primarily on the pedagogy of their major performing string instrument.

Overview

A student must successfully pass an audition at a satisfactory level of performance for admission to the program. Applicants proposing concentration in Music Performance String Pedagogy must demonstrate outstanding performance skills. An on-site audition is required; in extreme cases, recorded examples of an applicant's performance may be accepted in lieu of an in-person audition.

Admission Requirements

• Application deadlines vary by program.
• A student must successfully pass an audition at a satisfactory level of performance for admission to the program.
• Diagnostic examinations in both music history and music theory are required of all entering and transferring graduate students before their first semester of study.
• Exceptions will be granted in extenuating circumstances.
• In no case will students be allowed to proceed beyond the first year of graduate study without having taken the diagnostic exams.
• The following materials must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Music:
  • A Graduate Music Application
  • A one-page resume of the applicant's performance experience and extracurricular activities
  • A one-page statement addressing the applicant's reasons for wishing to pursue a degree program, the applicant's career goals, and what he or she intends to do with a degree
  • Three letters of recommendation

Credits and Courses

• Undergraduate music course background must include adequate preparation in music theory demonstrated through satisfactory completion of the following or equivalent courses:
  • MUSIC 127: Materials of Theory I (2 credits)
  • MUSIC 128: Materials of Theory II (3 credits)
  • MUSIC 225: Materials of Theory III (3 credits)
  • MUSIC 123: Aural Theory I (1 credit)
  • MUSIC 124: Aural Theory II (1 credit)
  • MUSIC 226: Aural Theory III (1 credit)
  • MUSIC 230: Form Analysis (3 credits)
  • MUSIC 421: Materials of Theory IV (3 credits)
• Preparation in music history and literature must be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a two-semester survey course in development of music from earliest times to the present plus one semester of more specialized music history.
• Minimum degree requirement is 34 graduate credits, all of which must be in specified music areas.
• Required courses include:
  • MUSIC 710: Graduate Studies in Music (3 credits)
  • MUSIC 711: Graduate Seminar in Music History (3 credits)
  • MUSIC XXX: Graduate Theory Elective (3 credits)
  • MUSIC 991: Recital And Lecture Demonstration (1 credit)
  • Performance credits:
    • Select one of the following (1 credit each for 2 semesters) (2 credits)
    • MUSPERF 541, MUSPERF 542, MUSPERF 543, or MUSPERF 7XX
    • String Instruments Violin/Viola/Cello (2 credits each for 4 semesters) (8 credits)
    • MUSIC 782: Symphony Orchestra (1 credit each for 2 semesters) (2 credits)
    • MUSIC 755: Advanced Instrumental Repertoire I: Strings (2 credits)
    • MUSIC 756: Advanced Instrumental Repertoire II: Strings (2 credits)
  • Pedagogy credits:
    • MUSIC 718: Violin and Viola Pedagogy Level I (2 credits)
    • or MUSIC 722: Cello Pedagogy Level I
    • MUSIC 719: Violin and Viola Pedagogy Level II (2 credits)
    • or MUSIC 723: Cello Pedagogy Level II
    • Select one of the following (2 credits)
    • MUSIC 720: Violin Pedagogy Level III
    • MUSIC 721: Viola Pedagogy Level III
    • MUSIC 724: Cello Pedagogy Level III
    • MUSIC 829: Seminar: Historical Perspectives On Violin, Viola And Cello Pedagogy (2 credits)

Additional Requirements

• Recital and Lecture Demonstration: The recital and lecture demonstration may be given at any time before the completion of the degree program.
  • The recital consists of two parts:
    1. A performance of a minimum of 30-45 minutes of music that has been approved by the major teacher
    2. A lecture totaling approximately 30 minutes to be given before, during, or after the recital, in which the candidate discusses one or more pieces to be performed on the recital program, with emphasis on pedagogical values of the piece(s), the difficulties, and how they are overcome
• Comprehensive Examination: The student must pass final comprehensive examinations in both music history and music theory.
• Ensemble Participation: The student is required to participate in an approved performing organization each semester in which the student is registered for music performance instruction in the major instrument.
• Time Limit: The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.