Program Overview

Overview

The Master of Music degree programs at CU Boulder are modeled after the guiding principles outlined by the National Association of Schools of Music. The purpose of Master of Music degree work is to refine skills in music performance, music composition, research and writing, and pedagogy.

Requirements

Prerequisites

Students should have completed undergraduate preparation equivalent to that expected for the bachelor's degree at this university. Normally this is a bachelor of music degree in the proposed area of concentration.

Program Requirements

The master of music (MM) degree, which the Graduate School considers a Plan II program, requires a minimum of 30–32 credit hours of graduate coursework, including thesis projects. Many students find it necessary to exceed this minimum in order to meet the musical and academic standards demanded by the MM preliminary examinations. Specific degree requirements for each program are available online at the College of Music website.

Each student's program is directed by a three-member advisory committee headed by the major advisor (the student's major professor). A second member is chosen from the major area; the third member is usually from outside the major area. (Major areas include: composition, music education, music theory and performance.) By the second semester of residence, the student should complete a tentative degree plan and obtain the approval of the advisory committee and the associate dean for graduate studies. Students must complete the master's degree within four years of matriculation into the program.

Examinations

In addition to preliminary examinations, master's degree students in music must take the Master's Qualifying Examination. The procedures, guidelines for registration and deadlines for taking these examinations are announced by the Music Graduate Office.

Recital/Thesis Requirements

The recital/thesis requirement for the MM in composition is a body of work(s) lasting at least 20 minutes in duration. This could be comprised of one or more original works for varying forces. For the major in conducting, the requirement is a public practicum and a performance-related or other scholarly document. For the major in music theory, it is two thesis papers. Or, with consent of the faculty advisory committee, a single, extended thesis for four credit hours. For the major in performance, presentation of two public recitals fulfills the requirement. For the major in performance and pedagogy, a full-length recital and a research document in pedagogy are required.

Required Courses and Credits

The following are the required courses and credits for each program:

• Composition: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5526: Composition (variable from 2-3 per semester) (9 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (9 credit hours)
  • Electives (3 credit hours)
  • Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
• Composition with an Emphasis in Music Technology: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5526: Composition (Emphasis in traditional techniques) (3 credit hours)
  • PMUS 5526: Composition (Emphasis in Music Technology - variable 2 or 3 credits) (6 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (6 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5081: Applications in Music Technology (3 credit hours)
  • Electives (maximum 2 credits of ensemble) (3 credit hours)
• Music Theory: 30 credit hours
  • MUSC 5151: Topics in Music Analysis (Schenkerian Analysis or Diatonic/Chromatic Harmonies) (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5071: Post-tonal Theory and Analysis I (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (6 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis 1 (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 6051: Pedagogy of Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • Music Electives outside of the major area (3 credit hours)
  • Category III: Free Electives (3 credit hours)
• Choral Conducting: 30 credit hours
  • MUSC 5156: Symposium in Choral Music (4 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5136: Advanced Conducting (2 credit hours)
  • PMUS 5536: Intermed Conducting (Intermediate Conducting) (6 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Conducting Practicum) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5712: Renaissance Music (3 credit hours)
  • PMUS 5726: Voice (Voice Pedagogy) (4 credit hours)
  • Electives (2 credit hours)
  • Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
• Choral Conducting with an Emphasis in Voice Performance: 32 credit hours
  • MUSC 5156: Symposium in Choral Music (4 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5136: Advanced Conducting (2 credit hours)
  • PMUS 5536: Intermed Conducting (Intermediate Conducting) (6 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Conducting Practicum) (2 credit hours)
  • Voice Performance (3 credit hours)
  • PMUS 5726: Voice (Three semesters) (6 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5444: Vocal Pedagogy (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Voice recital or research paper) (2 credit hours)
  • Academic Courses (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5712: Renaissance Music (3 credit hours)
  • Choral Ensemble required each semester of residence; credit attached to applied study
• Orchestral Conducting: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5536: Intermed Conducting (Intermediate Conducting) (6 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5136: Advanced Conducting (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Conducting Practicum) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5156: Symposium in Choral Music (2 credit hours)
  • Instrumental Ensemble (Required each semester of residence - credit attached to applied study)
  • PMUS 5XXX: Applied Instrumental Instruction (4 credit hours)
  • Electives (maximum 2 credits of ensemble) (4 credit hours)
• Wind Band Conducting: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5536: Intermed Conducting (Intermediate Conducting) (8 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5136: Advanced Conducting (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Conducting Practicum) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5156: Symposium in Choral Music (2 credit hours)
  • Instrumental Ensemble required each semester of residence, credit attached to applied study
  • Music elective outside Conducting (2 credit hours)
  • Electives (maximum 2 credits of ensemble) (4 credit hours)
• Brass Performance: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5XX6: Applied Brass Instruction (10 credit hours)
  • EMUS 5507: Chamber Music (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5036: Brass Literature (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5336: Brass Pedagogy (2 credit hours)
  • Graduate-level electives in Music Theory 5XX1; Musicology/Ethnomusicology 5XX2, or Music Education 6XX3 (6 credit hours)
  • Electives (2 credit hours)
  • May include ensemble credit
• Guitar: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5566: Guitar (Applied Guitar Instruction) (9 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • Other music electives (outside Guitar Performance) (2 credit hours)
  • Electives (maximum 2 credits of ensemble) (7 credit hours)
• Collaborative Piano: 32-35 credit hours
  • PMUS 5636: Piano (Applied Piano Instruction and Performance Class) (8 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Collaborative Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Collaborative Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5425: Collaborative Literature for Piano with Winds, Brass, and Percussion (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5435: Collaborative Literature for Piano with Strings (2 credit hours)
  • Category III: Additional Courses in Music (6-8 credit hours)
  • Choose three or more courses from the following:
    • MUSC 5375: Opera Coaching for Pianists
    • MUSC 5405: Basso-Continuo Accompaniment
    • MUSC 5464: Voice Literature I: French Song Literature and Oratorio/Concert Solo Literature
    • MUSC 5564: Voice Literature II: German, British & American Song Literature
  • Electives (2-3 credit hours)
  • Additional music electives outside of the major
• Harp: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5576: Harp (Applied Harp Instruction) (10 credit hours)
  • Ensembles (credit attached to applied study)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • Music electives outside Harp Performance (2 credit hours)
  • Electives (6 credit hours)
  • Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
• Harpsichord: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5586: Harpsichord (Applied Harpsichord Instruction) (10 credit hours)
  • EMUS 5367: Early Music Ensemble (4 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology Electives (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Music Theory Elective (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5405: Basso-Continuo Accompaniment (2 credit hours)
  • Electives (2 credit hours)
  • An approved course within or outside of the College of Music or Special Studies (TMUS 5544) could satisfy these required hours, preferably in an area that strengthens the individual focus of the student's program
• Percussion Performance: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5626: Percussion (Applied Percussion Instruction) (10 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5026: Percussion Literature (2 credit hours)
  • Electives (6 credit hours)
  • Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
• Piano Performance (Solo): 30-33 credit hours
  • PMUS 5636: Piano (Applied Piano Instruction and Performance Class) (8 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Solo Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Solo Recital, Chamber Recital, Research Paper) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5325: Keyboard Literature 1 (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5335: Keyboard Literature 2 (2 credit hours)
  • Category III: Additional Courses in Music (4-6 credit hours)
  • Choose two or three of the following:
    • MUSC 5365: Advanced Accompanying
    • MUSC 5305: Piano Pedagogy Group Techniques
    • MUSC 5315: Piano Pedagogy: Intermediate Literature
    • MUSC 5375: Opera Coaching for Pianists
    • MUSC 5405: Basso-Continuo Accompaniment
    • MUSC 5464: Voice Literature I: French Song Literature and Oratorio/Concert Solo Literature
    • MUSC 5564: Voice Literature II: German, British & American Song Literature
  • Electives (2-3 credit hours)
  • Additional music electives in music or non-music other than piano performance
• String Performance (Bowed): 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5XX6: Applied String Instrument Instruction (10 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • Electives (6 credit hours)
  • Outside of string performance; maximum 2 credits of ensemble
• Voice Performance: 32 credit hours
  • PMUS 5726: Voice (Applied Voice Instruction) (8 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis 1 (2 credit hours)
  • Ensemble (2 credit hours)
  • One credit hour of Opera Theatre Practicum (PMUS 5157) plus one hour of one of the following: EMUS 5217, EMUS 5227 or EMUS 5367 or an additional hour of Opera Theatre Practicum
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5444: Vocal Pedagogy (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5484: Graduate Seminar in Vocal Pedagogy (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5464: Voice Literature I: French Song Literature and Oratorio/Concert Solo Literature (2 credit hours)
  • or MUSC 5564: Voice Literature II: German, British & American Song Literature
  • Electives (4 credit hours)
  • PMUS 5497: Vocal Repertoire Coaching
  • PMUS 5137: Opera Theatre 1
  • PMUS 5147: Opera Theatre 2
• Woodwind Performance: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5XX6: Applied Woodwind Instruction (10 credit hours)
  • Ensemble (1 credit hour)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5346: Woodwind Pedagogy (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5666: Chamber Music Literature: Woodwinds (2 credit hours)
  • Electives (4 credit hours)
  • Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
• Brass Performance with an Emphasis in Pedagogy: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5XX6: Applied Brass Instruction (10 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Solo or Chamber recital) (2 credit hours)
  • Category II: Brass Pedagogy
  • MUSC 6203: Psychology of Music Learning (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5036: Brass Literature (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5336: Brass Pedagogy (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper) (2 credit hours)
  • Category III: Other Requirements in Music
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • Graduate-level electives (Music Theory 5XX1, Musicology/Ethnomusicology 5XX2 or Music Education 6XX3) (6 credit hours)
  • Electives (2 credit hours)
  • May include ensemble credit
• Jazz Performance and Pedagogy: 31 credit hours
  • EMUS 5427: Jazz Ensemble (2 credit hours)
  • EMUS 5437: Jazz Combo (2 credit hours)
  • PMUS 58X6: Applied Jazz Lessons (4 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • Category II: Jazz Pedagogy
  • MUSC 5256: Jazz Studies Administration and Pedagogy (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5356: Jazz Studies Practicum (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper) (2 credit hours)
  • Category III: Other Requirements in Music
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5642: Jazz History and Literature (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5091: Contemporary Theory - Jazz and Modal Music (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5246: Jazz Improvisation and Analysis (3 credit hours)
  • Electives (outside of Jazz area) (3 credit hours)
• Piano Performance and Pedagogy: 33 credit hours
  • PMUS 5636: Piano (Applied Piano Instruction and Performance Class) (8 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Solo Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • Category II: Piano Pedagogy
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5305: Piano Pedagogy Group Techniques (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5315: Piano Pedagogy: Intermediate Literature (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5345: Research: Piano Literature and Pedagogy (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5215: Studies in Piano Teaching (1 credit hour)
  • MUSC 5325: Keyboard Literature 1 (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5335: Keyboard Literature 2 (2 credit hours)
  • Category III: Additional Courses in Music
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • Electives (2 credit hours)
  • In music or non-music, other than piano performance
• String (Bowed) Performance and Pedagogy: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5XX6: Applied String Instrument Instruction (8 credit hours)
  • Orchestra (Credit is attached to applied study) (1 credit hour)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • Category II: Other Requirements in Music
  • String Pedagogy
  • MUSC 5273: Comprehensive String Pedagogy (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 6203: Psychology of Music Learning (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 5564: Special Study-Strings (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper/Pedagogy Project) (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5446: Supervised Teaching Practicum (1 credit hour)
  • MUSC 5608: Wellness for Musicians (1 credit hour)
  • Additional courses
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • Electives (2 credit hours)
  • Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
• Voice Performance and Pedagogy: 32 credit hours
  • PMUS 5726: Voice (8 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • Ensemble (2 credit hours)
  • One credit in Opera Theatre Practicum PMUS 5157, plus one credit in one of the following: EMUS 5217, EMUS 5227 or Early Music Ensemble (EMUS 5267) or an additional hour of Opera Theatre Practicum
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5444: Vocal Pedagogy (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5484: Graduate Seminar in Vocal Pedagogy (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5464: Voice Literature I: French Song Literature and Oratorio/Concert Solo Literature (2 credit hours)
  • or MUSC 5564: Voice Literature II: German, British & American Song Literature
  • Electives (4 credit hours)
  • PMUS 5497: Vocal Repertoire Coaching
  • PMUS 5137: Opera Theatre 1
  • PMUS 5147: Opera Theatre 2
• Woodwind Performance and Pedagogy: 30 credit hours
  • PMUS 5XX6: Applied Woodwind Instruction (10 credit hours)
  • Ensemble (1 credit hour)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis (Recital) (2 credit hours)
  • Category II: Other Requirements in Music
  • Woodwind Pedagogy
  • MUSC 5666: Chamber Music Literature: Woodwinds (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5346: Woodwind Pedagogy (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 6203: Psychology of Music Learning (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper) (2 credit hours)
  • Other courses
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX1: Electives in Music Theory (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective (3 credit hours)
  • Electives (2 credit hours)
• Historical Performance and Research: 34 credit hours
  • Applied Instruction (4 semesters) (8 credit hours)
  • PMUS 5586: Harpsichord
  • MUSC 5405: Basso-Continuo Accompaniment (2 credit hours)
  • or MUSC 5415: Advanced Basso Continuo
  • EMUS 5367: Early Music Ensemble (3 credit hours)
  • PMUS 5425: Tuning and Temperaments (1 credit hour)
  • TMUS 6956: Master's Thesis ((Recital)) (2 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6957: Master's Thesis 2 ((Recital) ) (2 credit hours)
  • Category II - Research
  • MUSC 5708: Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (2 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5742: Performance Practice of Early Music (3 credit hours)
  • MUSC 5XX2: Musicology Electives (6 credit hours)
  • TMUS 6958: Master's Thesis 3 ((Research Thesis) ) (2 credit hours)
  • Free Electives (appropriate to focus of degree, outside of performance) (3 credit hours)
  • Appropriate electives might include courses in Music Theory, History, Literature or Art History

Learning Outcomes

By the completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced accomplishment in area of specialization (performance, conducting or composition).
• Synthesize and apply knowledge of the discipline sufficient to perform proficient analyses.
• Effectively communicate and present discipline-based learning to an academic audience in both written and oral form.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and skills in effective applied lesson and/or group (chamber music) teaching. (Emphasis in pedagogy)
• Demonstrate knowledge of applied lesson and/or group (chamber music) repertoire for area of specialization. (Emphasis in pedagogy)

Dual Emphasis Program

Master of Music Degree with Dual Emphasis

Students may apply for a master's in music degree that combines the requirements from two programs (with approval from both departments) in the College of Music. The student receives one diploma, with two areas of emphasis listed on the transcript. To guarantee the ability to pursue a master’s degree with dual emphases, the student must apply separately and be admitted by the faculty in each of the degree programs under their respective admissions procedures and standards. The student must be accepted into both areas of emphasis at the time of the initial application. If a student is already accepted to the College of Music in a Master of Music degree program and is interested in adding a second area of emphasis, the second area of emphasis course plan must be approved by both area Department Chairs and the Associate Dean of the College of Music.

In consultation with the Department Chairs, Associate Dean and Graduate Studies Coordinator, a comprehensive degree plan will be devised for all requirements expected for the student to earn the Master of Music degree with dual emphasis. This plan must be completed before the last anticipated semester of study in the student’s original degree. With the exception of thesis credit hours, courses that fulfill requirements in both degree programs need only be taken once to be counted for both degrees. A minimum of 45 credit hours must be earned.