COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Music (MM) program requires a total of 30 units and is structured to provide advanced training in performance, composition, conducting, or other specialized areas of music. The curriculum includes 12 units of core courses, 12 units in an area of specialization, and a 6-unit culminating experience. The core courses consist of Methods of Music Research and Writing (which fulfills the GWAR requirement), Seminar in Music History, Seminar in Music Systems and Theory, and one additional course chosen from either Seminar in Style and Performance Practices or Seminar in Advanced Conducting. These courses develop strong foundations in research, music history, theory, and performance or conducting practices. The area of specialization requires 12 units of graduate-level and approved elective coursework in a chosen focus such as composition, music history, music theory, music education, choral or instrumental conducting, jazz studies, or performance areas including voice, piano, or instrumental studies, allowing students to deepen expertise in their selected field. The culminating experience accounts for 6 units and can be completed through Plan A or Plan B, along with the required Written Culminating Exams (WCE). Plan A involves either a thesis or composition project supported by supervised study and thesis units, while Plan B consists of a project or recital completed through supervised graduate study over multiple semesters. The WCE is a comprehensive assessment requiring students to demonstrate mastery of their specialization, music history, and music theory through essay-based responses. Overall, the program integrates academic study, performance, and research to prepare students for professional careers or further advanced study in music.