COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Music (MM) program in the School of Music is a highly specialized graduate degree offering advanced training in multiple professional and academic areas, including composition, arranging, choral conducting, wind conducting, musicology, instrumental performance, vocal performance, and music theory. Although all MM degrees require a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate coursework, each concentration follows a distinct curriculum designed to match its artistic and scholarly focus. Across all tracks, students are required to complete core graduate study in music history and music theory, including at least 12 hours total with a minimum of 6 hours in each area, and MUS 501 (Introduction to Graduate Study in Music) in the first semester. The composition and music theory concentrations follow Plan I, requiring a written thesis along with advanced coursework in composition, theory analysis, music history, electives, and secondary applied study, as well as a recital or equivalent creative presentation. Performance-based areas such as instrumental performance, vocal performance, choral conducting, wind conducting, and arranging generally follow Plan II, emphasizing applied study, ensemble participation, literature courses, theory and history requirements, and at least one public recital demonstrating professional-level performance or conducting ability. Musicology also follows Plan I, requiring a thesis, a public lecture, and advanced coursework in historical music studies, theory, and electives. Conducting programs include intensive training in ensemble leadership, repertoire, and performance practice, along with required ensemble participation and recitals. Arranging emphasizes advanced composition, orchestration, studio techniques, film scoring, jazz studies, and practical ensemble experience. Theory focuses on advanced analytical techniques, research, and theoretical study culminating in a thesis and public lecture. Electives across all areas allow students to broaden their expertise within or beyond music. Overall, the MM degree is structured to balance rigorous academic study with practical artistic development, preparing graduates for professional careers in performance, education, composition, research, or further doctoral study in music-related fields.