COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Music at The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive graduate program that combines advanced musical performance, academic scholarship, and professional development to prepare students for careers in performance, conducting, collaborative piano, composition, music education, and doctoral study. The program maintains rigorous academic and artistic standards through diagnostic examinations, advisory committee supervision, recital evaluations, jury performances, and comprehensive examinations. Upon entering the program, all students must complete diagnostic examinations in music theory and music history and literature to assess foundational knowledge and determine whether additional coursework is needed. Students who do not pass these examinations must complete remedial graduate courses before advancing into higher-level study. Early in the program, students work with faculty to form a three-member advisory committee that guides academic planning, recital preparation, and comprehensive examinations. The degree requires continuous enrollment until all coursework, projects, theses, recitals, and examinations are completed. Students in performance-based concentrations must successfully complete recital requirements evaluated by faculty committees, while applied music students also complete juries or final examinations each semester. Full-time music majors are generally required to participate in major ensembles such as orchestra, band, choir, jazz ensemble, opera, or symphonic winds, depending on their area of specialization. The 33-hour curriculum includes core studies in applied music, music history and literature, music theory, pedagogy, and specialized emphasis coursework. Conducting students focus on applied conducting studies, literature, and recital performance, while performance students complete applied lessons, pedagogy, music history, and recital requirements. Collaborative Piano students receive specialized training in chamber music, diction, vocal literature, and collaborative repertoire, while Theory and Composition students focus on music theory seminars, twentieth-century analysis, pedagogy, and thesis research. Written comprehensive examinations are required for graduation, and thesis-track students must also complete and defend original scholarly or creative research. Through rigorous performance training, academic study, and professional mentorship, the program develops highly skilled musicians, scholars, and educators prepared for careers in professional performance, university teaching, composition, conducting, collaborative artistry, and advanced graduate study in music.