COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Music (MM) in Piano Performance at Wichita State University is a 32-credit-hour graduate program designed to develop advanced pianistic ability through a combination of applied instruction, academic coursework, and structured performance experience. Students complete a music theory assessment and are placed into appropriate entry-level coursework, with at least half of the total credits required at the 700 level or above to ensure graduate-level rigor. The core curriculum includes MUSC 852 Introduction to Bibliography and Research along with either MUSC 829 Practical Application of Tonal Analysis or MUSC 831 Music Theory Pedagogy, which build research and theoretical foundations. Students also complete 7 credit hours of electives in musicology and theory covering areas such as analysis, performance studies, music in media, global music traditions, aesthetics, identity studies, and advanced seminars, allowing flexibility within a structured program. The piano concentration requires 10 credit hours of applied performance study through MUSA 732P and MUSA 734P, focusing on technique, interpretation, and repertoire development at an advanced level. Additional required courses include MUSP 580 Piano Pedagogy, MUSC 782 Piano Literature I, and MUSC 783 Piano Literature II, which strengthen both performance and teaching skills. Students also take 2 credit hours of electives chosen with faculty approval and must complete a graduate recital (MUSP 873) as a culminating performance demonstrating technical mastery and artistic expression. Comprehensive examinations in both music theory/musicology and performance ensure balanced academic and practical competence, and overall the program prepares graduates for careers as concert pianists, collaborative performers, private instructors, and advanced music educators.