Master of Music (M.M.) – Composition, Concert Music Emphasis
Entrance Requirements
In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission a student who desires to major in composition, concert music emphasis, must submit original compositions for evaluation and complete an interview with the composition faculty. This interview is typically conducted in-person or via video chat on audition days. A student whose major for the undergraduate degree was something other than composition must show evidence of having completed the equivalent of the requirements of an undergraduate composition major. Any deficiencies must be made up by taking the necessary undergraduate courses or by passing proficiency examinations. All entering graduate students in the Master of Music degree program in composition must take the Music Theory Placement Examination and the Music History Placement Examination. These placement exams are administered by faculty in the Department of Music Theory, History, and Composition and are always offered in-person on the Saturday before a given term starts.
Students whose baccalaureate programs exhibit significant curricular deficiencies may be required to take remedial courses to satisfy these deficiencies as prerequisites to the master's program. Remedial courses may be taken concurrently with courses in the master's program.
All students enrolled in applied composition instruction are required to submit samples of their work to a jury of the composition faculty for evaluation at the end of the semester.
| Program of Study |
Semester Hours |
| Composition |
8 |
| Masters Composition Colloquium MUS 629 or MUS 629A |
0 |
| Research Methodology MUS 731 |
3 |
| Analytical Techniques I, II MUS 711, MUS 712 |
6 |
| Music History Elective |
3 |
| Music Since 1900 MUS 537E |
3 |
| Advanced Orchestration MUS 581 |
3 |
| Music Electives |
9 |
| Recital MUS 940 |
0 |
| Thesis (see below) |
0 |
| Comprehensive Examinations (MUS 698A w/classes; MUS 698B w/o classes) (see below) |
0 |
| Total: |
35 |
Graduation Requirements
As a thesis, the student must deposit a score of an extended work for orchestra or large instrumental ensemble.
Successful completion of comprehensive examinations (MUS 698A w/classes; MUS 698B w/o classes) is also required. The student may schedule the comprehensive examinations following the advisor's written approval.