Music

Program Contacts

Stephen W. Plate, DMA: Department Chair (interim)
Telephone: (501) 450-5752 | Email: splate@uca.edu

Louis Young, DMA: Graduate Program Coordinator
Telephone: (501) 852-2668 | Email: louyoung@uca.edu

[1] Objectives

Graduate work in music is designed to provide advanced professional training. The Music Education concentration in the Master of Music degree program provides advanced study of music teaching in elementary and secondary schools and professional preparation for those who already possess initial certification. Other Master of Music concentrations provide specialized study in performance, conducting, and music theory.

[2] Program Admission Requirements

Students may apply for admission to graduate music study at the University of Central Arkansas for the fall, spring, or summer terms.

In addition to other Graduate School admission requirements, prospective students must complete the following Department of Music requirements:

For instrumental performance: The applicant must fill out the Department of Music application. Applicants must audition in person or use the application to submit a link of an unedited performance exhibiting a variety of musical styles and technical accomplishment.

For instrumental conducting: The applicant must fill out the Department of Music application. Applicants must audition in person for admission to the conducting program. Upon approval, applicants may use the application to submit a link of an unedited instrumental conducting performance of pre-approved repertoire, exhibiting a variety of musical styles and technical accomplishment.

For vocal performance: The applicant must fill out the Department of Music application. Applicants must audition in person or use the application to submit a link of an unedited performance exhibiting a variety of musical styles and technical accomplishment.

For choral conducting: The applicant must fill out the Department of Music application. Applicants must audition in person for admission to the conducting program. Upon approval, applicants may use the application to submit a link of an unedited choral conducting performance of pre-approved repertoire, exhibiting a variety of musical styles and technical accomplishment.

For music theory: The applicant must fill out the Department of Music application and use the application to submit a writing sample (undergraduate paper and/or a directed essay). A score of at least 75% is required on the University of Central Arkansas Department of Music Theory Diagnostic Exam, which be given by appointment with theory faculty before acceptance into the program.

For music education: The applicant must fill out the Department of Music application and use the application to submit a a writing sample (undergraduate paper and/or directed essay). An active video link of a teaching demonstration should also be included on the application. Only music education faculty and graduate committee members will have access to view these videos for the purpose of applicant evaluation. The applicant will be asked to attest that they have obtained the proper institutional and parental permissions for these video recording(s). The applicant must also submit transcripts that show an undergraduate degree in music education and/or teacher certification.

[3] Master of Music (MM)

[3.1] Core Degree Requirements – All Concentrations

1. Diagnostic examinations are given the week before the semester begins in music theory, music history and literature, and aural skills. The primary purpose of diagnostic exams is to determine whether remediation is needed and to provide recommendations to students regarding course work.

A score of less than 70% on the theory exam requires that the student take MUS 5316 MUSIC THEORY REVIEW AND ANALYSIS before taking advanced seminars in music theory at the 6300 level. A score of less than 70% on the music history and literature exam requires that the student take MUS 5317 MUSIC HISTORY REVIEW before taking advanced seminars in music history at the 6300 level. A score of less than 70% on the aural skills test requires that the student retake and pass the aural skills test before graduation (self-study or MUS 5208 EAR TRAINING AND SIGHT SINGING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS).

MUS 5316, 5317, and 5208 do NOT count toward a graduate degree and may add to a student’s overall course load. These classes DO count toward the requirement to carry 9 hours of graduate credit per semester.

2. Specialized diagnostic examinations are given for students in vocal performance and choral conducting. These include diction and comprehension exams in French, German, Italian, and Latin, which will be given before or during the first semester. Deficiencies must be cleared before graduation. A score of 70% or higher will be considered
satisfactory and no formal review will be necessary. A student who earns below 70% will need to take and pass a one-hour review course in the tested language. Possible review courses include MUS 5101 French Diction Review, MUS 5102 German Diction Review, MUS 5103 Italian Diction Review, and MUS 5104 Latin Diction Review. MUS 5101, 5102, 5103, and 5104 do NOT count towards a graduate degree and may add to a student’s overall course load. These classes DO count toward the requirement to carry nine credit hours per semester.

3. Completion of piano proficiency exam during the first semester of study for all areas. A score of less than 70% on the piano proficiency exam requires that the student retake and pass the piano proficiency exam before graduation.

4. Satisfactory completion of an oral comprehensive examination in music.

5. 6000-level course requirement: For the concentration in Music Education, at least 50% of all music credit hours must be at the 6000 level; for all other concentrations, at least 67% of all music credit hours must be at the 6000 level.

[3.2] Concentration: Music Education (32 hours minimum)

[3.2.1] Required courses for concentration

MUS 6304 Contemporary Issues in Music Education
MUS 6325 Practical Applications of Research in Music Education

[3.2.2] Music core courses

One course from the following:

MUS 6313 Music Research and Bibliography (performance, theory, conducting majors)
MUS 6324 Introduction to Music Education Research (music education majors)

Three courses from the following, including at least one music theory course and one music history course:

MUS 5311 Introduction to Linear Analysis (music theory)
MUS 6302 Analytical Techniques for Twentieth-Century Music (music theory)
MUS 6314 Seminar in Music Theory (music theory)
MUS 6317 Analysis of Music of the 18th and 19th Centuries (music theory)

MUS 6318 Music in the Romantic Period (music history)
MUS 6319 Music in the Twentieth Century (music history)
MUS 6320 Music in the Classical Period (music history)
MUS 6321 Music in the Baroque Era (music history)
MUS 6322 Music in the Renaissance (music history)
MUS 6323 History of Women in Music (music history)
MUS 6303 History and Philosophy of Music Education (music history; required for music education majors; music education majors only)

[3.2.3] Music Electives

At least eight hours of the following:

MUS 5206 Marching Band Techniques
MUS 5325 Orff-Schulwerk Methodology I
MUS 5326 Orff-Schulwerk Methodology II
MUS 5327 Orff-Schulwerk Methodology III
MUS 6207 Choral Conducting
MUS 6210 Choral Literature I
MUS 6211 Choral Literature II
MUS 6206 Instrumental Conducting
MUS 6203 Instrumental Literature I
MUS 6208 Instrumental Literature II
MUS 5V10 Special Problems in Music Education
MUSA 6Vxx Applied Lessons (maximum of 3 credit hours)
MUSE 61xx Large Ensemble – Choir, Wind Ensemble, or Orchestra (maximum of 3 credit hours)

[3.2.4] Non-Music Electives (6 hours)

Courses in the College of Education, chosen in consultation with and approved by the Music Education faculty.

[3.3] Concentration: Instrumental Performance (32 hours minimum)

[3.3.1] Required courses for concentration

MUSA 6Vxx Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)
MUSA 6Vxx Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)
MUSA 6Vxx Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)
MUSA 6Vxx Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)
MUS 6200 Graduate Recital
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUS 6214 Instrumental Pedagogy and Repertoire II
MUS 6203 Instrumental Literature I
MUS 6208 Instrumental Literature II
MUS 6313 Music Research and Bibliography

[3.3.2] Music core courses

One course from the following:

MUS 6313 Music Research and Bibliography (performance, theory, conducting majors)
MUS 6324 Introduction to Music Education Research (music education majors)

Three courses from the following, including at least one music theory course and one music history course:

MUS 5311 Introduction to Linear Analysis (music theory)
MUS 6302 Analytical Techniques for Twentieth-Century Music (music theory)
MUS 6314 Seminar in Music Theory (music theory)
MUS 6317 Analysis of Music of the 18th and 19th Centuries (music theory)

MUS 6318 Music in the Romantic Period (music history)
MUS 6319 Music in the Twentieth Century (music history)
MUS 6320 Music in the Classical Period (music history)
MUS 6321 Music in the Baroque Era (music history)
MUS 6322 Music in the Renaissance (music history)
MUS 6323 History of Women in Music (music history)
MUS 6303 History and Philosophy of Music Education (music history; required for music education majors; music education majors only)

[3.3.3] Electives

At least two hours of the following:

MUSE 61xx Ensembles
MUS 6311 Score Reading
MUS 5V10 Special Problems in Music Education
MUS 5V21 Special Problems in Music
MUS 6V05 Directed Graduate Study

[3.3.4] Thesis Option

Completion of a thesis (6 hours) is an option in the performance concentrations.

[3.4] Concentration: Piano Performance (32 hours minimum)

[3.4.1] Required courses for concentration

MUSA 6V30 Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)
MUSA 6V30 Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)
MUSA 6V30 Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)
MUSA 6V30 Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)
MUS 6200 Graduate Recital
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUS 6217 Advanced Piano Pedagogy
MUS 6215 Piano Literature I
MUS 6216 Piano Literature II

[3.4.2] Music core courses

One course from the following:

MUS 6313 Music Research and Bibliography (performance, theory, conducting majors)
MUS 6324 Introduction to Music Education Research (music education majors)

Three courses from the following, including at least one music theory course and one music history course:

MUS 5311 Introduction to Linear Analysis (music theory)
MUS 6302 Analytical Techniques for Twentieth-Century Music (music theory)
MUS 6314 Seminar in Music Theory (music theory)
MUS 6317 Analysis of Music of the 18th and 19th Centuries (music theory)

MUS 6318 Music in the Romantic Period (music history)
MUS 6319 Music in the Twentieth Century (music history)
MUS 6320 Music in the Classical Period (music history)
MUS 6321 Music in the Baroque Era (music history)
MUS 6322 Music in the Renaissance (music history)
MUS 6323 History of Women in Music (music history)
MUS 6303 History and Philosophy of Music Education (music history; required for music education majors; music education majors only)

[3.4.3] Electives

At least two hours of the following:

MUSE 61xx Ensembles
MUS 6311 Score Reading
MUS 5V21 Special Problems in Music
MUS 6V05 Directed Graduate Study

[3.4.4] Thesis Option

Completion of a thesis (6 hours) is an option in the performance concentrations.

[3.5] Concentration: Vocal Performance (32 hours minimum)

[3.5.1] Required courses for concentration

MUSA 6Vxx Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)
MUSA 6Vxx Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)
MUSA 6Vxx Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)
MUSA 6Vxx Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)
MUS 6200 Graduate Recital
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUS 6212 Advanced Vocal Pedagogy
MUS 5205 Vocal Literature I
MUS 5207 Vocal Literature II

[3.5.2] Music core courses

One course from the following:

MUS 6313 Music Research and Bibliography (performance, theory, conducting majors)
MUS 6324 Introduction to Music Education Research (music education majors)

Three courses from the following, including at least one music theory course and one music history course:

MUS 5311 Introduction to linear Analysis (music theory)
MUS 6302 Analytical Techniques for Twentieth-Century Music (music theory)
MUS 6314 Seminar in Music Theory (music theory)
MUS 6317 Analysis of Music of the 18th and 19th Centuries (music theory)

MUS 6318 Music in the Romantic Period (music history)
MUS 6319 Music in the Twentieth Century (music history)
MUS 6320 Music in the Classical Period (music history)
MUS 6321 Music in the Baroque Era (music history)
MUS 6322 Music in the Renaissance (music history)
MUS 6323 History of Women in Music (music history)
MUS 6303 History and Philosophy of Music Education (music history; required for music education majors; music education majors only)

[3.5.3] Electives

At least two hours of the following:

MUSE 61xx Ensembles
MUS 6311 Score Reading
MUS 5V10 Special Problems in Music Education
MUS 5V21 Special Problems in Music
MUS 6V05 Directed Graduate Study

[3.5.4] Thesis Option

Completion of a thesis (6 hours) is an option in the performance concentrations.

[3.6] Concentration: Instrumental Conducting (31 hours minimum)

[3.6.1] Required courses for concentration

MUS 6200 Graduate Recital
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUS 6203 Instrumental Literature I
MUS 6208 Instrumental Literature II
MUS 6206 Instrumental Conducting
MUS 6310 Instrumental Conducting Practicum
MUS 6311 Score Reading

[3.6.2] Music core courses

Once course from the following:

MUS 6313 Music Research and Bibliography (performance, theory, conducting students)
MUS 6324 Introduction to Music Education Research (music education students)

Three courses from the following, including at least one music theory course and one music history course:

MUS 5311 Introduction to Linear Analysis (music theory)
MUS 6302 Analytical Techniques for Twentieth-Century Music (music theory)
MUS 6314 Seminar in Music Theory (music theory)
MUS 6317 Analysis of Music of the 18th and 19th Centuries (music theory)

MUS 6318 Music in the Romantic Period (music history)
MUS 6319 Music in the Twentieth Century (music history)
MUS 6320 Music in the Classical Period (music history)
MUS 6321 Music in the Baroque Era (music history)
MUS 6322 Music in the Renaissance (music history)
MUS 6323 History of Women in Music (music history)
MUS 6303 History and Philosophy of Music Education (music history; required for music education majors; music education majors only)

[3.6.3] Electives

At least two hours of the following (other courses may be used with approval of the advisor):

MUSE 61xx Ensembles
MUS 5V10 Special Problems in Music Education
MUS 5V21 Special Problems in Music
MUS 6V05 Directed Graduate Study

[3.6.4] Thesis Option

Completion of a thesis (6 hours) is an option in the conducting concentrations.

[3.7] Concentration: Choral Conducting (31 hours minimum)

[3.7.1] Required courses for concentration

MUS 6200 Graduate Recital
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUS 6210 Choral Literature I
MUS 6211 Choral Literature II
MUS 6207 Choral Conducting
MUS 6312 Choral Conducting Practicum
MUS 6311 Score Reading

[3.7.2] Music core courses

One course from the following:

MUS 6313 Music Research and Bibliography (performance, theory, conducting students)
MUS 6324 Introduction to Music Education Research (music education students)

Three courses from the following, including at least one music theory course and one music history course:

MUS 5311 Introduction to Linear Analysis (music theory)
MUS 6302 Analytical Techniques for Twentieth-Century Music (music theory)
MUS 6314 Seminar in Music Theory (music theory)
MUS 6317 Analysis of Music of the 18th and 19th Centuries (music theory)

MUS 6318 Music in the Romantic Period (music history)
MUS 6319 Music in the Twentieth Century (music history)
MUS 6320 Music in the Classical Period (music history)
MUS 6321 Music in the Baroque Era (music history)
MUS 6322 Music in the Renaissance (music history)
MUS 6323 History of Women in Music (music history)
MUS 6303 History and Philosophy of Music Education (music history; required for music education majors; music education majors only)

[3.7.3] Electives

At least two hours of the following (other courses may be used with approval of the advisor):

MUSE 61xx Ensembles
MUS 5V10 Special Problems in Music Education
MUS 5V21 Special Problems in Music
MUS 6V05 Directed Graduate Study

[3.7.4] Thesis Option

Completion of a thesis (6 hours) is an option in the conducting concentrations.

[3.8] Concentration: Music Theory (34 hours minimum)

[3.8.1] Required Courses

MUSA 6Vxx Applied Lessons (1 credit hour)
MUSA 6Vxx Applied Lessons (1 credit hour)
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUSE 61xx Ensemble
MUS 6315 Theory Pedagogy I
MUS 6316 Theory Pedagogy II
MUS 6V99 Master’s Thesis Research (variable credit: 1-6 credit hours; 6 total hours required)

[3.8.2] Music core courses

One course from the following:

MUS 6313 Music Research and Bibliography (performance, theory, conducting students)
MUS 6324 Introduction to Music Education Research (music education students)

Three courses from the following, including at least one music theory course and one music history course:

MUS 5311 Introduction to Linear Analysis (music theory)
MUS 6302 Analytical Techniques for Twentieth-Century Music (music theory)
MUS 6314 Seminar in Music Theory (music theory)
MUS 6317 Analysis of Music of the 18th and 19th Centuries (music theory)

MUS 6318 Music in the Romantic Period (music history)
MUS 6319 Music in the Twentieth Century (music history)
MUS 6320 Music in the Classical Period (music history)
MUS 6321 Music in the Baroque Era (music history)
MUS 6322 Music in the Renaissance (music history)
MUS 6323 History of Women in Music (music history)
MUS 6303 History and Philosophy of Music Education (music history; required for music education majors; music education majors only)

[3.8.3] Electives

At least six hours of the following, which may not be repeated for credit:

MUS 5311 Introduction to Linear Analysis (music theory)
MUS 6302 Analytical Techniques for Twentieth-Century Music (music theory)
MUS 6314 Seminar in Music Theory (music theory)
MUS 6317 Analysis of Music of the 18th and 19th Centuries (music theory)
MUSE 61xx
MUSA 6Vxx (1 credit hour)
MUS 6311 Score Reading
MUS 5V21 Special Problems in Music
MUS 6V05 Directed Graduate Study

[3.8.4] Thesis Requirement

A thesis (6 hours) is required for the music theory concentration.

[4] Graduate Certificate (GC) in Music (Professional Studies)

The Graduate Certificate in Music is a program designed to allow talented and dedicated instrumentalists and singers further time to advance their abilities as musicians and performers and/or to increase their preparedness to enter a graduate degree program or the world of music as professionals. Through close work with UCA’s faculty in applied lessons and ensembles or accompanying, students receive exposure to a variety of types of performing while being able to bring particular focus to the culmination of the program of study – a full recital during the final semester.

Admission Requirements

[These admission requirements have been updated to exclude the required GRE effective beginning January 2018.]

Applicants for the GC in Music must hold a bachelor’s degree in music or its equivalent. Prospective students must submit an application, the university application fee, and official transcripts to the UCA Graduate School. Please note that the GRE 1s not required. In addition to Graduate School requirements, applicants must submit a letter of recommendation and a list of repertoire studied to the Department of Music. In addition, applicants must audition in person or submit a high quality CD or DVD of an unedited performance exhibiting a variety of musical styles and technical accomplishment. Unedited recordings may also be submitted via the Internet using links to websites, Facebook, YouTube, and other social media outlets. A minimum of 12 credit hours (maximum 18) is required to complete the Graduate Certificate program in music. The student has the options indicated below.

[4.1] Plans of Study

[4.1.1] Instrumental Studies (Excluding Piano)

Required each semester

Applied Lessons (MUSA 6Vxx [2 or 4 credits])
Small ensemble (chamber music, percussion ensemble, etc.; MUSE 6100 level) [1 credit]
Large ensemble (orchestra, wind ensemble, etc.; MUSE 6100 level) [1 credit]

Required final semester

Graduate Recital (MUS 6200) [2 credits]

Students should consult with their advisors for specific information regarding appropriate program electives. Electives may include courses in foreign languages, music history, music literature, pedagogy, and theory but may or may not count toward certificate credit hours.

[4.1.2] Piano Studies

Required each semester

Applied Lessons (MUSA 6V30 [2 or 4 credits])
Piano Chamber Music (MUSE 6141) [1 credit]
Accompanying (MUSE 6140) [1 credit]

Required final semester

Graduate Recital (MUS 6200) [2 credits]

Students should consult with their advisors for specific information regarding appropriate program electives. Electives may include courses in foreign languages, music history, music literature, pedagogy, and theory but may or may not count toward certificate credit hours.

[4.1.3] Voice Studies

Required each semester

Applied Lessons (MUSA 6V50 [2 or 4 credits])
Opera (MUSE 6112) [1 credit]

Required final semester

Graduate Recital (MUS 6200) [2 credits]

Students should consult with their advisors for specific information regarding appropriate program electives. Electives may include courses in foreign languages, music history, music literature, pedagogy, and theory but may or may not count toward certificate credit hours.

[5] Graduate Course Links

[5.1] Courses in Music (MUS)

Follow this link for MUS course descriptions: course link.

[5.2] Graduate Courses in Music – Applied (MUSA)

Follow this link for MUSA (Music – Applied) course descriptions: course link.

[5.3] Graduate Courses in Music – Ensemble (MUSE)

Follow this link for MUSE (Music – Ensemble) course descriptions: course link.