[1] Objectives
Graduate work in music is designed to provide advanced professional training. The Master of Music in Music Education 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
In addition to other Graduate School admission requirements:
For performance and conducting areas: An audition with area faculty. Performance in the area of specialization is to reflect the basic proficiency of a college undergraduate.
For vocal performance: completion of a diction and comprehensive competency exam in French and German, with deficiencies to be made up before graduation.
For conducting areas: A taped performance of the applicant’s ensemble.
Graduate Program in Music Theory: A score of at least 75% on the University of Central Arkansas Department of Music Theory Diagnostic Exam, to be given before acceptance into the program.
[3] Master of Music
[3.1] Core degree requirements for all concentrations
1. Diagnostic examinations to be 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, MUS 5317, and MUS 5208 do NOT count toward a graduate degree and may add to a student’s overall course load. These classes DO fulfill the requirement to carry 9 hours of graduate credit per semester.
2. 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.
3. Satisfactory completion of an oral comprehensive examination in music.
[3.2] Additional degree requirements for the concentration in music education (32 hours total)
At least 50% of all music credit hours must be at the 6000 level.
| Music Education Seminars: (MUS 6303, MUS 6304, MUS 6324, MUS 6325) | 12 |
| Music Theory Seminar: (MUS 6302, MUS 6314 or MUS 6317) | 3 |
| Music History Seminar: (Mus 6320, MUS 6321, MUS 6322, MUS 6318 or MUS 6319) | 3 |
| Music Electives, chosen in consultation with and approval of the Music Education | |
| Faculty: (MUS 5110, MUS 5206, MUS 5310, MUS 5325, MUS 5326, MUS 5327, | |
| MUS 6203, MUS6206, MUS 6208, MUS 6210, MUS 6211, MUSA (applied | 8 |
| lessons with a maximum of three credit hours), MUSE (ensemble with a maximum of | |
| three credit hours) | |
| Non-music electives in the College of Education, chosen in consultation with and approval of the Music Education faculty | 6 |
[3.3] Required courses for all other concentrations:
A minimum of 31-34 house in music, depending upon field of emphasis, at least 2/3 of which must be at the 6000 level.
1. The following nine-hour core in music:
| Music Theory | 3 |
| Music History | 3 |
| Music Research and Bibliography | 3 |
2. Completion of the following music courses, in addition to the nine hour core requirement
[3.3.1] Concentration: Performance (32 hours total)
Applied (10 hours)
| Major Instrumental or Voice | 8 |
| Recital | 2 |
Core (7 hours)
| Literature of Major Instrument or Voice (2 courses) | 4 |
| Music History | 3 |
Other (6 hours)
| Pedagogy of the Major instrument or Voice | 2 |
| Ensembles | 2 |
| Electives | 2 |
Note: Completion of a thesis (6 hours) is an option in this degree
[3.3.2] Concentration: Instrumental Conducting (31 hours total)
| Instrumental Conducting |
2 |
| Instrumental Conducting Practicum |
3 |
| Score Reading |
3 |
| Instrumental Literature I/II |
4 |
| Music History or Music Theory |
3 |
| Conducting Recital |
2 |
| OTHER (5 hours) | |
| Ensembles |
3 |
| Applied or electives (in Music) |
2 |
Note: Completion of a thesis (6 hours) is an option in this degree
[3.3.3] Concentration: Choral Conducting (31 hours total)
| Choral Conducting | 2 |
| Choral Conducting Practicum | 3 |
| Score Reading | 3 |
| Choral Literature I/II | 4 |
Conducting Recital 2
Music History or Music Theory 3
Other (5 hours)
Ensembles 3
Applied or electives (in Music) 2
Note: Completion of a thesis (6 hours) is an option in this degree.
[3.3.4] Concentration: Music Theory (34 hours total)
| Music Theory Courses | 6 |
| Music Theory Pedagogy I | 3 |
| Music Theory Pedagogy II | 3 |
Research (6 hours)
| Thesis I | 3 |
| Thesis II | 3 |
Other (7 hours)
| Ensembles | 2 |
| Applied | 2 |
| Electives (in Music) | 3 |
NOTE: A thesis is required for the master’s program in theory
[4] Professional Studies Certificate
A minimum of 12 credit hours are required to complete the Professional Studies Certificate Program.
[5] Graduate Courses in Music (MUS)
Follow this link for MUS course descriptions: course link.
[6] Graduate Courses in Music – Applied (MUSA)
Follow this link for MUSA (Music – Applied) course descriptions: course link.
[7] Graduate Courses in Music – Ensemble (MUSE)
Follow this link for MUSE (Music – Ensemble) course descriptions: course link.