Music – Graduate Bulletin 2023-2024

Program Contacts

Stephen W. Plate, DMA: Department Chair
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: 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. Specific audition guidelines are available on the Department of Music website.

For instrumental conducting: Applicants must audition in person or 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. Specific audition guidelines are available on the Department of Music website.

For vocal performance: 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. Specific audition guidelines are available on the Department of Music website.

For choral conducting: Applicants must audition in person for admission to the conducting program or 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. Specific audition guidelines are available on the Department of Music website.

For music theory: The applicant must 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 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 offered in August, January, and often May, and they should be taken before the first semester of graduate study begins. The primary purpose of diagnostic exams is to determine whether remediation is needed and to provide recommendations to students regarding course work. Diagnostic exams are given in the following areas:

Music Theory – A score of less than 70% on the theory exam requires that the student take and successfully complete MUS 5316 MUSIC THEORY REVIEW AND ANALYSIS before taking advanced seminars in music theory at the 6300 level.
Music History and Literature – A score of less than 70% on the music history and literature exam requires that the student take and successfully complete MUS 5317 MUSIC HISTORY REVIEW before taking advanced seminars in music history at the 6300 level.
Aural Skills – A score of less than 70% on the aural skills test requires that the student retake and pass the aural skills test following a semester of self-study or MUS 5208 EAR TRAINING AND SIGHT SINGING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS.
Piano Proficiency – A score of less than 70% on the piano proficiency exam requires that the student, in consultation with the graduate advisor, determine and document a course of remediation for one semester (e.g., self study, private lessons). The student must then retake the piano proficiency exam immediately following the first semester of graduate study.

Students must take the piano diagnostic exam; however, they may forego exams in music theory, music history and literature, and aural skills if they enroll in the required remediation courses.

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. Satisfactory completion of an oral comprehensive examination in music.

4. 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 Nineteenth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6319 Twentieth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6320 Eighteenth-Century Music (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 education history; required for music education majors; other majors may enroll with permission of the instructor; a second music history course must be taken in addition to this course)

[3.2.3] Music Electives

At least eight hours of the following:

MUS 5130 Introduction to Alexander Technique: Injury Prevention for Musicians

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 6V05 Directed Graduate Study

MUS 5V10 Special Problems in Music Education

MUSA 6VXX Applied Lessons (maximum of 3 credit hours)

MUSE 61XX Ensemble (maximum of 3 credit hours) – 6102 (Wind Ensemble), 6103 (Symphonic Band), 6104 (Jazz Ensemble), 6105 (Woodwind Chamber Music), 6106 (Brass Chamber Music), 6107 (Traditional Jazz Band), 6110 (Concert Choir), 6111 (Treble Choir/Tenor-Bass Choir), 6112 (Opera), 6113 (Chamber Singers), 6120 (Symphony), 6121 (String Chamber Music), 6130 (Percussion Ensemble/Steel Band), 6140 (Accompanying), 6141 (Piano Chamber Music)

[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. These can include courses in the following subjects:

ASTL – Advanced Studies in Teacher Leadership
CSPA – College Student Personnel Administration
EDDL – Digital Learning
EDLP – Educational Leadership
ELSE – Elementary, Literacy, Special Education
GATE – Gifted and Talented Education
ITEC – Instructional Technology
LEAD – Leadership
LIBM – Library Media and Information Technologies
MAT – Master of Arts in Teaching
SCCN – School Counseling
SLMA – School Leadership, Management, and Administration

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

[3.3.1] Required courses for concentration

MUSA 6VXX Applied Lessons (2 credit hours)

MUS 6200 Graduate Recital

MUS 6214 Instrumental Pedagogy and Repertoire II

MUS 6203 Instrumental Literature I

MUS 6208 Instrumental Literature II

[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 Nineteenth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6319 Twentieth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6320 Eighteenth-Century Music (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)

[3.3.3] Electives

At least two hours of the following:

MUS 5130 Introduction to Alexander Technique: Injury Prevention for Musicians

MUSE 61XX Ensembles – 6102 (Wind Ensemble), 6103 (Symphonic Band), 6104 (Jazz Ensemble), 6105 (Woodwind Chamber Music), 6106 (Brass Chamber Music), 6107 (Traditional Jazz Band), 6120 (Symphony), 6121 (String Chamber Music), 6130 (Percussion Ensemble/Steel Band)

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)

MUS 6200 Graduate Recital

MUSE 61XX Ensemble – 6102 (Wind Ensemble), 6103 (Symphonic Band), 6104 (Jazz Ensemble), 6107 (Traditional Jazz Band), 6110 (Concert Choir), 6111 (Treble Choir/Tenor-Bass Choir), 6113 (Chamber Singers), 6120 (Symphony), 6140 (Accompanying), 6141 (Piano Chamber Music)

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 Nineteenth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6319 Twentieth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6320 Eighteenth-Century Music (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)

[3.4.3] Electives

At least two hours of the following:

MUS 5130 Introduction to Alexander Technique: Injury Prevention for Musicians

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)

MUSE 61XX Ensemble – 6110 (Concert Choir), 6111 (Treble Choir/Tenor-Bass Choir), 6112 (Opera), 6113 (Chamber Singers)

MUS 6200 Graduate Recital

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 Nineteenth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6319 Twentieth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6320 Eighteenth-Century Music (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)

[3.5.3] Electives

At least two hours of the following:

MUS 5130 Introduction to Alexander Technique: Injury Prevention for Musicians

MUSE 61XX Ensemble – 6110 (Concert Choir), 6111 (Treble Choir/Tenor-Bass Choir), 6112 (Opera), 6113 (Chamber Singers)

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

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 Nineteenth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6319 Twentieth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6320 Eighteenth-Century Music (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)

[3.6.3] Electives

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

MUS 5130 Introduction to Alexander Technique: Injury Prevention for Musicians

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

MUSE 61XX Ensemble – 6110 (Concert Choir), 6111 (Treble Choir/Tenor-Bass Choir), 6112 (Opera), 6113 (Chamber Singers)

MUS 6200 Graduate Recital

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 Nineteenth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6319 Twentieth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6320 Eighteenth-Century Music (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)

[3.7.3] Electives

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

MUS 5130 Introduction to Alexander Technique: Injury Prevention for Musicians

MUSE 61XX Ensemble – 6110 (Concert Choir), 6111 (Treble Choir/Tenor-Bass Choir), 6112 (Opera), 6113 (Chamber Singers)

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)

MUSE 61XX Ensemble – 6102 (Wind Ensemble), 6103 (Symphonic Band), 6104 (Jazz Ensemble), 6105 (Woodwind Chamber Music), 6106 (Brass Chamber Music), 6107 (Traditional Jazz Band), 6110 (Concert Choir), 6111 (Treble Choir/Tenor-Bass Choir), 6112 (Opera), 6113 (Chamber Singers), 6120 (Symphony), 6121 (String Chamber Music), 6130 (Percussion Ensemble/Steel Band), 6140 (Accompanying), 6141 (Piano Chamber Music)

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 Nineteenth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6319 Twentieth-Century Music (music history)

MUS 6320 Eighteenth-Century Music (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)

[3.8.3] Electives

At least six hours of the following:

MUS 5130 Introduction to Alexander Technique: Injury Prevention for Musicians

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)

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, vocalists, and conductors 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 in their respective areas. 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

Prospective students must complete an application through the UCA Graduate School, which requires submission of official transcripts (non-US transcripts must be evaluated by WES or IEE for baccalaureate equivalency), a letter of recommendation, and a list of repertoire studied. In addition, prospective students must pay the university application fee. Please note that the GRE is not required. For most international students, a TOEFL iBT score of 71 is required for Graduate Certificate admission to the Department of Music; for a list of exempt countries, please contact the UCA Center for Global Learning and Engagement. All applicants must audition in person or use the application to submit a link to an unedited performance exhibiting a variety of musical style and technical accomplishment. 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, theory, small ensembles, large ensembles, and additional applied lessons but may or may not count toward certificate credit hours. All electives must be approved by the department chair to ensure academic progress towards the credential. Students should note that courses that do not apply to the credential will not be covered by financial aid; however, the courses will apply to the student’s overall graduate grade point average. Graduate students on probation may not take courses that do not apply to the credential.

[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]

[4.1.3] Voice Studies

Required each semester

Applied Lessons (MUSA 6V50 [2 or 4 credits]) or MUSA 6V72 * [2 or 4 credits])
Opera (MUSE 6112 [1 credit])

* Students taking MUSA 6V72 must take one or more of the following ensembles in lieu of Opera: MUSE 6110, MUSE 6111, or MUSE 6113.

Required final semester

Graduate Recital (MUS 6200) [2 credits]

[5] Graduate Course Links

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