The program of study
leading to the master of music (M.M) and artistic diploma (A.D.) in opera is
open to students with a bachelor of music (B.Mus.) degree or bachelor of arts
(B.A.) degree (or equivalent) in music. To gain admittance to the program, applicants
must demonstrate the level of performance skill and musicality necessary to
start a professional career.Required Course of
Study
Completion of the
programs normally takes two years, but the time limit for the M.M. degree is
four years from the time of matriculation. Exceptions to extend the time limit
may be made with the approval of both the graduate program director and the
dean.
A total of 37 credits
for the M.M. is required, distribution as follows:
1. Four semesters of performance study (12 credits)
culminating in two role performances or roles study (1 credit each). These
performances are evaluated by a faculty committee consisting of the student's
major teacher and two additional faculty members approved by the graduate
program director. The student must receive a passing evaluation from a majority
of the committee members.
2. Four semesters of ensemble (Opera Workshop - 4
credits).
3. Two courses (6 credits) in graduate-level
music theory, to be selected with the director's approval.
4. Two courses (6 credits) in graduate-level
music history (one must be The History of Opera), to be selected with the
director's approval.
5. Four courses (4 credits) in Graduate Diction,
one semester each of English, French, German, and Italian.
6. One course (2 credits) Acting for Singers
7. One course (2 credits) Movement for Singers
8. One course (1 credit) Seminar in Vocal
Health
9. One course (1 credit) Business of Opera
In addition, all
students must pass a comprehensive examination based on the coursework
included in the degree program. Normally, the student will receive the results
of this examination within 15 working days. A student who fails this examination
is provided with a written explanation as part of this notification. He or she
will then have the chance to take a reexamination, which covers the areas
specified as unsatisfactory on the initial exam. Reexaminations occur at the
next regularly scheduled test period. Unless a procedural flaw occurs in the
reexamination process, a student is permitted to take only one reexamination.
Candidates must also
demonstrate translation abilities in two languages, and proficiency in
diction/International Phonetic Alphabet (I.P.A.) in French, German, Italian, and
English.
A total of 32 credits
for the A.D. is required, distribution as follows:
1. Four semesters of performance study (12
credits) culminating in two role performances or roles study (1 credit each).
These performances are evaluated by a faculty committee consisting of the
student's major teacher and two additional faculty members approved by the
graduate program director. The student must receive a passing evaluation from a
majority of the committee members.
2. Four semesters of ensemble (Opera Workshop - 4
credits).
3. Four courses (4 credits) in Graduate Diction,
one semester each of English, French, German, and Italian.
4. Two courses (4 credits) Acting for Singers
5. Two courses (4 credits) Movement for Singers
6. One course (1 credit) Seminar in Vocal
Health
7. One course (1 credit) Business of Opera
In addition, all
students must pass an oral examination based on the coursework included in the
degree program. Normally, the student will receive the results of this
examination within 15 working days. A student who fails this examination is
provided with a written explanation as part of this notification. He or she
will then have the chance to take a reexamination, which covers the areas
specified as unsatisfactory on the initial exam. Reexaminations occur at the
next regularly scheduled test period. Unless a procedural flaw occurs in the
reexamination process, a student is permitted to take only one reexamination
Candidates must also
demonstrate translation abilities in two languages, and proficiency in
diction/International Phonetic Alphabet (I.P.A.) in French, German, Italian, and
English.
