Master of Music Degree in Performance and Conducting

The program of study leading to the master of music (M.M.) degree in performance or conducting is open to students with a bachelor of music (B.M.) degree or bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree (or equivalent) in music. Applicants who hold a B.A. in another field may apply but will be required to undergo additional testing to demonstrate their proficiency in music. To gain admittance to the program, applicants must demonstrate the level of performance skill and musicianship necessary to start a professional career. Instruction is available in most orchestral and keyboard instruments, voice, as well as choral, orchestral, and wind band conducting.

Required Course of Study

Completion of the program 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 the Graduate Oversight Committee, the graduate adviser, and the dean.

A total of 36 credits is required, distributed as follows:

1. Four semesters of performance study (12 credits), culminating in a degree recital (1 credit). This performance is evaluated by a faculty committee consisting of the student's major teacher and an additional faculty member approved by the graduate adviser. The student must receive a passing evaluation from both of the committee members, with the result of a split evaluation determined by the graduate adviser.

2. Four semesters of major ensemble (4 credits), or for keyboardists, chamber music/accompaniment.

3. Two courses (6 credits) in graduate-level music theory, to be selected with the graduate adviser's approval.

4. Two courses (6 credits) in graduate-level music history, to be selected with the graduate adviser's approval.

5. Seven (7) credits of elective courses in music acceptable for graduate credit. For voice students, three of these credits are restricted to three courses (1 credit each) in vocal coaching.

In addition, students must meet the following requirements:

1. All students must pass a comprehensive examination in the history and literature of their major performance specialties, including aspects of theory and performance practice. A student who fails this examination is provided with a written explanation as part of the notification. He or she then will have the chance to take a reexamination. 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.

2. Candidates in voice must also demonstrate proficiency in diction/International Phonetic Alphabet (I.P.A.) and singing French, German, Italian, and English.