Master of Music (MM) in Historical Performance
General MM Degree Requirements
The Master of Music degree is granted upon successful completion of a program of study, a comprehensive review, and terminal projects appropriate to the student’s field of specialization. Students must complete a minimum of 32 semester credits with grades no lower than B- in graduate-level coursework. All degree requirements must be completed within five years of the date of matriculation.
Proficiency Examinations
All entering Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degree students are required to take the proficiency examination in music theory and the proficiency examination in musicology. These examinations are given before the start of classes. Accepted students are notified of the exam dates and are responsible for taking them. Exam results are used for advisement and may establish prerequisite or required coursework. Material covered in these examinations is commonly presented in most undergraduate degree programs in music. Detailed descriptions of these exams are supplied to accepted students. Students in composition, music theory, and musicology will also be examined in fugue; historical performance students will be examined in counterpoint.
Students with insufficient background in music theory may be required to take MU 400 Graduate Theory Review, which may be used as elective credit. The course is a seven-week, online course given three times per year in the second half of Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms.
The Program and Boston Baroque Residency
Three-time Grammy nominee Boston Baroque serves as resident professional ensemble for the Historical Performance Program, providing educational enrichment, training, and professional performance opportunities for students. Students work closely in a wide range of ensemble settings with seasoned professionals. Distinguished guest artists enrich the program with master classes and special presentations. Students audition for understudy and public performance roles in Boston Baroque’s orchestral, choral, and opera productions; observe Boston Baroque’s rehearsal process; and attend the ensemble’s public performances.
Audition Requirements
This program is for performers on harpsichord, fortepiano, other period instruments, and singers. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in different national styles from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Historical Performance Program Outline
| Music Research Techniques | 2 cr |
| Applied Music, Levels 9 and 10 | 12 cr |
| Performance Practice Seminar | 4 cr |
| Continuo for Keyboard or | 4 cr |
| Continuo for Non-Keyboard | 2 cr |
| Studio in Historical Performance (ensemble performance) | 4 cr |
| Musicology and/or Music Theory | 6 cr |
| Elective (non-keyboard) | 2 cr |
| Total | 32 or 34 cr |
Terminal Projects
Two recitals are required, each containing a minimum of 60 minutes of music.
Master of Music Comprehensive Reviews
A satisfactory comprehensive review or examination is required for graduation. The faculty in each major area determines standards for this review and its format, and conducts the evaluation. In each case, the comprehensive review concentrates on the major area and other related fields. Unsatisfactory performance on this review may require remedial work and/or a repetition of the review after counseling with the student’s advisor. Descriptions of the departmental comprehensive reviews or examinations are found in the School of Music Graduate Handbook, available to enrolled students on the School of Music website.
