MA in Music
The degree in Master of Arts in Music is for:
- Students who are working toward entrance to a program for the PhD
- Performers with academic interests
- Students preparing for various positions in the music industry, e.g., music publishing, music criticism, concert management, music broadcasting, and music recording
- Students working in cognate areas of the humanities that require deeper insight into music
- People who desire a wider knowledge of music literature and historical principles to satisfy their personal interests and growth
A minimum of 32 credits is required for the degree of Master of Arts.
Prerequisites
Candidates in all fields of specialization normally possess an undergraduate degree in music or its equivalent. Students accepted for the program may be required by the faculty to take prerequisite courses if their undergraduate degree was not in music.
Fields of Specialization and Coursework
Candidates choose one of the following fields of specialization:
Historical Musicology
Students should take the Proseminar in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology (CFA MU 828) in their first semester and Research and Bibliography (CFA MU 749) in their first year.
There are no further specific course requirements for the MA in Historical Musicology, but students should customize their program in consultation with their advisor according to the following distribution:
- 19 credits from among graduate-level courses in Musicology, Ethnomusicology, and Music Theory
- 4 credits in approved Non-Music Electives
- 3 credits in Master’s Thesis (CFA MU 795)
Ethnomusicology
Students should take the Proseminar in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology (CFA MU 828) in their first semester.
Other requirements are as follows:
- 13 credits in Ethnomusicology and Musicology seminars, to include Research Methods in Ethnomusicology (CFA MU 829) and Contemplating Ethnomusicology (CFA MU 830)
- 12 credits of Music and Non-Music Electives (these courses can come from areas such as Anthropology, Musicology, Music Education, History, or specific Area Studies)
- At least two semesters of World Music Ensemble (CFA MU 567), either as student, auditor, or instructor (worth 0 to 1 credit)
- Knowledge of the undergraduate survey course Musical Cultures of the World (MU 340/350), either as auditor or teaching assistant
- 3 credits in Master’s Thesis (CFA MU 795)
Music Theory
Requirements are as follows:
- 3 credits in Research and Bibliography (CFA MU 749); 6 credits in Advanced Tonal Analysis and Advanced Analysis in Contemporary Music (CFA MU 701, CFA MU 702)
- 3 credits in a Seminar in Music Theory (CFA MU 801 or CFA MU 802); 3 credits in Schenkerian Analysis I (CFA MU 620); 3 credits in History of Music Theory II (CFA MU 852)
- 3 credits in either History of Music Theory I (CFA MU 851) or Schenkerian Analysis II (CFA MU 720)
- 3 credits in an Advanced Musicology course
- 2 credits in a Composition Course chosen from Fugue (CFA MU 605), Modal Counterpoint (CFA MU 606), Advanced Topics in Counterpoint (CFA MU 705), and Advanced Tonal Composition (CFA MU 706)
- 4 credits in Approved Electives; and 2 credits in Research and Directed Study in Theory/Composition (CFA MU 912)
Composition
Requirements are as follows:
- 2 credits in Music Research Techniques (CFA MU 649)
- 18 credits to be chosen from Graduate Composition (CFA MU 575), Advanced Topics in Counterpoint (CFA MU 705), and Orchestration I, II (CFA MU 703, CFA MU 704)
- 6 credits in Graduate Musicology courses
- 6 credits in Approved Electives
Music Education
Requirements are as follows:
- 12 credits in Music Education
- 6 credits in Graduate Musicology and Music Theory
- 12 credits in Approved Electives
- 2 credits in Master’s Thesis (CFA MU 795)
Language Requirement
MA candidates in Historical Musicology must demonstrate a reading knowledge of one European foreign language, preferably German. MA candidates in Ethnomusicology must demonstrate a speaking knowledge of one foreign language relevant to their studies. MA candidates in Music Theory must demonstrate a reading knowledge of German and one other foreign language. All MA candidates must select their languages in consultation with their advisors.
Terminal Project
Historical Musicology, Ethnomusicology, and Music Theory candidates must write a thesis. The student will first submit to the Chair of the department a proposal of approximately 10 pages in length, consisting of:
- A description of the subject to be addressed and the methods of research involved
- A chapter outline
- A bibliography
After the proposal has been approved, the candidate may enroll in Master’s Thesis (CFA MU 795). The candidate submits two copies of the final draft to the Chair of the department.
Composition candidates must write an orchestral composition requiring a minimum of 15 minutes in performance or an instrumental, vocal, or chamber ensemble composition requiring a minimum of 20 minutes in performance.
Music Education candidates must write a thesis as outlined in the Music Education Department handbook.
