Courses
The Boston University Online Doctor in Music Arts in Music Education (MusAD) consists of twelve required online courses. Upon completion of the twelve courses, students spend approximately two years conducting research and writing a doctoral thesis. In addition, students travel to the Boston University campus for a culminating experience near the end of the program.
Visit the Boston University Online Course Schedule to view all current and upcoming course offerings.
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CFA MU 400 Graduate Theory Review
This course is dependent on a student’s theory proficiency exam results. Review of fundamental music theory and analysis through the study of chord grammar, voiceleading principles, figured bass, four-part chorale harmonizations and form. Materials are approached through listening, writing and analytical work. Pre-requisite for MU600, unless placed out via theory proficiency exam. 2 cr. [ 2 cr.]
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CFA MU 600 Analytical Techniques
Systematic and empirical investigations into formal and compositional procedures of selected masterworks from the tonal repetoire. Lectures leading to individual analytical projects. Online Course. [ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 735 Critique in Music Education
Survey of literature and project research in music education; formulation of bibliography; intensive and extensive study in one area by each student that culminates in a project employing research techniques. [ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 736 Aesthet & Crit
[ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 747 Research and Bibliography
Methods and materials of research in music. Bibliography and bibliographical aids. Style informal writing, leading historians of the past and present, introduction to musicology. [ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 755 American Music
Early music in the colonies. Various attempts to create an individual “American” musical style. Diversity of influences: European, African American, Indian, Spanish-Mexican, religious, jazz, folk song, minstrel, etc. Music of Billings, Lowell, Mason, Gottschalk, MacDowell, Ives, Gershwin, Copland, and others. (4 credits) [ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 757 Crossroads: Musical and Cultural Perspectives on the Blues
Examination of the blues in its musical and cultural dimensions. Focuses on defining the blues as a place where cultures and styles meet. Chord structure, cultural background, characteristics, major themes, different regional styles and dialects, and its place in history will be examined along with the cultural idea of "crossroads.” 4 cr. [ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 765 Introduction to Music Education Research
Overview of music education research. Research design and methodology to include development of hypotheses, problems and subproblems, qualitative research, survey, observational, causal comparative, experimental, evaluation, and historical research. Ability to understand, interpret, and use research in teaching and learning. (4 credits) [ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 766 Jazz and Popular Arranging
Standard notational methods; chord vocabulary; arrangements of popular melodies in a variety of styles; development of materials from lead sheets; class performance of arrangements. (4 credits) [ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 767 African Music and Culture: Creative Exploration
Focus on developing innovative teaching material and activities based on African music, and planning and implementing developmentally appropriate creative experiences based on the wealth of African cultures and traditions. 4 cr. [ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 777 Foundations of Music Education I: Philosophy and History
An overview of the function of schooling processes involved in education and the relationship of the principles of music education. Historical, philosophical, and psychological foundations of music education are examined. Aims, goals, principles, and objectives are derived from these foundations. Online Course. [ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 778 Foundations of Music Education II: Sociology and Psychology
Emphasis on program building, methods, administration, supervision, and evaluation. These concepts are applied to the theoretical and practical problems of music education. Leonhard and House continue as a text supplemented by Klotman's Supervision and Administration, publications like Toward Civilization and Can We Rescue the Arts for America's Children, and Colwell's Evaluation of Music Teaching and Learning. Online Course. [ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 779 Orchestration 1
Orchestration I Contemporary orchestral techniques, focusing on scoring for modern winds, brass, strings and mixed ensembles, including full orchestra. Concepts include chord spacing, melodic projection, layering and delineation of material, and extended instrumental techniques. Materials are approached through readings, listening, writing and analytical work. 4 cr. [ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 780 Research and Directed Study in Music Education
Prerequisite: All other courses must be completed prior to enrollment in MU780. Last class (dissertation) in Doctoral program. After students complete their coursework, they enroll in MU780 to refine their dissertation proposals and attend residency. [ 1 cr.]
Grad Prereq: All other courses must be completed prior to enrollment in MU780. Last class (dissertation) in Doctoral program.
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CFA MU 803 Ethno Fieldwork Methods
CFA MU 803 This guided research course introduces graduate students to key issues and concepts in ethnography while developing skills in conducting interviews and observing and analyzing material culture, as well as skill in interpreting and reporting qualitative data. cr. 4 [ 4 cr.]
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CFA MU 867 Doctoral Seminar
Scope and sequence development of specific college courses in music, preparation and exchange of course syllabi, discussion of evaluation criteria used in subject matter and skill courses, and laboratory work in specific areas of college curriculum. May be repeated for credit. [ 1 cr.]
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CFA MU 871 Quantitative Research Methods in Music Education
Exploration of quantitative research methods. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of the concepts learned in class to educational research contexts. Topics include quantitative research design, sampling techniques, reliability and validity, and descriptive and inferential statistics. [ 4 cr.]
