The Master of Arts in Musicology1 offers the opportunity for in-depth study of music history, theory, and criticism. The option is valuable to students who wish to augment undergraduate degrees in performance and/or music education with more intensive academic studies. The Department of Music has maintained a long history of excellence in music historical study and performance. Many graduates have gone on to pursue Ph.D.s and D.M.A.s in music. The M.A. in musicology offers enough electives so that students may also pursue advanced study in performance of an instrument or voice if qualified and accepted by an instructor upon a successful audition.
- 1
Degree program has final approval from the National Association of Schools of Music.
General Competencies for All Music MA Programs
- Demonstrate advanced capacities to work independently and make effective artistic and intellectual judgments and professional decisions in the area of specialization by producing a final project or equivalent.
- Demonstrate advanced competence in the area of specialization.
Additional Competencies, M.A. in Conducting
- Demonstrate advanced competencies in conducting through studies in gestural technique, score analysis, repertoire, and regular conducting experiences with appropriate ensembles.
- Demonstrate engagement with other fields of music outside of conducting.
- Demonstrate professional capability by rehearsing and conducting a concert-length performance or the equivalent.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking to music literature and to have in-depth discussions regarding specific works in the repertoire.
Additional Competencies, M.A. in Composition
- Demonstrate advanced competencies in composition.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in one or more related fields of music.
- Complete a faculty approved final project.
- Manage an advanced performance of their original composition.
Additional Competencies: MA in Musicology
- Demonstrate advanced competencies in musicology, theory, and criticism through written work and research papers in graduate-level music history and theory courses.
- Demonstrate appropriate competency in music theory and analysis by using the analytical tools and research concerns in music theory and analysis appropriately in writing and research.
- Demonstrate professional capability in the major area of study by completing a final project that demonstrates advanced competence and intellectual independence in research and writing in musicology.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking to music literature and to describe personal advanced independent work of particular interest.
