The Master of Music degree program is offered with six options The Composition option provides students advanced study in acoustic or electronic composition The Commercial Music option provides students with advanced skills for writing, arranging and performing in tire commercial music business. Students may select from Two tracks in the Commercial Music option: Performance or Composition and Arranging. The Conducting option provides advanced study in conducting and scholarly research of performance practices. The Performance option is concentrated on the improvement of individual performance skills through the study of pedagogy and the study and performance of appropriate literature. Graduate students in the keyboard performance area of study also have the opportunity to emphasize collaborative music-making within their program of study. The Afro-Latin Music option provides students preparation for a professional career in the performance of Afro-Latin Music and related genres The Afro-Latin music curriculum includes study in performance practices, rehearsal techniques and the historical-cultural context in which the music is grounded the music education option provides music educators with the opportunity for advanced study in curriculum and methods with options for certification in Orff-Schulwerk or Kodaly methodology.

Admission to the Program

In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants must have a baccalaureate in music from an accredited college or university. All applicants must take a graduate placement examination in music history and music theory. Applicants for the Composition option must present a portfolio of their work to the composition area for consideration before acceptance to the program. Applicants for the Commercial Music options must either present an audition of appropriate material or present a portfolio of compositions or arrangements for consideration by the Jazz Studies/ Commercial Music area. Students in the Conducting option must present a conducting audition for the appropriate area. Students desiring entrance into this option may also be required to have additional conducting experience or additional outside conducting responsibilities prior to admission to the program. Students in the Performance option must present an audition to the appropriate area committee for admission to the program.

The Master of Music degree, Music Education option is open to students who are either enrolled in the music teaching credential program or are qualified music teachers seeking advanced qualifications. All candidates must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university and have satisfied requirements for the California State University Los Angeles approved Subject Matter program in Music Education, or equivalent certification in the candidate’s home state or country.