Dec 06, 2024  
University Catalog 2011-2014 (PRINTED) 
    
University Catalog 2011-2014 (PRINTED) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Music


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.
 

Requirements for the Degree


A total of 45 quarter units is required for each of the individual options, including at least 23 units in 500-level music courses. A comprehensive examination (MUS 596 ) is required at the conclusion of the program. A project in the form of a composition, conducting recital, solo recital, lecture recital, or chamber music recital (candidate must play a primary role) is required at the end of each program (MUS 599 ).

Graduate students who receive individual studio lessons as part of their degree program are required to concurrently enroll in an approved ensemble for each unit of studio lesson enrollment. In order to receive individual studio lessons, a graduate student is expected to maintain full-time enrollment. Students enrolled in the Master of Music degree program must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in their music courses.

MUS 596 Comprehensive Examination (0)


Students may take the comprehensive examination no earlier than the quarter in which all course work is completed. Students must make arrangements for the comprehensive examination at least one quarter in advance. Students are urged to consult the Department of Music for information about additional procedures.

MUS 599 Thesis or Project (4)


Students are encouraged to request a project director from their area early in their program of study to ensure that progress toward the final project is accomplished in a timely manner. Students should consult the Department of Music for information on procedures and required deadlines.

Option I: Composition (35 units)


A total of 35 units is required in this option. The project for this option is a composition.

Option II: Commercial Music (35 units)


A total of 35 units is required for this option. There are two tracks in this option. Track 1 is for Composition and Arranging. Track 2 is for Performance. A common core of 24 units is required for both tracks. The project for this option may be a recital, film score, or recording for Track 1, and a recital for Track 2.

Students must select one of the following tracks with adviser approval (11 units):


 

Track 1: Composition and Arranging

 

Track 2: Performance

 

Required Courses (11units)

 

Option III: Conducting (35 units)


A total of 35 units is required for this option. There are two tracks in this option. Track I is for choral conducting. Track 2 is for instrumental conducting. A common core of 24 units is required for both tracks. The project for this option is a conducting recital.

Students must select one of the following tracks with adviser approval (11 units):


 

Track 1: Choral Conducting

Choral ensemble participation is required each quarter of enrollment.

Track 2: Instrumental Conducting

Instrumental ensemble participation is required each quarter of enrollment.

Option IV: Performance (35 units)


A total of 35 units is required for this option. There are three tracks in this option. Track I is Vocal Performance. Track 2 is Keyboard Performance. Track 3 is Instrumental Performance. A common core of 14 units is required for all three tracks. The project for this option is a solo recital.

Students must select one of the following tracks with adviser approval (21 units):


 

Track 1: Vocal Performance

Vocal/Choral ensemble participation is required each quarter of enrollment.

Track 2: Keyboard Performance

Ensemble participation is required each quarter of enrollment.

Prerequisite: MUS 405A  or the relative content, is an assumed skill for students entering this option. If students have not had the course or the equivalent, they are required to complete the course. The (3) units will not be attributed to the (35 units) of the program.

Track 3: Instrumental Performance

Instrumental ensemble participation is required each quarter of enrollment.

Option V: Afro Latin Music (35 units)


A total of 35 units is required for this option. The project for this option is a recital.

Performance (6 units)


 

Electives (5 units)


Select 400- or 500-Level Courses in Music, Latin American Studies, Chicano Studies, or Pan-African Studies with adviser approval.

Option VI: Music Education (35 units)


Prerequisite

  (3)
(This course or the relative content, is an assumed skill for students entering this option. If students have not had the course or the equivalent, they are required to complete the course. The (3) units will not be attributed to the (35 units) of the program.)

History and Literature Requirement (4 units)


Select any 400- or 500-level music history course with adviser approval.

Track I: Vocal/General Music

Certification Program (12 units)

Select twelve units from the following:

Electives (3 units)

Any 400- or 500-level course may be selected with the adviser’s approval.

Track II: Vocal/Choral Music


Required Courses (7 units)
Electives (8 units)

Any 400- or 500-level course may be selected with the adviser’s approval.

Track III: Instrumental Music


Required Courses (7 units)
Electives (8 units)

Any 400- or 500-level course may be selected with the adviser’s approval.