Music, M.A.

Location(s): Main Campus

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A total of 30 semester units is required for the degree, of which are 17 units core courses and 13 units electives, including at least 15 units in 5000-level music courses. Placement in Applied Music is by audition. The program concludes with a thesis or project.

Graduate students who receive individual studio lessons as part of their degree program are required to concurrently enroll in an approved ensemble for each term 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 Arts degree program must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in their music courses.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Music, students will demonstrate the following:

The ability to independently research musical issues and formulate artistic and/or scholarly conclusions.
Critical thinking and effective written and verbal communication skills in the context of musical discourse.
The ability to make effective artistic and intellectual musical judgments.
A broad knowledge of repertoire and historical performance practices appropriate to the specific field of study.
A level of intellectual and musical independence that results in the completion of a thesis or project.

Learning Outcomes Roadmap (2022)

Requirements for the Degree (30 units)

Core Courses (17 units)

I. Research Techniques Course (3 units)

MUS 5000 - Research Techniques in Music [3]

II. Music Style Analysis Courses (6 units)

Select two (6 units) from the follwing:

III. Seminar Courses (3 units)

Select one from the following (3 units):

IV. Applied Music & Performance Courses (3 units)

Complete 3 units in total. Advisor approval is required for Group B courses.

Group A: Applied Music Courses

MUS 4151 - Strings [1]
MUS 4161 - Woodwinds [1]
MUS 4171 - Brass [1]
MUS 4181 - Percussion [1]
MUS 4191 - Applied Music - Commercial Music [1]
MUS 4351 - Voice [1]
MUS 4451 - Piano [1]
MUS 4470 - Accompanying [1]
MUS 5191 - Applied Music: Orchestral Instruments [1]
MUS 5351 - Applied Music: Voice [1]
MUS 5491 - Applied Music: Keyboard Instruments [1]

Group B: Performance Courses

V. Thesis or Project Courses (2 units)

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 information on procedures and required deadlines.

MUS 5990 - Thesis or Project [1-3] (complete 2 units)

Electives (13 units)

I. History & Literature Courses (6 units)

Select from the following:

II. Other Electives (7 units)

Select 4000- or 5000-level courses with advisor approval.

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