Music, MM

Program Objective

The Master of Music seeks to promote the continued development of individual talents, interests, and philosophies that can be used creatively to explore, preserve, and extend our cultural heritage. The degree will prepare students for the many and various challenges of the music profession.

Program Description

The Master of Music degree will develop professional competence in the evaluation and dissemination of knowledge in such disciplines as conducting, pedagogy, music performance, theory and composition, and music education. Each student will complete a core of music courses and will select one of the five specific concentrations. A final research project will be required of each candidate. Missouri State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Entrance Requirements

Music Department Standards

The entering graduate student in music must meet all requirements for admission to graduate studies.

Conducting Concentration

To be admitted to the conducting program, students must satisfactorily meet the following conditions:

1. intensive interview with the faculty member from the conducting area with whom they will study;
2. submission of DVD or videotapes of ensemble conducting performances OR visitation of Missouri State University faculty to concert or classroom situations, OR observation of live performance by Missouri State faculty;

Music Education Concentration

To be admitted to the music education program, students must satisfactorily meet the following conditions:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited music program with a completed major equivalent to certification by a state agency to teach music (K-12);
2. Interview with a faculty member in the music education area;
3. A letter of intent containing teaching and professional goals, future plans, and background information;
4. Two letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the candidate’s academic abilities and teaching potential.

Music Pedagogy Concentration

Applicants must be prepared to perform a live audition consisting of at least three pieces of contrasting styles. Piano auditions must be memorized.

Music Composition Concentration

To be admitted to the composition program, students must submit at least three compositions to the composition faculty for their approval.

Performance Concentration

Applicants must be prepared to perform a live audition consisting of at least three pieces of contrasting styles. Piano auditions must be memorized. Vocal auditions should include five memorized selections in contrasting styles including pieces in French, German, and Italian.

Degree Requirements

1. Hours. Candidate will complete a minimum of 32 hours of course work.
2. Placement Exams. Master of Music students are required to take placement exams in music history and music theory. Students who do not pass either or both exams may correct those deficiencies by passing one or more MSU undergraduate courses as determined by the graduate coordinator. Alternatively, those students can retake either of both exams until they achieve passing scores. Remedial courses offered by other institutions, online or otherwise, are also acceptable subject to prior approval.
3. Final Project. A final project will be required of each candidate. See individual curriculum outline for specific requirements. The candidate will work with a major advisor to determine the precise scope of the project.
4. Comprehensive Examination. A written comprehensive examination must be passed before a degree will be granted. The written examination will be taken after the course work has been completed. The exam will be prepared and evaluated by a committee assigned for individual students.