Academic Programs Catalog

Each applicant must submit a College of Music application for graduate study, including a letter providing the applicant’s academic background and reasons for pursuing advanced study.  International applicants must fulfill the university’s English language proficiency requirement as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog or as specified by the specific degree program.  Individual master’s and doctoral degree programs may specify additional requirements for consideration for admission such as a sample of an applicant’s composition, a portfolio, or an audition, and/or an interview. 

Master of Music degree programs are offered in the following areas: Collaborative Piano, Jazz Studies, Music Performance, Music Composition, Music Conducting, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, and Piano Pedagogy. The Master of Arts degree program is offered in the area of Musicology.

Admission

To be admitted to a master's degree program in the college on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. A minimum cumulative grade–point average of 2.80 for the undergraduate program of study, as well as have met the College requirements for admission to a master's degree program.
2. Received the approval of the faculty in the applicant's area of specialization.
3. A baccalaureate degree from a recognized educational institution.

Master's Orientation Examinations

Every student admitted to a master's degree program in the College of Music, with the exception of master’s students in jazz studies, must take the College's graduate orientation examination in music theory, a two-part examination covering written music theory and aural skills.  Both parts of this examination must be taken before the first day of classes of the student's first semester of enrollment in the degree.  The examination is given before the first day of classes in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.  The lowest passing score for each part is 70%.

Master's students who score below 70% on the written music theory orientation examination must take MUS 200 Introduction to Music Theory. Master’s students who score below 70% on the aural skills examination must take MUS 201 Aural Skills.  MUS 200 and MUS 201 may not be used to meet the course or credit requirements of any College of Music degree program.
 
Students who are required to take MUS 200 must complete the course with a grade of 2.0 or higher before enrolling in any 400-, 800-, or 900-level music theory course.  Students who are required to take MUS 201 must take it either prior to or concurrently with their first music theory course at the 400-, 800-, or 900-level and must complete it with a grade of 2.0 or higher.

Oral Final Certifying Examination

All students in master's degree programs in the college are required to pass an oral final certifying examination.  Oral final certifying examinations are given during fall and spring semesters, and may be given during a summer session with the approval of the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and every member of the student's examining committee. 

Academic Standards

A master’s student in the College of Music must:

1. maintain a cumulative grade–point average of at least 3.00.
2. not accumulate deferred grades (identified by the DF–Deferred marker) in more than 8 credits in courses (excluding courses numbered 896, 897, 898, 899 or 996, 997, 998, 999).

If at the end of a semester a graduate student fails to meet one or both of the requirements specified above, the student shall receive a deficiency warning.  If the deficiency is not removed within one year, the graduate student will not be allowed to continue in the degree program.

A student may accumulate no more than 6 credits with a grade below 3.0 in courses that are to be counted toward the degree.
All deficiencies with regard to orientation examinations or entrance requirements, whether stated in terms of credits, courses, or performance standards, must be removed before the oral final certifying examination that is required for the master's degree is scheduled.
If the student fails the oral final certifying examination, the student shall be allowed to retake the examination only once, during the next Fall or Spring semester.

Transfer Credits

Transfer credits must have been completed within the time limit for the degree. As many as 9 semester credits of graduate course work (excluding research and thesis credits) may be transferred into a master’s degree program from other postsecondary accredited institutions of comparable academic quality, if they are appropriate to a student’s program and provided they were completed within the time limits approved for the earning of the degree desired at Michigan State University. The Associate Dean of Graduate Studies must grant approval. Only courses in which at least a 3.0 grade or its equivalent was received will be considered for transfer.

With the approval of the student’s academic advisor and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, these transfer credits may fulfill specific MSU degree requirements; but not all transfer credits will necessarily fulfill specific MSU degree requirements.

Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs are offered in: Collaborative Piano, Music Composition, Music Conducting, and Music Performance.  The Doctor of Philosophy degree program is offered in Music Education.

Admission

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University as described under Admission in the Graduate Education section of this catalog, students must meet the requirements specified below.

To be admitted to a doctoral degree program in the College of Music on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. a record of high academic achievement and demonstrate potential as a performer, conductor, composer, or research scholar acceptable to the program.
2. a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
3. a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 in any previous graduate course work.

Admission on provisional status may be offered if the applicant’s record is incomplete or contains minor deficiencies in preparation.

Doctoral Orientation Examinations

Every student admitted to a doctoral degree program in the College of Music other than music education must take the College's graduate orientation examination in music theory, a two-part examination covering written music theory and aural skills, before the first day of classes of the student's first semester of enrollment in the degree.  Additionally, any doctoral student in music education who intends to take one or more music theory courses must take the two-part graduate orientation examination in music theory prior to enrolling in graduate-level music theory courses.  The examination is given before the first day of classes in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.  The lowest passing score for each part is 70%.

Doctoral students who score below 70% on the written music theory orientation examination must take MUS 200 Music Theory Review. Doctoral students who score below 70% on the aural skills examination must take MUS 201 Aural Skills Review.  MUS 200 and MUS 201 may not be used to meet the course or credit requirements of any College of Music degree program.
 
Students who are required to take MUS 200 must complete the course with a grade of 2.0 or higher before enrolling in any 400-, 800-, or 900-level music theory course.  Students who are required to take MUS 201 must take it either prior to or concurrently with their first music theory course at the 400-, 800-, or 900-level and must complete it with a grade of 2.0 or higher.

Requirements for a Doctoral Degree

The student plans a program of study in consultation with a guidance committee, subject to the rules of college and the university.  For the composition of the committees, see the information below regarding specific degree programs.

Comprehensive Examinations

All students who are enrolled in doctoral degree programs within the College of Music are required to pass comprehensive examinations. For details about those examinations, see the statements on those programs in the sections that follow. The comprehensive examinations are given during fall and spring semesters and the summer session.

Final Oral Examination

The dissertation, composition, or scholarly paper on which the final oral examination is based must be submitted to the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and all of the members of the student's guidance committee no later than four weeks before the final oral examination. In cases where the final oral examination involves a lecture-recital and document, the student must pass the defense of the lecture-recital and the document before the lecture-recital can be performed. In cases where the final oral examination involves two lecture-recitals, the student must pass the defense of the lecture-recital before that lecture-recital can be performed.  Final oral examinations and performances of lecture–recitals are given during fall and spring semesters, and may be given during a summer session with the approval of the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and every member of the student's committee.

Academic Standards

A doctoral student in the College of Music must:

1. Maintain a cumulative grade–point average of at least 3.00.
2. Not accumulate deferred grades (identified by the DF–Deferred marker) in more than 8 credits in courses (excluding courses numbered 896, 897, 898, 899 or 996, 997, 998,  999).

If at the end of a semester a graduate student fails to meet one or both of the requirements specified above, the student shall receive a deficiency warning.  If the deficiency is not removed within one year, the graduate student will not be allowed to continue in the degree program.

A student may accumulate no more than 6 credits with a grade below 3.0 in courses that are to be counted toward the degree.

Transfer Credits

Graduate credits may be transferred from other accredited institutions or international institutions of similar quality if they are appropriate to a student’s program and provided they were completed within the time limits approved for the earning of the degree desired at Michigan State University. The Associate Dean of Graduate Studies must grant approval.  Only graduate–level courses in which at least a 3.0 (B) grade was received will be considered for transfer.

With the approval of the Guidance Committee and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, these transfer credits may fulfill specific Michigan State University degree requirements; but not all transfer credits will necessarily fulfill specific Michigan State University degree requirements.

College of Music Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree

Should the student's guidance committee fail to accept the dissertation or  the student's performance on the final oral examination, the student shall be allowed to rewrite the dissertation or to retake the examination only once.  The dissertation must be rewritten or the examination must be retaken within one year, during a fall or spring semester.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Music, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Music degree in Collaborative Piano, an applicant must present a live performance audition before and be interviewed by a committee of faculty in the piano area, including the director of the collaborative piano program. For an applicant who has a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from Michigan State University, the live performance audition may be waived at the discretion of the faculty in the piano area. With the approval of the faculty in the piano area, an applicant may be considered for admission to the program on the basis of a high-quality audio recording of a recent performance including a solo piano work, one vocal-piano work, and one instrumental-piano work. An applicant who submits an audio recording may be admitted only on provisional status pending the presentation of a live performance audition and an interview with the faculty in the piano area. The live performance and the interview must be completed before the end of the first semester of enrollment in the program and must meet the requirements of the piano area.

To be admitted to the Master of Music degree in Collaborative Piano on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from a recognized educational institution, or have completed the courses in music performance that are required for the Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from Michigan State University or their equivalents. 
2. presented a live performance audition and interview acceptable to the committee of faculty from the piano area.

Requirements for the Master of Music in Collaborative Piano

The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits is required for the degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s academic advisor. The student must meet the requirements specified below:

1.		All of the following courses (18 credits):
		MUS  841  Seminar in Advanced Collaborative Piano Techniques								4
		MUS  896  Master's Recital Performance								14
		The credits of MUS 896 must include at least 2 credits of instruction in piano (1 credit for each of two semesters), 4 credits of instruction in collaborative piano (1 credit for each of four semesters), 4 credits of piano performance class (1 credit for each of four semesters), and 4 credits of instruction in chamber music (1 credit for each of four semesters).
2.		Complete two courses in music theory at the 400-level or above.
3.		Complete a 3 credit course in musicology at the 400-level or above.
4.		Complete 3 to 5 elective credits in music courses at the 400-level or above, exclusive of additional credits in MUS 896.
5.		Perform three collaborative recitals under the guidance of the student’s applied music instructor and approved by a committee from the piano area in a pre-recital hearing. A recording of the recital must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
6.		Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s applied music instructor, another member from the piano area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Music students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Doctor of Musical Arts degree program in collaborative piano on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. a master's degree in music from a recognized educational institution or a total of 30 credits of approved graduate course work.
2. presented a live performance audition acceptable to the committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Music.

Applicants must present a live 40-minute audition, including 30 minutes of performance that demonstrates proficiency in solo performance and instrumental and vocal accompanying and approximately 10 minutes of discussion on one or more of the works, that is acceptable to the committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Music.

Applicants must also be prepared to respond to questions from the audition panel on the entire program.

With the approval of the faculty in the piano area, an applicant may be considered for admission to the program based on a high–quality recording of a recent performance, rather than based on a live performance audition.  An applicant who submits a recording may be admitted only on provisional status pending the presentation of a live performance audition before a faculty committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Music.  The audition must be presented before the end of the first semester of enrollment in the program.

Guidance Committee

The student’s guidance committee, which must be formed during the first year of graduate study, must consist of the Director of Collaborative Piano, who serves as its chairperson, a second faculty member from the piano area, one faculty member from the area of musicology, and one faculty member from the area of music theory. In instances where additional expertise would be beneficial it is recommended that the guidance committee include a faculty member from within or outside the College of Music.

Requirements for the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Collaborative Piano

Each student in the program has a major professor who provides instruction in collaborative, oversees the musical content of the student's program, guides the preparation of required recitals, oversees the preparation of the scholarly paper, lecture-recital(s) and the final oral examination.  Normally, the student studies with the major professor for six semesters.

The student must meet the requirements specified below:

1.	Complete the following courses (11 credits):
	MUS	830	Research Methods and Materials in Music						3
	MUS	840	Chamber Music Literature with Piano						2
	MUS	842	Vocal Coaching Techniques						2
	MUS	891	Special Topics (Doctoral Seminar in Advanced Collaborative Piano Techniques)						4
2.	Complete at least 6 credits of 800- or 900-level courses in musicology and three courses in music theory, as specified by the student’s guidance committee.
3.	Demonstrate proficiency in two languages by completing two of the following options:
	a.	FRN	101	Elementary French I					4
		MUS	249	French Diction for Singers					1
	b.	GRM	101	Elementary German I					3
		MUS	248	German Diction for Singers					1
	c.	ITL	101	Elementary Italian I
		MUS	144	Italian Diction for Singers					4
	Courses completed at another university or passing the appropriate MSU departmental placement examination may be used to satisfy this requirement.
4.	Pass the written comprehensive examinations in musicology and music theory. Students become eligible to take the comprehensive examination in either of these areas during the semester in which they are completing the required course work in that area.
5.	Complete the following requirements in lieu of 24 credits of Music 999, a doctoral dissertation, and a final oral examination in defense of the dissertation:
	a.	Complete 24 credits of Music 996 Doctoral Recital Performance. These credits must include at least six semesters of instruction in collaborative piano, 3 credits of instruction in applied piano (1 credit for each of three semesters), 4 credits of instruction in piano performance (1 credit for each of four semesters), 2 credits of instruction in chamber music (1 credit for each of two semesters), and 4 credits of collaborative performance of vocal repertoire (2 credits for each of two semesters). These requirements may be met concurrently.
	b.	Perform five public collaborative recitals that have been approved in a pre-recital hearing by a committee of faculty from the piano area, two of which must be presented within two consecutive semesters, excluding summers.  Two of the recitals must be instrumental recitals; two of the recitals must be vocal recitals. The fifth recital may be either an instrumental, vocal, or chamber recital.  A recording of each of the five recitals and must be submitted to the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the college as part of the permanent degree record.
	c.	Complete one of the following three options:
		(1)	Present a lecture–recital twice, first to the student's guidance committee as part of an oral examination and then to the public and submit a scholarly paper upon which the lecture-recital is based.  In no case may the lecture–recital be presented publicly until it has been approved by the committee. The oral examination will be a defense of the lecture-recital and the paper.  A recording of the lecture–recital must be submitted to the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
		(2)	Present two lecture-recitals. Each lecture-recital must be presented twice, first to the student’s guidance committee as part of an oral examination and then to the public. In no case may the lecture-recital be presented publicly until it has been approved by the committee. Each oral examination will be a defense of one of the lecture-recitals. A recording of each lecture-recital is required and must be submitted to the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.
		(3)	With the unanimous consent of the student's guidance committee, submit a scholarly paper of major scope, comparable to a traditional dissertation, and take a final oral examination based on the paper.
A proposal for each lecture-recital and the scholarly paper, if applicable, must be approved in writing by all members of the guidance committee no less than three months before the oral examination on that lecture-recital may occur. A recording of the public lecture-recital(s) and the scholarly paper will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
In the case of (1) and (3) above, the student must have completed successfully all of the required course work (with the exception of Music 996 Doctoral Recital Performance), the comprehensive examination, the required public recitals, and the scholarly paper before the final oral examination may occur. In the case of (2) above, the student must have completed successfully all of the required course work (with the exception of Music 996), the comprehensive examination, and the required public recitals before either of the oral examinations may occur.

Academic Standards

Doctoral study presumes continuing excellence in course work.  A student may accumulate no more than 6 credits with a grade below 3.0 in courses that are to be counted toward the degree.

With regard to 4. (c) (1) above, the student’s performance on the lecture-recital and the related scholarly paper and the final oral examination based on the lecture-recital and the paper must be approved by the members of the student’s guidance committee with not more than one dissenting vote. Should the committee fail to accept the student’s performance on the lecture-recital and the related paper or the final oral examination, the student shall be allowed to repeat the performance of the lecture-recital or to revise the related paper or to repeat the final oral examination. The lecture-recital must be repeated or the paper revised or the oral examination repeated within one year, during a fall or spring semester.

With regard to 4. (c) (2) above, the student’s performance on each of the two lecture-recitals and the final oral examination based on each lecture-recital must be approved by the members of the student’s guidance committee with not more than one dissenting vote. Should the committee fail to accept the student’s performance on either lecture-recital or the final oral examination, the student shall be allowed to repeat the performance of the lecture-recital or to repeat the final oral examination. The lecture-recital must be repeated or the oral examination repeated within one year, during a fall or spring semester.

With regard to 4. (c) (3) above, the student’s performance on the scholarly paper and the final oral examination based on the paper must be approved by the members of the student’s guidance committee with not more than one dissenting vote. Should the committee fail to accept the student’s performance on the paper or the final oral examination, the student shall be allowed to revise the related paper or to repeat the final oral examination. The paper must be revised or the oral examination repeated within one year, during a fall or spring semester.


 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Music, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies, an applicant must present a live performance audition before a committee of faculty in the jazz studies area, including the director of the jazz studies program and take the Jazz Musicianship Proficiency Examination. For an applicant who has a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University, the live performance audition may be waived at the discretion of the faculty in the jazz studies area. With the approval of the faculty in the jazz studies area, an applicant may be considered for admission to the program on the basis of a high-quality audio recording of a recent jazz performance. An applicant who submits an audio recording may be admitted only on provisional status pending the presentation of a live performance audition before the faculty in the jazz studies area and taking the Jazz Musicianship Proficiency Examination. The live performance and the proficiency examination must be completed before the end of the first semester of enrollment in the program and must meet the requirements of the jazz studies area.

To be admitted to the Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies, music performance, or music education from a recognized educational institution.
2. presented a live performance audition that demonstrates technical and improvisational skill equivalent to the level of Music 304 Advanced Jazz Musicianship IV.
3. demonstrated proficiency in the knowledge of jazz theory and jazz piano proficiency by passing the Jazz Musicianship Proficiency Examination with a grade of 3.5 or better.

Requirements for the Master of Music in Jazz Studies

The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis). A total of 35 credits is required for the degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s academic advisor. The student must meet the requirements specified below:

1.	All of the following courses (27 credits):
	MUS	400	Jazz Arranging and Composition I				2
	MUS	401	Jazz Arranging and Composition II				2
	MUS	438	Jazz Pedagogy I				2
	MUS	439	Jazz Pedagogy II				2
	MUS	800	Advanced Jazz Arranging and Composition				2
	MUS	801	Advanced Jazz Improvisation I				2
	MUS	802	Advanced Jazz Improvisation II				2
	MUS	810	Graduate Jazz History				3
	MUS	885	Advanced Jazz Styles and Analysis I				2
	MUS	886	Advanced Jazz Styles and Analysis II				2
	MUS	896	Master's Recital Performance				4
	MUS	964	Seminar in College Music Teaching				2
2.	Complete 4 credits in one of the following courses:
	MUS	850J	Jazz Piano				4
	MUS	852J	Jazz Strings				4
	MUS	853J	Jazz Woodwinds				4
	MUS	854J	Jazz Brass				4
	MUS	855J	Jazz Percussion				4
3.	Complete 1 credit in a music course at the 400-level or above.
4.	Participate in two music activities during each of four semesters of enrollment in the program. The activities must be approved by the student’s academic advisor and must be jazz band, jazz octet, or jazz combo.
5.	Complete one of the following courses (3 credits):
	MUS	861	Seminar in Psychology of Music Education				3
	MUS	862	Seminar in Music Curriculum and Methodology				3
	MUS	863	Seminar in the Sociology of Music Education				3
6.	Perform a recital under the guidance of the student’s applied music instructor and approved by a committee from the jazz area. A recording of the recital must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
7.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s applied music instructor and at least two other faculty members from the jazz area.
Academic Standards
A grade of 3.0 or higher is required for Music 896.

The Graduate Certificate in Music Career Development increases students’ awareness of the diversity of careers and roles in the music field, and supports students developing varied interests during their program, encouraging heterogeneity of thought and artistic development. The certificate is available to masters or doctoral students in the College of Music at Michigan State University. Students who wish to complete the certificate must consult with the Director of Career Services and Music Entrepreneurship prior to beginning course work in the program.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Music Career Development

Complete a minimum of 9 credits as specified below:
1.	Both of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
	MUS	496	Your Music Business						1 or 2
	MUS	893	Topics in Music Entrepreneurship						2
2.	One of the following courses (1 or 2 credits):
	MUS	865	Capstone in Music Career Development						1 or 2
	MUS	866	Graduate Internship in Music						1 or 2
3.	Two of the following courses (4 to 6 credits):
	ACM	461	Financial Management and Planning of Arts, Cultural and Museum Management						3
	ACM	462	Marketing and Public Relations in Arts, Cultural, and Museum Management						3
	ACM	463	Event Production and Planning for Arts and Culture						3
	ACM	801	Introduction to Arts, Cultural Management, and Museum Studies						3
	MUS	442	Advanced Techniques in Real Time Performance						2
	MUS	487	Music Preparation and Presentation						2
	MUS	494	Musicians' Health and Wellness						2
	MUS	830	Research Methods and Materials in Music						3
	MUS	844	Secondary or Special Emphasis: Piano						1
	MUS	845	Secondary or Special Emphasis: Voice						1
	MUS	846	Secondary or Special Emphasis: String						1
	MUS	847	Secondary or Special Emphasis: Brass						1
	MUS	848	Secondary or Special Emphasis: Woodwind						1
	MUS	877	Scoring for Orchestra and Band						2
	MUS	893	Topics in Entrepreneurship						2
	MUS	894	Seminar in Musicians' Health and Wellness						1
	MUS	896	Master's Performance						1 or 2
	MUS	964	Seminar in College Music Teaching						2
	MUS	996	Doctoral Performance						1 or 2
	Students who select MUS 442 must enroll in the Film Scoring section.  Students who select MUS 896 or MUS 996 must enroll in section 810, which is designated for instruction in chamber music. With the approval of the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, students may substitute other appropriate courses to fulfill this requirement.
4.	Attend six Running Start workshops sponsored by the College of Music Office of Career Services and Music Entrepreneurship.

 

The Graduate Certificate in Music Cognition provides the foundation of how music theory and music cognition relate to each other and to related disciplines. Students will understand the fundamental principles and perception of music cognition and be able to read, interpret, and construct experimental studies in music cognition.  The graduate certificate is available to students currently enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs at Michigan State University.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Music Cognition, an applicant must:

1. Complete an application consisting of a personal statement, transcripts of previous college or university course work, three letters of recommendation, a scholarly writing sample, and an optional portfolio of work. 
2. Interview, if invited, with the affiliated faculty to determine admission. 
3. Pass the College of Music Graduate Orientation Examination in Music Theory or complete MUS 200 Music Theory Review with a grade of 2.0 or higher.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Music Cognition

The student must complete 11 to 14 credits from the following: 

1.	Both of the following courses (5 credits):
	MUS	973	Readings in Music Theory						2
	PSY	802	Basic Cognitive Processes						3
2.	One of the following courses (2 or 3 credits):
	MUS	868	Topics in Music Analysis						3
	MUS	872	Tonal Forms						2
	MUS	879	Tonal Literature and Analysis						3
3.	One of the following courses (3 credits)
	PSY	801	Sensation and Perception						3
	PSY	803	Higher Order Cognitive Processes						3
	PSY	867	Nature and Practice of Cognitive Science						3
	PSY	992	Seminar in Psychology						3
4.	Active participation in relevant music theory area events, including colloquia and guest lectures, and active participation in the Timing, Attention and Perception Lab (TAP lab) including relevant events in the Psychology/Cognitive Science program.
5.	Research Requirement (1 to 3 credits):
	A capstone research essay approximately 15-20 pages in length and a public presentation in the model of a conference presentation. The topic could emerge from the research project undertaken within MUS 973 or could come from research conducted in conjunction with the TAP lab. Alternatively, the topic could draw connections between what the student has learned in other courses undertaken as part of the student’s primary degree program. The topic will be approved by a member of the faculty of the theory area within the College of Music or from the Department of Psychology, who will advise the project and certify its completion. Students will register for 1 to 3 credits of MUS 898 Master’s Research or PSY 891 Special Topics in Psychology with the faculty advisor. An alternative independent research course may be substituted if deemed appropriate by the faculty advisor.

 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Music students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Music degree program in music composition, an applicant must submit to the College of Music at least two original compositions representative of the applicant's creative work.  Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to include in the application portfolio, audio CD or video recordings of performances of all musical scores they submit. "Live" recordings are preferred but MIDI realizations are acceptable.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree in music composition from a recognized educational institution, or have completed the courses in music composition that are required for the Bachelor of Music degree in composition at Michigan State University or their equivalents.

Requirements for the Master of Music Degree in Music Composition

The program is available only under Plan A, for which an original composition is required in lieu of a thesis.  A total of 32 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:

1.	Complete all of the following courses (20 credits):
	MUS	422	Music of the 20th Century				2
	MUS	871	Advanced Tonal Counterpoint				3
	MUS	880	Composition				4
	MUS	881	Seminar in Composition				4
	MUS	892A	Seminar in Music History				1
	MUS	899	Master's Thesis Research				4
	MUS	978	Late 20th-and 21st-Century Techniques				2
2.	Complete 8 credits from the courses in group a. and group b. below with at least 2 credits but not more than 4 credits from group b.:
	a.	MUS	870	Advanced Modal Counterpoint			3
		MUS	872	Tonal Forms			2
		MUS	873	Early 20th Century Techniques			2
		MUS	874	Schenkerian Analysis			2
		MUS	877	Scoring for Orchestra and Band			2
		MUS	878	Advanced Scoring for Orchestra and Band			2
		MUS	879	Tonal Literature and Analysis			3
		MUS	970	Pedagogy of Theory			3
		MUS	971	Pedagogy of Theory II			3
		MUS	977	Schenkerian Analysis II			3
	b.	MUS	442	Advanced Techniques in Real Time Performance			2
		MUS	883	Advanced Computer Music Projects			2
		Either Music 970 or 971, but not both of those courses, may be used to satisfy the requirements referenced in item 2. a.
		Either Music 874 or 977, but not both of those courses, may be used to satisfy the requirements referenced in item 2. a.
3.	Complete 4 credits in music performance at the 800–900 level or 2 credits in music performance at the 800-900 level and 2 credits in conducting at the 800-900 level.
4.	Participate in music activities during 2 semesters of enrollment in the program.  The activities must be approved by the student's academic advisor and must be selected from chamber music, chorus, jazz band or ensemble, orchestra, wind ensemble, or new music ensemble.
5.	Complete and submit an original music composition under the guidance of a member of the composition faculty that is acceptable to the student’s final oral certifying examination committee consisting of two members from the composition area and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area. The composition must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
Academic Standards
A grade of 3.0 or higher is required for Music 899.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Music students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Musical Arts degree program in music composition, an applicant must submit to the College of Music two original compositions representative of the applicant’s creative work. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to include in the application portfolio audio CD or video recordings of performances of all musical scores they submit. “Live” recordings are preferred, but Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) realizations are acceptable.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have a master's degree in music composition from a recognized educational institution or a total of 30 credits of approved course work.

Guidance Committee

The student’s guidance committee, which must be formed during the first year of graduate study, must consist of a faculty member in the area of music composition, who serves as chairperson, a second faculty member in the area of music composition, one faculty member in the area of music theory, and one faculty member in the area of music history.

Requirements for the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Music Composition

Each student in the program has a major professor who provides instruction in music composition, oversees the preparation of the original composition, and oversees the final oral examination based upon that composition.

The student must:

1. Complete Music 830 Research Methods and Materials in Music and the courses in music composition, music theory, and musicology that are specified by the student’s guidance committee.
2. Complete any cognate area and related courses that are specified by the student's guidance committee.
3. Pass the written comprehensive examinations in composition, musicology, and music theory. Students become eligible to take the comprehensive examination in each of these areas during the semester in which they are completing the required course work in that area, with the exception of MUS 998 credits.
4. Complete the following requirements in lieu of 24 credits of Music 999, a dissertation, and a final oral examination over the dissertation:
   1. Complete 24 credits of Music 998 Doctoral Music Composition.
   2. Complete an original music composition under the guidance of a faculty member in the composition area that is acceptable to the student’s guidance committee. A copy of the dissertation must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained as part of the permanent degree record.

The student must have completed successfully all of the required course work (with the exception of Music 998), the comprehensive examinations, and the original composition before the final oral examination may be scheduled.

Academic Standards

Doctoral study presumes continuing excellence in course work.  A student may accumulate no more than 6 credits with a grade below 3.0 in courses that are to be counted toward the degree.

The student’s original composition and the student’s performance on the final oral examination based on the composition must be approved by the members of the student’s guidance committee with not more than one dissenting vote. Should the committee fail to accept either the student’s composition or the student’s performance on the final oral examination based on the composition, the student shall be allowed to rewrite the composition or to repeat the final oral examination based on the composition only once. The composition must be rewritten or the examination must be retaken within one year, during a fall or spring semester.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Music students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Master of Music degree program in music conducting on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. A bachelor's degree in music from a recognized educational institution, or have completed the courses in music that are required for a bachelor's degree in music from Michigan State University or their equivalents.
2. Presented a live performance audition that was acceptable to the committee of faculty in conducting.

When applying for admission to the Master of Music degree program in music conducting, an applicant must specify one of the following three major areas:  wind conducting, choral conducting, or orchestral conducting.

With the approval of the faculty in an applicant's major area, an applicant may be considered for admission to the program on the basis of a high–quality recording of a recent performance, rather than on the basis of a live performance audition. An applicant must submit a video recording showing a front view of the applicant conducting for a minimum of 10 minutes. An applicant who submits a recording may be admitted only on provisional status pending the presentation of a live conducting audition before a faculty committee in the applicant's major area. The audition must be presented before the end of the first semester of enrollment in the program. The audition must be in the major area of conducting that the applicant specifies.

To schedule an audition, an applicant should contact the College of Music Admissions Office. An applicant who selects the orchestral conducting area must obtain a list of required repertoire from the Director of Orchestras in the College of Music.

Requirements for the Master of Music Degree in Music Conducting

The student must meet the requirements for one of the following three major areas of conducting:  wind conducting, choral conducting, or orchestral conducting.

1.	Wind Conducting
	The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree. The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:
	a.	Complete both of the following courses (10 credits):
		MUS	858A	Seminar in Wind Conducting			6
		MUS	897	Concert Conducting			4
	b.	Complete 6 credits in music history at the 400-level or above and two courses in music theory (4 to 6 credits) at the 400-level or above (10 to 12 credits).
	c.	Complete 8 to 10 credits of electives.
	d.	Participate in music activities during two semesters of enrollment in the program. The activities must be approved by the student's academic advisor and must involve band.
	e.	Perform a full program in a public band concert or conduct a series of pieces in two or more public band concerts under the guidance of the student’s primary conducting instructor. A recording of the performance(s) must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
	f.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s primary conducting instructor, another member from the wind conducting area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.
2.	Choral Conducting
	The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:
	a.	Complete all of the following courses (17 credits):
		MUS	857	Seminar in Choral Literature			6
		MUS	858C	Seminar in Choral Conducting			6
		MUS	891	Special Topics			1
		MUS	897	Concert Conducting			4
		For MUS 891 Special Topics, students must enroll in the section on Score Study and Interpretation through String Bowing.
	b.	Complete 6 credits in music history at the 400-level or above and two courses in music theory (4 to 6 credits) at the 400-level or above (10 to 12 credits).
	c.	Complete 3 to 5 credits of electives.
	d.	Demonstrate proficiency in French, German, Italian, English, and Latin through an assessment administered as part of the audition process. Lack of proficiency in any language must be addressed by enrolling in MUS 845 Secondary or Specialist Emphasis: Voice, which will focus on repertoire in the deficient language(s) and will include a jury for the voice faculty.
	e.	Demonstrate proficiency in vocal pedagogy by taking MUS 340 Methods and Literature for Voice. These credits will not count toward those required for the degree. This requirement will be waived if the student’s transcript shows successful completion of a similar course at another institution.
	f.	Participate in music activities during two semesters of enrollment in the program. The activities must be approved by the student's academic advisor and must involve chorus.
	g.	Perform a full program in a public choral concert or conduct a series of pieces in two or more public choral concerts under the guidance of the student’s primary conducting instructor. A recording of the performance(s) must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
	h.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s primary conducting instructor, another member from the choral conducting area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.
3.	Orchestral Conducting
	The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:
	a.	Complete both of the following courses (10 credits):
		MUS	858B	Seminar in Orchestral Conducting			6
		MUS	897	Concert Conducting			4
	b.	Complete 6 credits in music history at the 400-level or above and two courses in music theory (4 to 6 credits) at the 400-level or above (10 to 12 credits).
	c.	Complete 1 to 4 credits in music performance at the 800–900 level.
	d.	Complete 4 to 9 credits of electives.
	e.	Demonstrate proficiency in French, German, Italian, English, and Latin through an assessment administered as part of the audition process. Lack of proficiency in any language must be addressed by enrolling in MUS 845 Secondary or Specialist Emphasis: Voice, which will focus on repertoire in the deficient language(s) and will include a jury for the voice faculty.
	f.	Participate in music activities during two semesters of enrollment in the program. The activities must be approved by the student's academic advisor and must involve orchestra.
	g.	Perform a full program in a public orchestral concert or conduct a series of pieces in two or more public orchestral concerts under the guidance of the student’s primary conducting instructor. A recording of the performance(s) must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
	h.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s primary conducting instructor, another member from the conducting area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.

Academic Standards

A grade of 3.0 or higher is required for Music 897.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Music students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Doctor of Musical Arts degree program in music conducting on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. A master's degree in music from a recognized educational institution or a total of 30 credits of approved course work.
2. Presented a live performance audition that was acceptable to the committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Music.

When applying for admission to the Doctor of Musical Arts degree program with a major in music conducting, an applicant must specify one of the following three major areas:  wind conducting, choral conducting, or orchestral conducting.

With the approval of the faculty in an applicant's major area, an applicant may be considered for admission to the program on the basis of a high–quality video recording of a recent performance, rather than on the basis of a live performance audition. An applicant must submit a video recording showing a front view of the applicant conducting a minimum of 10 minutes. An applicant who submits a recording may be admitted only on provisional status pending the presentation of a live performance audition before a faculty committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Music. The audition must be presented before the end of the first semester of enrollment in the program.  As part of the audition, an applicant must present a 10–minute lecture on a topic related to conducting. The applicant may be asked to conduct a live performance group or to illustrate appropriate conducting techniques in relation to printed scores. The applicant may submit video and audio tape recordings of performances that they have conducted.

For additional information about the Doctor of Musical Arts degree program in conducting, contact the Director of Bands, the Director of Choral Activities, or the Director of Orchestras in the College of Music.

Guidance Committee

The student’s guidance committee, which must be formed in the first year of graduate study, must consist of the student’s major professor, who serves as the chairperson, a second faculty member from the student's conducting area, one faculty member in the area of music theory, and one faculty member in the area of musicology. In instances where additional expertise would be beneficial it is recommended that the guidance committee include an additional faculty member from within or outside the College of Music.

Requirements for the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Music Conducting

Each student in the program has a major professor who provides instruction in the student's major area, oversees the musical content of the student's program guides the preparation of required conducting appearances, oversees the preparation of the scholarly paper or abstract, and oversees the final oral examination. Normally, the student studies with the major professor for four semesters.

1.	Complete 8 credits from the following courses:
	MUS	958A	Seminar in Wind Conducting				1 to 8
	MUS	958B	Seminar in Orchestral Conducting				1 to 8
	MUS	958C	Seminar in Choral Conducting				1 to 8
2.	Complete a minimum of 3 credits in Music 830 Research Methods and Materials in Music, three courses in music theory at the 800- or 900-level, and at least 6 additional credits of 800-or 900-level courses in music history as specified by the student’s guidance committee.
3.	Complete at least 6 credits of electives as specified by the student's guidance committee.
4.	Pass the written comprehensive examinations in musicology and music theory and two examinations related to the student’s area of conducting. One of these will be a take-home examination. The other will be taken on the MSU campus. Students become eligible to take the comprehensive examination in each of these areas during the semester in which they are completing the required course work in that area.
5.	Complete the following requirements in lieu of 24 credits of Music 999, a doctoral dissertation, and a final oral examination in defense of the dissertation:
	a.	Complete 24 credits of Music 997 Doctoral Concert Conducting.
	b.	Direct various ensembles on four different programs containing repertoire which demonstrates the ability to program creatively, to execute music in various period styles and forms, and to work effectively with diverse groups.
		Performing groups for the required conducting appearances may be ensembles from the College of Music, or any school, church, or community musical ensemble able to meet the demands of the repertoire. The performance must be approved by a committee from the conducting area. A recording of each of the four programs must be submitted to the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
		Two of the first three conducting appearances must be presented within six calendar months of each other.
		The fourth conducting appearance must involve a complete program.
		With the prior approval of the student's major professor, any of the four required conducting appearances may take place off campus. In the event that a conducting appearance is off campus, the appearance will be graded on the basis of the video recording of the appearance.
	c.	Submit a scholarly paper exhibiting a thorough understanding of a significant and relevant topic approved by the student's major professor and take a final oral examination of approximately two hours based on the paper and administered by the student's guidance committee.
		A final copy of  the paper referenced in item 5. c. above will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record. The final copy must be approved by the guidance committee and submitted to the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies before the degree can be completed.
6.		Students majoring in choral conducting must complete MUS 891 Special Topics and enroll in the section on Score Study and Interpretation through String Bowing.
7.		Students majoring in choral conducting must demonstrate proficiency in vocal pedagogy by taking MUS 340 Methods and Literature for Voice. These credits will not count toward those required for the degree. This requirement will be waived if the student’s transcript shows successful completion of a similar course at another institution.
8.		Students majoring in choral or orchestral conducting must demonstrate proficiency in French, German, Italian, English, and Latin through an assessment administered as part of the audition process. Lack of proficiency in any language must be addressed by enrolling in MUS 845 Secondary or Specialist Emphasis: Voice, which will focus on repertoire in the deficient language(s) and will include a jury for the voice faculty.

Academic Standards

Doctoral study presumes continuing excellence in course work. A student may accumulate no more than 6 credits with a grade below 3.0 in courses that are to be counted toward the degree.

The student's performance on the final oral examination and the scholarly paper on which the examination is based must be approved by the members of the student's guidance committee with not more than one dissenting vote. Should the committee fail to accept the final oral examination, or the paper, the student shall be allowed to repeat the final oral examination, or to rewrite the paper, only once. The examination must be retaken, or the paper  must be rewritten, within one year, during a fall or spring semester.

 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Music students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Master of Music degree program in Music Education on regular status, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree in music education from a recognized educational institution, or have completed the courses in music education that are required for the Bachelor of Music degree in music education at Michigan State University or their equivalents.

Requirements for the Master of Music Degree in Music Education

The program is available under both Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under Plan A or Plan B.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B

1.	Complete four of the following courses in music education (12 credits):
	MUS	860	Philosophical Considerations in Music Education				3
	MUS	861	Seminar in Psychology of Music Education				3
	MUS	862	Seminar in Music Curriculum and Methodology				3
	MUS	863	Seminar in the Sociology of Music Education				3
	MUS	864	Research in Music Education				3
2.	Complete a minimum of 10 credits including:
	a.	A minimum of 3 credits in graduate courses in musicology.
	b.	A minimum of 3 credits in graduate courses in music theory.
	c.	A minimum of 2 credits in graduate courses in music performance or music conducting.
	d,	A minimum of 2 credits of 800-level courses in music conducting, music performance, composition, music theory, or musicology.
3.	Complete 4 additional credits in graduate courses within or outside the College of Music.
4.	A student who completes fewer than 1 credit of music performance in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Music degree with a major in music education must pass a performance test on an instrument or in voice. The test will be administered by one faculty member in music education and one faculty member in either instrumental or vocal music performance.
5.	Participate in music activities during two semesters or two summer sessions of enrollment in the program.  The activities must be approved by the student's academic advisor and must be selected from band, chorus, jazz band, and orchestra.

Additional Requirements for Plan A

1. Complete the following course:
    MUS    899    Master's Thesis Research (4)
2. Complete and submit a thesis under the direction of a member of the music education faculty that is acceptable to the final oral certifying committee consisting of the student’s thesis advisor, another member from the music education area, and a faculty member from music faculty. A copy of the thesis must be submitted to the Graduate School and to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained as part of the permanent degree record.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

1. Complete 4 additional credits in graduate courses in music education.
2. Pass a 3–hour written comprehensive examination administered by the final oral   certifying committee consisting of the student’s thesis advisor, another member from the music education area, and a faculty member from music faculty.

Academic Standards

A grade of 3.0 or higher is required for Music 899.

 

 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Music students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in music education, an applicant must:

1. Submit to the College of Music his or her master's thesis, if a thesis was required for the master's degree.  An applicant who did not complete a thesis must submit a comparable sample of his or her academic or professional writing.
2. Have completed successfully at least three years of employment as a school music teacher, as evidenced in letters of recommendation and other documents submitted in support of the application. 

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have at least one previous degree in music education, a master's degree in music education or a related field, or a total of 30 credits of approved course work.

Students who are admitted to the doctoral program in music education must have completed each of the following graduate courses with a grade of at least 3.0 (B): two courses in either historical musicology or ethnomusicology, and one music theory course in advanced analysis. A student who has not completed such courses will be required to complete those courses, in addition to completing the courses that are required for the doctoral degree.

Guidance Committee

The student's guidance committee, which must be formed in the first year of graduate study, must consist of an advisor, who must be a music education faculty member, two additional music education faculty members, and one member of the music faculty  in the student's cognate area.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Music Education

The student must:

1.	Complete a minimum of 36 credits of course work as specified below:
	a.	Research Core
		All of the following courses (9 credits):
		MUS	864	960Seminar in Measurement in Music Education			3
		MUS	965	Seminar in Quantitative Research in Music Education			3
		MUS	966	Seminar in Qualitative Research in Music Education			3
	b.	Music Education Core
		(1)	Both of the following courses (6 credits):
			MUS	962	Advanced Studies in the Philosophy of Music Education		3
			MUS	967	Music Teaching and Learning Across the Lifespan		3
		(2)	A minimum of 2 credits from the following courses:
			MUS	488	Disability Studies and Music Education		2
			MUS	859	Race Issues in Music Teaching		3
			MUS	860	Philosophical Considerations in Music Education		3
			MUS	861	Seminar in Psychology of Music Education		3
			MUS	862	Seminar in Music Curriculum and Methodology		3
			MUS	863	Seminar in the Sociology of Music Education		3
			MUS	888	Seminar in Disability Studies and Music Education		1
			MUS	964	Seminar in College Music Teaching		2
			If MUS 488 is used to satisfy this requirement, the student must enroll concurrently in MUS 888.
	c.	Music Cognate.  Nine credits in graduate courses in one of the following areas: composition, conducting, jazz, musicology, theory, or performance. Students may also design their own cognate within or outside of the College in consultation with their guidance committee.
	d.	Electives.  Nine credits in graduate courses within or outside the College of Music as approved by the student's guidance committee.
2.	Demonstrate competency in teaching.  This requirement must be met by teaching a college–level music course or ensemble under the guidance of a faculty member.
3.	Demonstrate competency in scholarship.  This requirement must be met by writing and submitting for publication a scholarly paper on an aspect of music education and presenting the paper at an on–campus or off-campus colloquium approved by the student's academic advisor.
4.	Complete 24 credits of MUS 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research and a dissertation under the direction of a member of the music education faculty that is acceptable to the student’s guidance committee. A copy of the dissertation must be submitted to the Graduate School and to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained as part of the permanent degree record.
Academic Standards Doctoral study presumes continuing excellence in course work. A student may accumulate no more than 6 credits with a grade below 3.0 in courses that are to be counted toward the degree.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Music students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

When applying for admission to the Master of Music degree program in music performance, an applicant must specify one of the following three broad performance areas that they wish to pursue:  instrumental music, instrumental specialist, or vocal music.

An applicant who selects the instrumental music area must also specify the major instrument or group of instruments (e.g., piano, harp, flute, or percussion instruments) from the categories listed below:

Brass and Percussion: trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion
Keyboard: piano
Stringed instruments: harp, violin, viola, cello, double bass
Woodwinds: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon

1. instrumental music:  The audition must be on the major instrument or group of instruments that the applicant specifies.
2. instrumental specialist: 
   1. brass instruments specialist:  The audition must be on the major brass instrument and on the two secondary brass instruments that the applicant specifies.  If trombone is not the major instrument, it must be one of the secondary instruments.
   2. stringed instruments specialist:  The audition must be on the major stringed instrument and on the secondary stringed instrument that the applicant specifies.  If the major instrument is violin or viola, the secondary instrument must be cello or double bass.  If the major instrument is cello or double bass, the secondary instrument must be violin or viola.
   3. woodwind instruments specialist:  The audition must be on the major woodwind instrument and on one of the three secondary woodwind instruments that the applicant specifies.
3. vocal music:  The audition must be in voice.

To schedule an audition, an applicant should contact the College of Music Admissions Office.
To be admitted to the Master of Music degree program in music performance on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. A bachelor's degree in music performance from a recognized educational institution, or have completed the courses in music performance that are required for the Bachelor of Music degree in music performance from Michigan State University or their equivalents.
2. Presented a live performance audition that was acceptable to the committee of faculty in the broad performance area.

Requirements for the Master of Music Degree in Music Performance

The student must meet the requirements for one of the following three broad areas of music performance:  instrumental music, instrumental specialist, or vocal music.

Instrumental Music

The student must meet the requirements for one of the following five major areas of instrumental music:  piano, brass instruments, stringed instruments, woodwind instruments, or percussion instruments:

1.	Piano
	The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:
	a.	Complete the following course (14 credits):
		MUS	896	Master's Recital Performance			14
		These credits must include at least 6 credits of instruction in piano (1 to 2 credits for each of four semesters), 4 credits of piano performance (1 credit for each of four semesters), and 4 credits of instruction in chamber music (1 credit for each of four semesters).
	b.	Complete 6 credits in musicology at the 400-level or above and two courses in music theory (4 to 6 credits) at the 400-level or above. (10 to 12 credits)
	c.	Complete 4 to 6 credits of elective courses in music at the 400-level or above, exclusive of additional credits in MUS 896.
	d.	Perform a piano recital under the guidance of the student’s applied music instructor and approved by a committee from the piano area in a pre-recital hearing. A recording of the recital must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
	e.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s applied music instructor, another member from the piano area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.
2.	Brass Instruments
	The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:
	a.	Complete the following course (14 credits):
		MUS	896	Master's Recital Performance			14
		These credits must include at least 6 credits of instruction in the major instrument (1 to 2 credits for each of four semesters), 4 credits of major ensemble (1 credit for each of four semesters), and 4 credits of instruction in chamber music (1 credit for each of four semesters).
	b.	Complete 6 credits in musicology at the 400-level or above and two courses in musicology (4 to 6 credits) at the 400-level or above. (10 to 12 credits)
	c.	Complete 4 to 6 credits of elective courses in music at the 400-level or above, exclusive of additional credits in MUS 896.
	d.	Perform a recital on the student’s major instrument under the guidance of the student’s applied music instructor and approved by a committee from the brass area in a pre-recital hearing. A recording of the recital must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
	e.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s applied music instructor, another member from the brass area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.
3.	Stringed Instruments
	The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:
	a.	Complete the following courses (14 credits):
		MUS	896	Master's Recital Performance			14
		These credits must include at least 6 credits of instruction in the major instrument (1 to 2 credits for each of four semesters), 4 credits of major ensemble (1 credit for each of four semesters), and 4 credits of instruction in chamber music (1 credit for each of four semesters).
	b.	Complete 6 credits in musicology at the 400-level or above and two courses in music theory (4 to 6 credits) at the 400-level or above. (10 to 12 credits)
	c.	Complete 4 to 6 credits of elective courses in music at the 400-level or above, exclusive of additional credits in MUS 896.
	d.	Perform a recital on the student’s major instrument under the guidance of the student’s applied music instructor and approved by a committee from the string area in a pre-recital hearing. A recording of the recital must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
	e.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s applied music instructor, another member from the string area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.
4.	Woodwind Instruments
	The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:
	a.	Complete the following course (14 credits):
		MUS	896	Master's Recital Performance			14
		These credits must include at least 6 credits of instruction in the major instrument (1 to 2 credits for each of four semesters), 4 credits of major ensemble (1 credit for each of four semesters), and 4 credits of instruction in chamber music (1 credit for each of four semesters).
	b.	Complete 6 credits in musicology at the 400-level or above and two courses in music theory (4 to 6 credits) at the 400-level or above. (10 to 12 credits)
	c.	Complete 4 to 6 credits of elective courses in music at the 400-level or above, exclusive of additional credits in MUS 896.
	d.	Perform a recital on the student’s major instrument under the guidance of the student’s applied music instructor and approved by a committee from the woodwind area in a pre-recital hearing. A recording of the recital must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
	e.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s applied music instructor, another member from the woodwind area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.
5.	Percussion Instruments
	The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:
	a.	Complete the following course (14 credits):
		MUS	896	Master's Recital Performance			14
		These credits must include at least 6 credits of instruction in the major instrument (1 to 2 credits for each of four semesters), 4 credits of major ensemble (1 credit for each of four semesters), and 4 credits of instruction in chamber music (1 credit for each of four semesters).
	b.	Complete 6 credits in musicology at the 400-level or above and two courses in music theory (4 to 6 credits) at the 400-level or above. (10 to 12 credits)
	c.	Complete 4 to 6 credits of elective courses in music at the 400-level or above, exclusive of additional credits in MUS 896.
	d.	Perform a percussion recital under the guidance of the student’s applied music instructor and approved by a committee from the percussion area in a pre-recital hearing. A recording of the recital must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
	e.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s applied music instructor, another member from the percussion area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.

Instrumental Specialist
The student must meet the requirements for one of the following three major specialties:  brass instruments specialist, stringed instruments specialist, or woodwind instruments specialist

1.	Brass Instruments Specialist
	The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:
	a.	Complete both of the following courses (16 credits):
		MUS	847	Secondary or Specialist Emphasis:  Brass			2
		MUS	896	Master's Recital Performance			14
		Each of the 2 credits of MUS 847 is associated with instruction in one of the student's two required secondary instruments. The 14 credits of MUS 896 must include at least 6 credits of instruction in the major instrument (1 to 2 credits for each of four semesters), 4 credits of major ensemble (1 credit for each of four semesters), and 4 credits of instruction in chamber music (1 credit for each of four semesters).
	b.	Complete 6 credits in musicology at the 400-level or above and two courses in music theory (4 to 6 credits) at the 400-level or above. (10 to 12 credits)
	c.	Complete 2 to 4 credits of elective courses in music at the 400-level or above, exclusive of additional credits in MUS 896.
	d.	Present a performance on each of the student's two required secondary instruments.  The performance must be acceptable to a committee of faculty in the area of brass instruments.
	e.	Perform a recital on the student’s primary instrument under the guidance of the student’s applied music instructor and approved by a committee from the brass area in a pre-recital hearing. A recording of the recital must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
	f.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s applied music instructor, another member from the brass area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.
2.	Stringed Instruments Specialist
	The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:
	a.	Complete both of the following courses (15 credits):
		MUS	846	Secondary or Specialist Emphasis:  String			1
		MUS	896	Master's Recital Performance			14
		The credit of MUS 846 is associated with instruction in the student's required secondary instrument. The 14 credits of MUS 896 must include at least 6 credits of instruction in the major instrument (1 to 2 credits for each of four semesters), 4 credits of major ensemble (1 credit for each of four semesters), and 4 credits of instruction in chamber music (1 credit for each of four semesters).
	b.	Complete 6 credits in musicology at the 400-level or above and two courses in music theory (4 to 6 credits) at the 400-level or above. (10 to 12 credits)
	c.	Complete 3 to 5 credits of elective courses in music at the 400-level or above, exclusive of additional credits in MUS 896.
	d.	Present a performance on the student's required secondary instrument. The performance must be acceptable to a committee of faculty in the area of stringed instruments.
	e.	Perform a recital on the student’s primary instrument under the guidance of the student’s applied music instructor and approved by a committee from the string area in a pre-recital hearing. A recording of the recital must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree recording.
	f.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s applied music instructor, another member from the string area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.
3.	Woodwind Instruments Specialist
	The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:
	a.	Complete both of the following courses (17 credits):
		MUS	848	Secondary or Specialist Emphasis:  Woodwind			3
		MUS	896	Master's Recital Performance			14
		Each of the 3 credits of MUS 848 is associated with instruction in one of the student's three required secondary instruments. The 14 credits of MUS 896 must include at least 6 credits of instruction in the major instrument (1 to 2 credits for each of four semesters), 4 credits of major ensemble (1 credit for each of four semesters), and 4 credits of instruction in chamber music (1 credit for each of four semesters).
	b.	Complete 6 credits in musicology at the 400-level or above and two courses in music theory (4 to 6 credits) at the 400-level or above. (10 to 12 credits)
	c.	Complete 1 to 3 credits of elective courses in music at the 400-level or above, exclusive of additional credits in MUS 896.
	d.	Present a performance on each of the student's three required secondary instruments.  Each of the three performances must be acceptable to a committee of faculty in the area of woodwind instruments.
	e.	Perform a recital on the student’s primary instrument under the guidance of the student’s applied music instructor and approved by a committee from the woodwind area in a pre-recital hearing. A recording of the recital must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree recording.
	f.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s applied music instructor, another member from the woodwind area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.

Vocal Music
The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:

1.	Complete both of the following courses (11 credits):
	MUS	435	Opera Theatre				1
	MUS	896	Master's Recital Performance				10
	The credits of MUS 896 must include at least 8 credits of instruction in voice (2 credits for each of four semesters) and 2 credits of major ensemble (1 credit each of two semesters)
2.	Complete 6 credits in musicology at the 400-level or above and two courses in music theory (4 to 6 credits) at the 400-level or above. (10 to 12 credits)
3.	Complete 7 to 9 credits of elective courses in music at the 400-level or above, exclusive of additional credits in MUS 896.
4.	Complete one semester of study each in French, German, and Italian. Credits in courses in a foreign language may not be counted toward the requirements for the Master of Music degree. Courses completed as part of an undergraduate degree program may be used to satisfy this requirement.
5.	Perform a vocal recital under the guidance of the student’s applied music instructor and approved by a committee from the vocal arts area in a pre-recital hearing. A recording of the recital must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree recording.
6.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the student’s applied music instructor, another member from the vocal arts area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.

 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Music students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Doctor of Musical Arts degree program in music performance on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. a master's degree in music from a recognized educational institution or a total of 30 credits of approved graduate course work.
2. presented a live performance audition acceptable to the committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Music.

When applying for admission to the Doctor of Musical Arts degree program with a major in music performance, an applicant must specify one of the following two broad performance areas that they wish to pursue:  instrumental music or vocal music.

An applicant who selects the instrumental music area must also specify the major instrument or group of instruments (e.g., piano, harp, flute, or percussion instruments) from the categories listed below:

Brass and Percussion: trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion
Keyboard: piano
Stringed Instruments: harp, violin, viola, cello, double bass
Woodwinds: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon 

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Musical Arts degree program in music performance, an applicant must present a live performance audition before a faculty committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Music.

Applicants selecting the instrumental music area must present a live 40-minute audition, including the performance of three major works and approximately 10 minutes of discussion on one or more of the works, that is acceptable to the committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Music. Applicants selecting the vocal music area must present a live 40-minute audition, performing 30 minutes of music and 10 minutes of discussion on one or more of the works, that is acceptable to the committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Music. Required languages: English, French, German, and Italian. Required repertoire: art songs, one opera aria, one baroque or classical aria, one 20th-21st century work. In the case of both the instrumental and vocal music areas, applicants must also be prepared to respond to questions from the audition panel on the entire program.

With the approval of the faculty in an applicant's major area, an applicant may be considered for admission to the program on the basis of a high–quality recording of a recent performance, rather than on the basis of a live performance audition.  An applicant who selects the instrumental music or vocal music  area  must submit either an audio or a video recording. An applicant who submits a recording may be admitted only on provisional status pending the presentation of a live performance audition before a faculty committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Music.  The audition must be presented before the end of the first semester of enrollment in the program.

Guidance Committee

The student’s guidance committee, which must be formed during the first year of graduate study, must consist of the student’s major professor, who serves as its chairperson, a second faculty member from the student’s area, one faculty member from the area of musicology, and one faculty member from the area of music theory. In instances where additional expertise would be beneficial it is recommended that the guidance committee include a faculty member from within or outside the College of Music.

Requirements for the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Music Performance

The student must meet the requirements specified below:

Each student in the program has a major professor who provides instruction in the student's major instrument or in voice, oversees the musical content of the student's program, guides the preparation of required recitals, oversees the preparation of the scholarly paper, lecture-recital(s) and the final oral examination.  Normally, the student studies with the major professor for six semesters. 

The student must:

1. Select, from the categories below, a major instrument or group of instruments (e.g. piano, harp, flute, or percussion instruments) or voice:
   Piano
   Stringed instruments: harp, violin, viola, cello, double bass
   Woodwind instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon,
   Brass instruments: trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba
   Percussion instruments
   Voice
2. Complete the courses that are specified by the student's guidance committee including:
   1. 3 credits of Music 830 Research Methods and Materials in Music
   2. 6 credits of 800- or 900-level courses in musicology
   3. three courses in music theory at the 800- or 900-level. Students with a master's degree from Michigan State University will be required to take only two courses
   4. 6 credits of elective courses, exclusive of additional credits of Music 996
3. Pass the written comprehensive examinations in musicology and music theory. Students become eligible to take the comprehensive examination in either of these areas during the semester in which they are completing the required course work in that area.
4. Complete the following requirements in lieu of 24 credits of Music 999, a doctoral dissertation,  and a final oral examination in defense of the dissertation:
   1. Complete 24 credits of Music 996 Doctoral Recital Performance.  
      For those students whose major instrument is piano, these credits must include at least six semesters of instruction in applied piano, four semesters of instruction in chamber music (1 credit for each of four semesters), and four semesters of instruction in piano performance (1 credit for each of four semesters). These requirements may be met concurrently. 
      For those students whose major instrument is a stringed, brass, woodwind or percussion instrument, these credits must include at least six semesters of   instruction in the major instrument, six semesters of instruction in band or orchestra (1 credit for each for six semesters), and four semesters of instruction in chamber music (1 credit each of four semesters). These requirements may be met concurrently.
      For those students whose major instrument is voice, these credits must include at least six semesters of instruction in voice and two semesters of instruction in   opera theater, chamber music, or choir (1-2 credits for each)
   2. Perform four public recitals that have been approved in a pre-recital hearing by a committee of faculty from the student's area.  Three of the recitals must be solo recitals, two of which must be presented within two consecutive semesters, excluding summers.  The fourth recital must be a chamber music recital. For those students whose major instrument is a stringed, woodwind, brass or percussion instrument, a mock audition for a professional orchestra or wind ensemble, as outlined in the Graduate Handbook, may substitute for one solo recital with the prior approval of the applied teacher and the area chair.  For those students whose major instrument is voice, a significant opera role, as determined by the faculty of the voice area, may substitute for the chamber music recital. A second significant opera role may substitute for one of the solo recitals.  A recording of each of the four recitals, mock auditions, or opera roles must be submitted to the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained by the college as part of the permanent degree record.
   3. Complete one of the following three options:
      1. Present a lecture–recital twice, first to the student's guidance committee as part of an oral examination and then to the public and submit a scholarly paper upon which the lecture-recital is based.  In no case may the lecture–recital be presented publicly until it has been approved by the committee. The oral examination will be a defense of the lecture-recital and the paper.  A recording of the lecture–recital is required and must be submitted to the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.
      2. Present two lecture-recitals. Each lecture-recital must be presented twice, first to the student’s guidance committee as part of an oral examination and then to the public. In no case may the lecture-recital be presented publicly until it has been approved by the committee. Each oral examination will be a defense of one of the lecture-recitals. A recording of each lecture-recital is required and must be submitted to the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.
      3. With the unanimous consent of the student's guidance committee, submit a scholarly paper of major scope, comparable to a traditional dissertation, and take a final oral examination based on the paper.

A proposal for each lecture-recital and the scholarly paper, if applicable, must be approved in writing by all members of the guidance committee no less than three months before the oral examination on that lecture-recital may occur. A recording of the public lecture-recital(s) and the scholarly paper  will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.

In the case of (1) and (3) above, the student must have completed successfully all of the required course work (with the exception of Music 996 Doctoral Recital Performance), the comprehensive examination, the required public recitals, and the scholarly paper before the final oral examination may occur. In the case of (2) above, the student must have completed successfully all of the required course work (with the exception of Music 996), the comprehensive examination, and the required public recitals before either of the oral examinations may occur.

Academic Standards

Doctoral study presumes continuing excellence in course work.  A student may accumulate no more than 6 credits with a grade below 3.0 in courses that are to be counted toward the degree.

With regard to 4. (c) (1) above, the student’s performance on the lecture-recital and the related scholarly paper and the final oral examination based on the lecture-recital and the paper must be approved by the members of the student’s guidance committee with not more than one dissenting vote. Should the committee fail to accept the student’s performance on the lecture-recital and the related paper or the final oral examination, the student shall be allowed to repeat the performance of the lecture-recital or to revise the related paper or to repeat the final oral examination. The lecture-recital must be repeated or the paper revised or the oral examination repeated within one year, during a fall or spring semester.

With regard to 4. (c) (2) above, the student’s performance on each of the two lecture-recitals and the final oral examination based on each lecture-recital must be approved by the members of the student’s guidance committee with not more than one dissenting vote. Should the committee fail to accept the student’s performance on either lecture-recital or the final oral examination, the student shall be allowed to repeat the performance of the lecture-recital or to repeat the final oral examination. The lecture-recital must be repeated or the oral examination repeated within one year, during a fall or spring semester.

With regard to 4. (c) (3) above, the student’s performance on the scholarly paper and the final oral examination based on the paper must be approved by the members of the student’s guidance committee with not more than one dissenting vote. Should the committee fail to accept the student’s performance on the paper or the final oral examination, the student shall be allowed to revise the related paper or to repeat the final oral examination. The paper must be revised or the oral examination repeated within one year, during a fall or spring semester.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Music students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Music degree program in music theory, an applicant must submit to the College of Music:

1. A one–page, type–written statement, written in English, that addresses the applicant's interest in the field of music theory and in Michigan State University's music theory program.
2. At least two examples of original compositions, arrangements, orchestrations, or counterpoint exercises, as well as a scholarly writing sample. Applicants are invited to include items representative of their work in music theory.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree in music theory from a recognized educational institution, or have completed the courses in music theory that are required for the Bachelor of Music degree in music theory at Michigan State University or their equivalents.

Requirements for the Master of Music Degree in Music Theory

The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits are required for the degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s academic advisor, who must be a member of the music theory faculty. The student must meet the requirements specified below:
1.	All of the following courses (15 credits):
	MUS	874	Schenkerian Analysis						2
	MUS	876	Keyboard Skills and Practical Musicianship						3
	MUS	970	Pedagogy of Theory I						3
	MUS	971	Pedagogy of Theory II						3
	MUS	974	Proseminar in Post-Tonal Theory and Analysis						2
	MUS	979	Proseminar in Music Theory						2
2.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
	MUS	870	Advanced Modal Counterpoint						3
	MUS	871	Advanced Tonal Counterpoint						3
	Students who take both MUS 870 and 871 may count one of the courses toward requirement 3., below.
3.	A minimum of 5 credits from the following courses:
	MUS	875	Analysis of Musical Scores						3
	MUS	976	Performance and Analysis						3
	MUS	977	Schenkerian Analysis II						3
	MUS	978	Analysis of Contemporary Music						2
4.	Complete two semesters of MUS 973 Readings in Music Theory totaling 4 credits. If a student completes a third semester of MUS 973, it may be counted towards requirement 3. above.
5.	Complete 3 credits in musicology at the 400-level or above. MUS 830 may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
6.	Participate in music activities during two semesters of enrollment in the program. The activities must be approved in advance by the student’s academic advisor and selected from band, chamber ensemble, chorus, jazz band, new-music ensemble, or orchestra.
7.	Complete a Teaching Demonstration. The demonstration must take place after the student has completed MUS 970 Pedagogy of Theory I. The demonstration will occupy a class period of an undergraduate course in music theory to be determined by the area chairperson. It will be graded by a three-person committee selected by the area chairperson and comprised of the course supervisor, another member of the music theory faculty, and one faculty member from outside the area. The grade will be pass/fail, based upon a majority vote of the three committee members.
8.	Complete a capstone research project publicly at a music theory colloquium, to be advised and approved by a member of the music theory faculty. The project may be on either a research-related or a pedagogical topic, and must be similar in scope and format to a conference presentation. Students may choose a project begun or completed as part of a graduate seminar in music theory (such as MUS 971, MUS 973, MUS 974, MUS 977, MUS 978, or MUS 979) and revise or expand it as determined by the faculty advisor, or they may work on a new project or an expansion of a research paper from a different course.

The Graduate Certificate in Music Theory, which is administered by the College of Music, is designed to help prepare graduate students in the College of Music for careers in post-secondary education that may require the ability to teach undergraduate courses in music theory.

The certificate is available to students who are enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program in the College of Music at Michigan State University.

The student’s program of study must be approved by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the College of Music.

Admission

To be considered for the Graduate Certificate in Music Theory, a student must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program in the College of Music.

Students must:

1. complete an application consisting of a personal statement, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation, a scholarly writing sample. Students may provide a portfolio of work if desired.
2. demonstrate proficiency in music theory.

Following initial screening, candidates will be invited to interview with the music theory faculty to determine admissibility.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Music Theory

Students must complete 15 credits from the following:

1.	The following course (3 credits):
	MUS	970	Pedagogy of Theory I						3
2.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
	MUS	870	Advanced Modal Counterpoint						3
	MUS	871	Advanced Tonal Counterpoint						3
	MUS	876	Keyboard Skills and Practical Musicianship						3
	Students who take more than one of these courses may use the additional courses to fulfill 3 credits of the requirement in item 4. below.
3.	One of the following courses (2 credits):
	MUS	873	Post-Tonal Techniques						2
	MUS	974	Proseminar in Post-Tonal Theory and Analysis						2
	MUS	978	Late 20th- and 21st-Century Techniques						2
	Students who take more than one of these courses may use the additional courses to fulfill the requirement in item 4.
4.	Complete 7 credits from the following courses in consultation with the area chairperson of music theory or his or her designee:
	MUS	868	Topics in Music Analysis						3
	MUS	869	Tonal Counterpoint						2
	MUS	872	Tonal Forms						2
	MUS	874	Schenkerian Analysis						2
	MUS	875	Analysis of Musical Scores						3
	MUS	879	Tonal Literature and Analysis						3
	MUS	971	Pedagogy of Theory II						3
	MUS	972	Advanced Keyboard Skills						3
	MUS	973	Readings in Music Theory						2
	MUS	976	Performance and Analysis						3
	MUS	977	Schenkerian Analysis II						3
5.	Active participation in music theory area events, including colloquia and guest lectures.
	A capstone essay approximately 15 to 20 pages in length. Students who take MUS 971 or MUS 973 to fulfill requirement 4. above may use the essay from the research project undertaken in either of those courses. Alternatively, the essay could reflect synoptically on what the student learned in music theory courses, drawing connections among those courses, between them and other study, performance, and/or scholarly work undertaken as part of the student’s primary degree program. The essay topic must be approved by a member of the music theory faculty who will advise the project and certify its completion.

 

The Graduate Certificate in Musicology, which is administered by the College of Music, is designed for doctoral students in the College of Music who wish to gain additional proficiency in musicology and ethnomusicology. Students in the certificate program develop skills in research, writing, and classroom teaching through course work, training in pedagogy, and independent research projects.

The certificate is available to students who are enrolled in a doctoral degree program in the College of Music at Michigan State University. The student’s program of study must be approved by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the College of Music
 
Admission
 
To be considered for the Graduate Certificate in Musicology, a student must be enrolled in a doctoral degree program in the College of Music.

Students must submit the following materials to the area chair of musicology by December 1st:

1. An 800- to 1000-word personal statement addressing the   applicant’s career plans and research/teaching interests.
2. A curriculum vitae that includes all relevant education and professional experience.
3. One transcript from every college or university attended. Transcripts may be unofficial.
4. A 10- to 15-page research paper demonstrating research ability, including bibliographic citations and/or fieldwork experience.
5. One letter of recommendation sent by recommender directly to the Area Chair of musicology.

Following initial screening, candidates will be invited to interview with the musicology faculty to determine admissibility. 

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Musicology

Students must complete 17 or 18 credits from the following:

1.	The following course (3 credits):
	MUS	830	Research Methods and Materials in Music						3
2.	Complete 6 credits of musicology at the 800 or 900 level.
3.	Complete 6 additional credits of ethnomusicology at the 400, 800, or 900 level. If a 400-level course is to be used to satisfy this requirement, the student must enroll concurrently in 1 credit of the corresponding section of MUS 892A Seminar in Music History.
4.	Complete one of the following courses (2 or 3 credits):
	MUS	964	Seminar in College Music Teaching						2
	MUS	992	Seminar in Musicology						3
5.	Complete a capstone project advised and approved by a committee of at least two of the musicology faculty and consisting of one of the following options:
	a.	A research paper of 15-20 pages that, in most cases, will grow from a seminar paper or project on a topic substantially different than that of the PhD dissertation, the DMA lecture-recital and scholarly document or either of the two lecture-recitals. Alternative formats appropriate to the project (e.g. a lecture-recital) are possible with the approval of the committee.
	b.	A teaching portfolio consisting of a teaching philosophy, sample syllabi, and sample teaching videos.

 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Music students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Master of Arts degree program in musicology on regular status, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree in musicology, or have completed the courses in musicology that are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in music at Michigan State University or their equivalents.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Musicology

The program is available under both Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 32 credits is required for the degree under either Plan A or Plan B.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B

1. Complete the following course (3 credits):
   MUS      830        Research Methods and Materials in Music (3)
2. Complete 15 credits of musicology courses in addition to MUS 830. At least three courses must be at the 800-level or above. If a 400–level course is to be used to satisfy this requirement, the student must enroll concurrently in 1 credit of MUS 892A. Students may count up to 3 credits of MUS 890 (Independent Study) toward this requirement. Students interested in ethnomusicology are encouraged to take MUS 833.
3. Complete 2 or 3 credits in music theory.
4. Complete 3 credits in a cognate outside the College of Music. Both the cognate area and the related courses must be approved by musicology area faculty.
5. Demonstrate a reading knowledge of a language other than English. Credits in courses in a foreign language may not be counted toward the requirements for the Master of Arts degree in musicology.
6. Complete 4 or 5 additional credits in music excluding musicology and MUS 898 and MUS 899.
7. Attend all area colloquia and guest lectures as approved by faculty.

Additional Requirements for Plan A

1. Complete the following course:
   MUS    899    Master's Thesis Research (4)
2. Complete a thesis under the direction of a member of the musicology faculty that is acceptable to the final oral certifying committee consisting of the student’s thesis advisor, another member from the musicology area, and a faculty member from music faculty. A copy of the thesis must be submitted to the Graduate School and to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained as part of the permanent degree record.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

1. Complete the following course:
   MUS    898    Master's Research (4)
   Possible projects include historical performance, instrument construction, or transcribing or editing historical music.
2. Complete and submit a research project under the direction of a member of the musicology faculty that is acceptable to the final oral certifying committee consisting of the student’s thesis advisor, another member from the musicology area, and a faculty member from music faculty. A copy of the project must be submitted to the Graduate School and to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and will be retained as part of the permanent degree record. Possible projects include historical performance, instrument construction, or transcribing or editing historical music.

Academic Standard
A grade of 3.0 or higher is required for Music 898 and 899.




 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Music students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Music degree program in piano pedagogy, an applicant must present a live performance audition before and be interviewed by a committee of faculty of the piano area. For an applicant who has a Bachelor of Music degree in music performance from Michigan State University, the live performance audition and the interview may be waived at the discretion of the faculty in the piano area. With the approval of the faculty in the piano area, an applicant may be considered for admission to the program on the basis of (a) a high-quality audio or video recording of a recent performance, (b) a video recording of him or her teaching a piano lesson to a young child, and (c) a written statement of his or her teaching philosophy.  An applicant who submits recordings and a written statement may be admitted only on provisional status pending the presentation of a live performance audition before and an interview with the faculty in the piano area.  The live performance and the interview must be completed before the end of the first semester of enrollment in the program and must meet the requirements of the piano area.

To be admitted to the Master of Music degree program in Piano Pedagogy on regular status, an applicant must have a bachelor’s degree in piano pedagogy, a bachelor’s degree in piano performance or a bachelor’s degree in music education with a major in piano from a recognized educational institution.

In addition, an international applicant is required to have fulfilled the University’s English language proficiency requirement for regular admission as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog.  Provisional admission as a result of English language scores is not possible for this degree program.

Requirements for the Master of Music Degree in Piano Pedagogy

The program is available under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of at least 30 credits is required for the degree under Plan B.  The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below.

1.	Complete all of the following courses (19 credits):
	MUS	466	Internship in Music				1
	MUS	843	Seminar in Piano Pedagogy				8
	MUS	896	Master's Performance				10
	The credits of MUS 896 must include at least 4 credits of instruction in piano (1 credit for each of four semesters), 4 credits of piano performance class (1 credit for each of four semesters), and 2 credits of instruction in chamber music (1 credit for each of two semesters).
2.	Complete 2 or 3 credits in music theory at the 800 level or above.
3.	Complete 3 credits in musicology at the 400 level or above.
4.	Complete 4 credits from the following:
	MUS	413	Keyboard Literature to the Mid-19th Century				2
	MUS	414	Keyboard Literature since the Mid-19th Century				2
	MUS	465	Music in Early Childhood				2
	MUS	496	Your Music Business				1 or 2
	MUS	830	Research Methods and Materials in Music				3
	MUS	850J	Jazz Piano				1 or 2
	MUS	864	Research in Music Education				3
5.	Perform a piano recital under the guidance of the student's applied music instructor and approved by a committee from the piano area in a pre-recital hearing. A recording of the recital must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Students and will be retained by the College as part of the permanent degree record.
6.	Complete 2 credits of MUS 898 Master's Research by completing a research project and a one-semester teaching project and cumulative portfolio under the guidance of the Director of Piano Pedagogy.
7.	Complete the final oral certifying examination administered by a committee consisting of the Director of Piano Pedagogy, another member from the piano area, and a faculty member from either the music theory or musicology area.
Academic Standards
A grade of 3.0 or higher is required for Music 898.