Master of Music in Classical Performance
Advisors: Marcy Rosen (instrumental majors), James John (vocal majors)
Mission Statement
The mission of this program is to prepare students for performing careers as professional musicians. The core of their training is provided in weekly private lessons, repertoire classes, performing ensembles (orchestra, opera studio, etc.), and chamber music. To complement their rigorous training in performance, students are also expected to develop their analytical and writing skills, with the purpose of training well-rounded, intelligent musicians who are at the same time outstanding performers.
Degree Requirements
These requirements are in addition to the general requirements for Master's degrees, listed in the Graduate Bulletin.
- A student normally majors in one of four areas: an orchestral instrument, a keyboard instrument, voice, or conducting (orchestral or choral).
- Students complete 36 credits, perform a public recital, and write program notes on their recital repertoire. The degree requires 4 semesters. Classical performers normally enroll as full-time students. Required classes and ensembles are held both during the day and in the evening.
- Orchestral instrumentalists play in Orchestra during each semester of residence. Singers participate in Opera Workshop, Vocal Ensemble, or chamber music during each semester of residence. Keyboard majors participate in chamber music during each semester of residence. Conductors attend rehearsals of appropriate ensembles (orchestra or chorus) and participate in regularly scheduled workshops during each semester of residence.
- The following examinations must be passed during the course of study:
- Theory Qualifying Exam, covering music theory and musicianship, must be taken before registering for the first semester. Each of the examination's four parts (harmonization, sight singing, dictation, and keyboard harmony) must be passed before graduation. Those students who fail in any part of the exam will consult the Graduate Advisor for coursework or other recommended study.
- History Qualifying Exam, covering the history of Western music, must be taken before registering for their first semester. Those who need further work in this area will consult the Graduate Advisor for coursework or other recommended study.
- An examination in foreign-language musical terms.
- Theory Qualifying Exam, covering music theory and musicianship, must be taken before registering for the first semester. Each of the examination's four parts (harmonization, sight singing, dictation, and keyboard harmony) must be passed before graduation. Those students who fail in any part of the exam will consult the Graduate Advisor for coursework or other recommended study.
Course of Study
Required Courses in All Degree Tracks
| MUSIC 701. Writing about Music | 2 cr. |
| MUSIC 707, 708, 709. Individual Musical Performance | 9 cr. |
| Any two of MUSIC 777.1, 777.2, 777.3, 777.4 (Seminars in Performance Practice) | 6 cr. |
| MUSIC 779. Musical Analysis for Performers | 3 cr. |
| MUSIC 789. Thesis (a complete recital accompanied by a written document) | 3 cr. |
Additional Courses for Each Track
Orchestral Instruments
| Four semesters of MUSIC 774, 775, 776. Chamber Music | 4 cr. |
| MUSIC 792 (Orchestra) in every semester of matriculation (minimum of 4) | 4 cr. |
| Four semesters of MUSIC 747, 748, 749, or 752 (course number depends on the student’s major instrument). Survey of Repertory |
4 cr. |
Keyboard Instruments
| Four semesters of MUSIC 774, 775, 776. Chamber Music | 4 cr. |
| Four semesters of MUSIC 750 Piano Repertory | 4 cr. |
Voice
| MUSIC 796 (Opera Studio), 794.1 (Vocal Ensemble), 774, 775, or 776 (Chamber Music), in every semester of matriculation (minimum of 4) | 4 cr. |
| Four semesters of MUSIC 751 (Vocal Repertory) | 4 cr. |
Conducting
| Three semesters of MUSIC 778 (Performance Workshop for Conductors) | 3 cr. |
| MUSIC 792 (Orchestra) in every semester of matriculation (minimum of 4) | 4 cr. |
All classical performance majors are required to take MUSIC 701, 707, 708, 709, 777 (any two semesters), 779, and 789; four semesters of any of the following: MUSIC 747, 748, 749, 750, 751, 752, or 778 (course number depends on the student’s major); plus electives to total 36 credits. In addition, orchestral instrumentalists and orchestral conductors are required to take MUSIC 792 during each semester of enrollment; other majors are assigned to appropriate ensembles. The entire course of study shall be under the supervision of a graduate advisor.
Suggested Course Sequence
Fall (Semester I)
- MUSIC 701. Writing about Music
- MUSIC 707. Individual Musical Performance I (lessons)
- MUSIC 747, 748, 749, 750, 751, or 752 (repertory class) or MUSIC 778. Performance Workshop for Conductors
- MUSIC 774. Chamber Music I (not required of conducting majors; may replace the major ensemble for vocal majors)
- Major ensemble (Orchestra, Opera Workshop, or Vocal Ensemble; not required of keyboard majors)
- One elective
Spring (Semester II)
- MUSIC 708. Individual Musical Performance II (lessons)
- MUSIC 747, 748, 749, 750, 751, or 752 (repertory class) or MUSIC 778. Performance Workshop for Conductors
- MUSIC 775. Chamber Music II (not required of conducting majors; may replace the major ensemble for vocal majors)
- MUSIC 777. Seminar in Performance Practice
- MUSIC 779. Musical Analysis for Performers
- Major ensemble (Orchestra, Opera Workshop, or Vocal Ensemble; not required of keyboard majors)
Fall (Semester III)
- MUSIC 709. Individual Musical Performance III (lessons)
- MUSIC 747, 748, 749, 750, 751, or 752 (repertory class) or MUSIC 778. Performance Workshop for Conductors
- MUSIC 776. Chamber Music III (not required of conducting majors; may replace the major ensemble for vocal majors)
- MUSIC 777. Seminar in Performance Practice
- Major ensemble (Orchestra, Opera Workshop, or Vocal Ensemble; not required of keyboard majors)
Spring (Semester IV)
- MUSIC 789. Thesis (public recital and program notes)
- MUSIC 776. Chamber Music III (not required of conducting majors; may replace the major ensemble for vocal majors)
- MUSIC 747, 748, 749, 750, 751, or 752 (repertory class) or MUSIC 778. Performance Workshop for Conductors
- Major ensemble (Orchestra, Opera Workshop, or Vocal Ensemble; not required of keyboard majors)