2024-2025 University Catalog
Master of Music
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Return to: Graduate Programs
The Master of Music curriculum is designed to provide opportunity for depth of study in an area of specialization, to increase professional competence in teaching and performance, and to prepare for continued, self-directed study or advanced graduate study.
Program: All candidates must complete at least 45 credits as delineated in an approved course of study filed with the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. The major fields are:
- Composition
- Conducting
- Performance
- Pedagogy
- Music Education
- Collaborative Piano
At least one-third of the total credit requirements must be in the major field, including MUS 700 as required by the specialization; one-third in other music courses (including three credits of MUS 521 [Methods of Musical Research], six credits of music history, six credits of music theory, and three ensemble credits); and one-third may be elective courses in supportive areas from any discipline. At least 25 credits applied toward the degree must be at the 500 level or above. No more than 20 credits applied toward the degree may be at the 400 (senior undergraduate) level. No 300 level credits may be applied toward the degree. Students are expected to plan their program with a graduate advisor and committee.
Admission Requirements
Admission into the institution does not assure admission into the music program. In addition to general university guidelines for admission to the master’s program through the Graduate School, the following requirements apply to the Master of Music degree:
- Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a major in music or its equivalent.
- Acceptance into a specific major field will require an evaluation of a candidate’s ability conducted by a committee of three faculty members, two of whom will be from the particular major field. Normally one of these two will serve as the candidate’s graduate advisor, and the committee as a whole may serve as the candidate’s graduate committee.
- In addition, non-performance majors must also demonstrate a level of musicianship equal to what would be considered appropriate for 300-level study. Students may demonstrate this level of musicianship in several ways, appropriate to the desired degree program or deemed appropriate by the evaluating committee after consultation with the student. Examples include, but are not limited to, a performance audition in an applied area or conducting (live or taped), a videotape or audiotape of a performance directed by the applicant, or a videotape of a music lesson or class taught by the applicant.
- For admission requirements to each field, see section one in each field entry under specific requirements for major fields.
Students may elect to take the diagnostic exams in Theory and/or History. If the student earns a grade of “Pass” in either test, general program requirements will be reduced by three credits in the respective area. These exams must be taken by the end of the first week of residency.
Graduation Requirements
Graduate Colloquium
Accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) requires that music departments create “a traditional and/or virtual community of students and faculty to permit the formal and informal sharing of experience, ideas, and knowledge.” (NASM Handbook X.B.4) The Graduate Colloquium is the means by which this community is created and fostered through opportunities for students to present and share their work, have formal and informal discussions with faculty and other guests, and share announcements and information of broader interest.
Colloquia are organized by the graduate coordinator and are held once quarterly. Colloquium does not require registration, but satisfactory colloquium attendance (100%) is a graduation requirement for all enrolled graduate students. Attendance is monitored by the graduate coordinator, who will report attendance records when students apply for graduation. If extreme circumstances prevent full attendance, students may appeal to the graduate committee for consideration of alternate fulfillment of the attendance requirement.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- MUSG1 (Research, Writing, Presentation)
- Students will evaluate, critique, and investigate issues within their major field by applying masters-level research, writing, and presentation skills.
- MUSG2 (Major Field)
- Students will independently organize and synthesize masters-level knowledge and skill in a major field of study, selected from musical composition, conducting, performance, pedagogy, and music education.
- MUSG3 (Music Theory)
- Students will analyze, present, teach, and/or perform a range of musical styles appropriate to their major field by applying masters-level knowledge in music theory.
- MUSG4 (Music History)
- Students will illustrate, contextualize, and synthesize perspectives and problems appropriate to their major field by applying masters-level knowledge and critical thinking in music history.
- MUSG5 (Ensemble Performance)
- Students will prepare musical performances appropriate to their major field by applying advanced executive skills and their knowledge of ensemble repertoire.
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General Requirements for All Graduate Music Degrees
Courses in Major Field, including MUS 700, Thesis - Credits: 15-21
Other Studies in Music including below - Credits: 18
- MUS 521 - Methods of Musical Research Credits: (3)
- Ensemble Courses Credits: (3) (Course substitution for ensemble requirements for summer MM Education degree program)
- Music History Courses Credits: (6)
- Music Theory Courses Credits: (6) (Composition majors may substitute a non-theory course in this category)
Department-approved Electives Credits: 6-12
Elective courses in supportive areas.
Specific Requirements for Major Fields:
1. Admission
Admission to this program will be based upon an evaluation of appropriate compositions submitted by the student.
2. Courses in the Major Field
A minimum of 9 credits of composition classes, in addition to the 6 credits of thesis study, selected from:
3. Other Studies
Other studies in music should include:
- MUS 521 - Methods of Musical Research Credits: (3)
- Ensemble Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Ensemble Graduate Course listing below)
- Music History Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Music History Graduate Course listing below)
4. Thesis
The thesis project (MUS 700) will be an original composition of a level appropriate as a final project and a covering paper. Normally this paper will be based on the thesis composition.
1. Admission
Admission to this program will require faculty evaluation of evidence of an appropriate level of musicianship, satisfied in one of the following ways:
- A performance or conducting audition
- A videotape of a performance directed by the applicant
- Other evidence deemed appropriate in consultation with the evaluating committee.
This program requires a one-year residency prior to graduation. Candidates will work under the direct supervision of one of the three conductors of the major performance ensembles (Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Choir) during each quarter in residence. Students will be encouraged to study in all three areas whenever possible.
2. Courses in the Major Field
A minimum of 9 credits of conducting classes, in addition to the 6 credits of thesis study, selected from:
3. Other Studies
Other studies in music should include:
- MUS 521 - Methods of Musical Research Credits: (3)
- Ensemble Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Ensemble Graduate Course listing below)
- Music History Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Music History Graduate Course listing below)
- Music Theory Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Music Theory Graduate Course listing below)
4. Thesis
As a thesis project (MUS 700) the student will conduct a public performance and submit a covering paper. Normally this paper will be based on the works conducted.
1. Admission
Admission to this program will be based upon an evaluation of an audition equivalent in scope to at least one-half of a full baccalaureate recital.
It is expected that all Master of Music Performance candidates must have completed undergraduate courses earning a C or above in Pedagogy and Literature for their instrument/area. If the student did not complete these courses at the undergraduate level, they will be required to take the area specific Pedagogy and/or Literature course for their instrument as part of the 12 credits required under Courses in the major field.
It is expected that vocal performance majors must be able to:
- Demonstrate competency in French, German or Italian equal to the successful completion of one year of university level foreign language. If a candidate is lacking this requirement upon entry, the student must take a year of French or German as a remedial course.
- Demonstrate the ability to translate musical texts, transcribe French, German, and Italian text into International Phonetic Alphabet with proper pronunciation. If a candidate is lacking in this area, the student will be advised to take all or part of the CWU Diction sequence (MUS 536, MUS 537, MUS 538).
2. Courses in the Major Field
A minimum of 12 credits of major applied instruction, in addition to the 6 credits of thesis study.
3. Other Studies
Other studies in music should include:
- MUS 521 - Methods of Musical Research Credits: (3)
- Ensemble Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Ensemble Graduate Course listing below)
- Music History Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Music History Graduate Course listing below)
- Music Theory Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Music Theory Graduate Course listing below)
4. Thesis
As a thesis project (MUS 700) the student will present a full public recital and submit a covering paper. Normally this paper will be based on the works presented on the recital.
1. Admission
Admission to this program will be based upon an evaluation of an audition equivalent in scope to at least one-half of a full baccalaureate recital, and evaluation of a paper written for an undergraduate class in the field of music instruction.
It is expected that vocal pedagogy majors must be able to:
- Demonstrate competency in French, German or Italian equal to the successful completion of one year of university level foreign language. If a candidate is lacking this requirement upon entry, the student must take a year of French or German as a remedial course.
- Demonstrate the ability to translate musical texts, transcribe French, German, and Italian text into International Phonetic Alphabet with proper pronunciation. If a candidate is lacking in this area, the student will be advised to take all or part of the CWU Diction sequence (MUS 536, MUS 537, MUS 538).
2. Courses in the Major Field
3. Other Studies
Other studies in music should include:
- MUS 521 - Methods of Musical Research Credits: (3)
- Ensemble Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Ensemble Graduate Course listing below)
- Music History Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Music History Graduate Course listing below)
- Music Theory Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Music Theory Graduate Course listing below)
4. Thesis
- MUS 700 - Master’s Thesis, Project Study, and/or Examination Credits: (1-6)
As a thesis project (MUS 700) the student will present either:
- A demonstration project with covering paper, and one-half of a public recital.
- OR a demonstration project, one-half of a public recital and a covering paper based on the works presented on the recital.
- OR a research paper and one-half of a public recital.
- OR a self contained research or pedagogical project.
Demonstration projects include lecture-recitals or other public presentations of information.
Research projects are generally self-contained written studies on larger topics.
1. Admission
Admission to this program will be based upon:
- Evaluation of an undergraduate paper in the field of music education.
- The completion of a least one year of successful public school music instruction (under a special request made by the entering student, this requirement may be waived by the music education committee).
- Evidence of an appropriate level of musicianship, satisfied in one of the following ways:
- A performance audition
- A videotape or audiotape of a performance directed by the applicant
- A videotape of a music lesson or class taught by the applicant
- Other evidence deemed appropriate in consultation with the evaluating committee.
2. Courses in the Major Field
A minimum of 9 credits in courses that enable students to understand and evaluate research in music education, in addition to 3-6 credits of MUS 700, selected from:
3. Other Studies
Other studies in music should include:
- MUS 521 - Methods of Musical Research Credits: (3)
- Ensemble Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Ensemble Graduate Course listing below)
- Music History Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Music History Graduate Course listing below)
- Music Theory Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Music Theory Graduate Course listing below)
4. Thesis, Project, or Portfolio Examination
As a culminating experience (MUS 700), the student will present either:
- MUS 700 - Master’s Thesis, Project Study, and/or Examination Credits: (1-6)
- A research thesis (6 credits MUS 700).
- A demonstration, analytical or creative project and a covering paper based on the project (6 credits MUS 700).
- A written preliminary examination, program portfolio, and oral examination (3 credits MUS 700).
5. American Band College
Students enrolled in the American Band College program will satisfy degree requirements for the Music Education major field by completing the following courses:
1. Admission
Admission to this program will be based upon faculty evaluation of evidence of an appropriate level of performance and knowledge on collaborative piano skills, musicianship, and keyboard skills. All applicants in Collaborative Piano (vocal, instrumental) must have completed an undergraduate course of study in piano performance. Exceptional applicants with different educational backgrounds and training other than piano performance will be considered as well with the evaluation by the piano faculty. Applicants will be auditioned and placed into one primary track and one secondary track. Students will be encouraged to study and work with all areas and instruments whenever possible.
It is expected that Collaborative Piano applicants must be able to:
- Keyboard skills evidence deemed appropriate such as sight-reading, score reduction, and transposition in consultation with the evaluating committee
- Vocal collaborative piano track:
- Demonstrate knowledge and interpretative skills on a broad spectrum of vocal literature.
- Demonstrate competency in French, German, Italian or Spanish equal to the successful completion of one year of university level foreign language. If a candidate is lacking this requirement upon entry, the student must take one year of language as a remedial course.
- Instrumental collaborative piano track:
- Demonstrate knowledge and interpretative skills on a broad spectrum of string and woodwinds/brass literature.
This program requires a minimum one-year residency prior to graduation. Candidates will work under the direct supervision of the piano professor but will also work with applied faculty in the Vocal, String and Woodwinds/Brass Areas during each quarter in residence.
2. Courses in the Major Field
A minimum of 12 credits of major applied instruction (8 credits for primary track, 4 credits for secondary track) and 3 credits of accompanying practicum in addition to the 6 credits of thesis study.
3. Other Studies
Other studies in music should include:
- MUS 521 - Methods of Musical Research Credits: (3)
- Ensemble Courses (Small/Large) Credits: (3) (selected from Ensemble Graduate Course listing below)
- Music History Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Music History Graduate Course listing below)
- Music Theory Courses Credits: (3) (selected from Music Theory Graduate Course listing below)
4. Electives
Elective courses in music can be chosen from the following:
5. Thesis
As a thesis project (MUS 700) the student will conduct a public performance and submit a covering paper. Normally this paper will be based on the works studied.
Final Examination
All students must pass a comprehensive final examination, oral, or written and oral, based on their coursework and the thesis, project, or portfolio. Before the Final Examination can be scheduled, students must have completed and submitted the written portion of the thesis, project, or portfolio.
According to University policy, an application for the final examination, approved by the student’s graduate committee, must be filed in the Graduate Office at least three weeks in advance of the examination. This application has several specific parts to it, so early acquisition and completion of this form is strongly recommended. Consult the Graduate Office for any and all appropriate deadline dates.
For more details about Graduate Studies in Music, see the Department of Music’s Handbook for Graduate Studies available on-line at the department website: https://www.cwu.edu/academics/music/.
Graduate Cognate in Music
Similar to an undergraduate minor, a graduate cognate in music lends more coherence to the cluster of elective courses students take beyond those required for the degree and offers more meaningful recognition for this cluster of courses.
Admission
Students who have been accepted into a graduate major in music may apply for admission to a graduate cognate in music after they arrive on campus. Admission to a cognate requires the following, in order:
- Acceptance for admission to CWU graduate program
- Acceptance for admission to a major graduate program in music (by audition/interview)
- Acceptance for admission to the graduate cognate by separate audition/interview. This interview/admission will normally be conducted during the first quarter of enrollment or later. It is not part of the primary admission process so as to avoid confusion of initial advising and enrollment. Acceptance for admission is also dependent on space available in the area, to be determined by faculty in that area.
Guidelines
- Students are allowed one graduate cognate in music.
- Students accepted into a cognate will have an assigned advisor, but will not need to form a graduate committee for the cognate final project or recital. This advisor will be responsible for evaluating the culminating recital or project and will also be a member of the student’s graduate committee.
- Courses counted for the cognate must also be indicated on the course of study form, separate from general, specific and elective curricular requirements.
- Material and coursework covered in the cognate would be eligible for inclusion in the final examination, as approved by student’s major graduate committee chair.
Content
Students must complete a total of 13 credits to complete a cognate: minimum of 12 credits of courses approved by the cognate advisor in consultation with the major advisor, plus 1 credit of MUS 600, Graduate Cognate Project in the quarter the required culminating work is presented, above the 45 credits required for the master’s degree (totaling a minimum of 58 for the degree with major and cognate).
Subject Areas
Collaborative Piano
Composition
Conducting
Jazz Pedagogy
Music Education
Music History
Music Theory
Performance
Performance-Pedagogy
Individual Subject Area Requirements:
Composition
Students receive guided study in their own musical composition, culminating in the presentation of a musical composition or project in the field of composition.
Conducting
Students are provided opportunities to hone their conducting skills, culminating in a project or public performance demonstrating progress in the student’s conducting experience.
Jazz Pedagogy
Students are provided opportunities to study jazz pedagogy through the combined elements of informed jazz performance practice and demonstrated teaching/coaching of students, culminating in an appropriate pedagogical project or written document.
Required Courses:
Music Education
Students are provided opportunities to study and conduct research in the field of music education in greater depth, culminating in an appropriate written document or project.
Music History
Students are provided opportunities to study and conduct research in the field of music history in greater depth, culminating in an appropriate written document or project.
- MUS 600 - Graduate Cognate Project Credits: (1)
- Music History Approved Courses Credits: (12) (Note: These credits are in addition to 3 credits of Music History required in all master’s degrees.) See Music History Graduate course listing below for options.
Music Theory
Students are provided opportunities to study and conduct research in the field of music theory in greater depth, culminating in an appropriate written document or project.
- MUS 600 - Graduate Cognate Project Credits: (1)
- Music Theory Approved Courses Credits: (12) (Note: These credits are in addition to 3 credits of Music Theory required in all master’s degrees.) See Music Theory Graduate course listing below for options.
Performance
Students receive opportunities through applied study and performance experience to improve their performance skills on a primary instrument or voice, culminating in a public performance.
Pedagogy
Students receive opportunities to improve performance skills with additional emphasis on the pedagogy of the primary instrument or voice, culminating in an appropriate performance, project, or combination in lecture/demonstration.
Listing of Graduate Courses in Music History, Music Theory, and Ensembles
Music History Graduate Courses
Music Theory Graduate Courses
Ensemble Graduate Courses
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