MA: Music Studies Option

Music Studies students may pursue an emphasis in performance, theory and composition, or history and literature.

The Music Studies option offers the opportunity for in-depth study of music history and literature. The option has also proven valuable to students who wish to augment undergraduate degrees in performance and/or music education with more intensive studies in music theory, composition, music literature, instrumental and vocal performance, historical performance practices, and conducting. Students may choose to craft their program to provide an emphasis in performance, theory/composition, or history/literature. 

Click here for more information for students pursuing the study of music history.

A minimum of 30 credits is required (see below). 

Completion of the program requires a written research project of substantive nature on a topic of the candidate's special interest. An alternative for some students will be a lecture-recital and written essay. Students emphasizing performance are encouraged to present public recitals in addition to the above. A comprehensive oral exam will include analysis and historical discussion of scores from all periods of music. 

The following courses, totaling 16 - 19 credits, are required of all candidates:

One semester of Analysis, either MUSI 881 or 882 (3 credits) is highly recommended. The remaining credits may be elected, with the approval of the student's graduate advisor, from 800 and 900 level courses in music (or in offerings from other departments). 

Click here for the Music Studies handbook for graduate students

Click here for a curriculum checklist for the MA: Music Studies program