Master of Music
The Master of Music degree is offered in the following areas of study: Conducting, Music Education, and Performance. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Music or Music Education equivalent to that represented by the B.M. or B.M.E. degree from New Mexico State University. The Music Department does not require the Graduate Record Exam, but does expect each applicant to possess graduate-level language and writing skills.For admission into the Master of Music degree program, all applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and submit at least two letters of recommendation from music professionals. An audition, either in person or by recording, is required for entrance into the Performance or Conducting program. Auditions will be based upon, but not limited to, prescribed repertory. The applicants for the Music Education track will be asked to provide an example of their writing skills (see Suggested Writing Assignments) and will be scheduled for an interview (via Skype).
The application deadline to be considered for a Graduate Assistantship is May 1.
The application deadline for Fall enrollment is June 1.
International Students should contact Dr. James Shearer for application deadlines.
Spring and Summer admissions are possible depending on which degree track a student selects and what other classes are being offered in a given semester.
Contact Dr. James Shearer, Graduate Music Coordinator, for more information on Spring and Summer application deadlines.
Note: The degree offered is a Master of Music. The student's official transcript and diploma will only indicate that degree. The area of study (Conducting, Music Education, Performance) will not be included as part of the official degree title.
Program of Study and Committee Selection
After admission, each student must successfully complete MUS 471 before subsequent enrollment in other music theory courses. He or she must also successfully complete MUS 477 before subsequent enrollment in other music history courses.During the first semester of study, a tentative Program of Study is planned, documented and filed by the student in consultation with the advisor in his or her major field. The Program of Study is subject to approval by the Music Department Head and the Graduate Music Committee. The student will also select, in consultation with his or her advisor, an advisory committee consisting of the advisor and two additional faculty members.
Recital Requirements for Performance and Conducting
A graduate recital plus an analytical paper are required of all candidates in Performance and Conducting. Students must be enrolled in their applied area during the semester the recital is given. A minimum of 60 minutes of music is required for all Performance recitals. A minimum of three major works for the appropriate ensemble is required for all Conducting recitals. The recital may only be given after at least 6 hours of graduate applied or conducting courses have been successfully completed.Candidacy
In order to qualify for candidacy the student must meet the Graduate School requirement of 12 credits of graduate work in residence (except those in the online Music Education program) and must show evidence of a satisfactory quality of work in the required courses, demonstrate the desired progress in his or her performance area and, where required, submit a recital program, thesis topic, or project proposal for approval.Thesis
A thesis is optional in Music Education and is encouraged for students considering completion of a terminal degree. Music Education candidates not writing a thesis must develop and complete an approved project before the oral examination.Final Examination
All Master of Music candidates must take a final comprehensive oral examination. The final oral examination may not be scheduled until the graduate recital (with analytical paper) is completed or a final draft of the Music Education project or thesis has been approved by the candidate’s advisor.Fees
Fees, in addition to tuition, will be assessed for all applied hours and recitals. Consult the Music Department for details.Course Requirements
| PERFORMANCE | |
|---|---|
| Graduate Theory Review (MUS 471) * | 3 cr |
| Graduate History Review (MUS 477) ** | 3 cr |
| Music Theory | 3 cr |
| Music History and Literature | 3 cr |
| Applied | 8 cr |
| Ensemble (MUS 580) | 2 cr |
| Pedagogy and Literature | 4 cr |
| Research Methods (MUS 450) | 3 cr |
| Recital and Analytical Paper (MUS 540) | 4 cr |
| Total | 32 credits |
| CONDUCTING | |
|---|---|
| Graduate Theory Review (MUS 471) * | 3 cr |
| Graduate History Review (MUS 477) ** | 3 cr |
| Instrumental or Choral Literature (578 or 579) | 2 cr |
| Music Theory | 3 cr |
| Music History and Literature | 3 cr |
| Conducting | 9 cr |
| Ensemble (MUS 580) | 1 cr |
| Research Methods (MUS 450) | 3 cr |
| Recital and Analytical Paper (MUS 540) | 4 cr |
| Total | 31 credits |
| MUSIC EDUCATION (on campus and online) | |
|---|---|
| Graduate Theory Review (MUS 471) * | 3 cr |
| Graduate History Review (MUS 477) ** | 3 cr |
| Music Theory | 3 cr |
| Music History and Literature | 3 cr |
|
Music Education |
9 cr |
| Research Methods (MUS 450) | 3 cr |
| Approved Elective | 3 cr |
| Thesis or Project (MUS 598 or 599) | 4 cr |
| Total | 31 credits |
Students must make the grade of B or better in a course for it to count toward degree completion.
* Students must make a B or better in MUS 471 before taking additional music theory courses.
** Students must make a B or better in MUS 477 before taking additional music history courses.
+ Choral Conducting students will substitute a Choral Literature course
Before enrolling in courses, the individual must be admitted as a student into the Graduate School. That process can begin by following the web link below and completing an application.
