Graduate Degrees & Programs
The Greatbatch School of Music offers the following graduate degrees:
- Master of Arts in Music
- Master of Music in Collaborative Performance
- Master of Music in Composition
- Master of Music in Conducting
- Master of Music in Brass, Winds, or Percussion Performance
- Master of Music in Organ Performance
- Master of Music in Piano Performance
- Master of Music in String Performance
- Master of Music in Vocal Performance
All degrees are 32 hour programs, designed to be completed within two academic years.
Goals
Within a Christian environmental setting, the Greatbatch School of Music faculty seek:
- To promote a musical environment for developing the highest artistic values and a lifelong commitment to musical excellence.
- To serve students via excellence in their professional work.
- To provide students with the means for rewarding, fulfilling artistic endeavors.
- To develop in all students an awareness of the creative dimension of the whole person.
- To encourage in all students an ongoing commitment to intelligent articulation of the integration of faith and music in their lives, to service as effective musical advocates in the Christian community, and to service as effective Christian witnesses in the musical world.
Objectives
The objectives of all Master's Degrees:
- To admit talented, well-educated musicians ready for further growth as performers, teachers, composers, and advocates of high-quality musical endeavor in a variety of settings.
- To assist students with increased technical and aesthetic mastery of their chosen musical discipline.
- To guide students toward an articulate philosophical integration of biblical Christian faith with the act of music-making.
- To encourage musical exploration outside the bounds of the student’s past experiences and preferences.
- To encourage students to understand and articulate the thoughts behind stylistic preferences, philosophies, and musical choices.
For more information, download the Graduate Bulletin (PDF, 599KB).
General Entrance Requirements
Any deficiencies determined by faculty evaluation of placement exams, auditions, or submissions must be addressed by remedial studies and/or additional examinations prior to admission to candidacy and normally in the first year of graduate study. Credit for any remedial studies will NOT be credited to the MM or MA degree program, nor is the tuition cost covered as part of any graduate award.
All students must acquire a higher level of general research skills than that normally required for undergraduate work. Accordingly all students will take MUS 500, Research and Bibliography.
Vocal performance majors must demonstrate one year of college-level study of any two of French, German, or Italian. Acquisition of comparable language mastery of the third language, if not present, is strongly encouraged.
Undergraduate GPA: 3.0 overall (undergraduate music GPA will be evaluated as one component of the admission process).
General Music Proficiency Requirements
All entering MM and MA students will take proficiency exams in music theory, aural skills, and music history. The exams will include:
1) for written theory four-part chorale-style writing in tonal idioms, and analysis of pre-20th-century and 20th-century music examples using standard analytical symbols and/or terminology (including basic 18th-century counterpoint analysis).
2) for aural skills: four-part dictation in tonal idioms, melodic dictation in tonal and non-tonal idioms, error recognition/correction, and sight-singing and/or improvisation.
3) for music history: essay and objective responses to questions which demonstrate basic knowledge of persons, repertoire, and historical contexts relevant to music from the ancient Greeks to the present (with strong emphasis on Western art music).
Deficiencies identified as a result of these exams must normally be addressed by the end of the first year of graduate study.
Master of Arts in Music
| Major Area | |
|---|---|
| MHS 520: Research and Bibliography | 2 |
| Choose from among the following | 9 |
| (one or two from MHS; one or two from MTH–no more than one may be 4xx) | |
| MHS 590: Seminar in Music History (topics vary by semester) | 3 |
| MHS 595: Special Topics in Music History | 3 |
| MTH 567: Systems of Analysis and Contemporary Art Music | 3 |
| MTH 566: Advanced Orchestration | 3 |
| MTH 458: Counterpoint | 3 |
| MTH 463: Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MTH 475: Synthesizer/Computer Applications | 3 |
| MTH 595: Special Topics in Music Theory | 3 |
| Other Studies in Music | 11 |
| The student, in consultation with the academic advisor, will choose electives in an area of interest that combine to create a coherent principal focus designed to materially deepen the student’s expertise and understanding of the area selected. Possible options might include music education, music in Christian worship, or some other specific combination of courses with a coherent structure and goal. | |
| Humanities | |
| MHUM 501-502: Seminar: Music, Worship and Culture in Christian Perspective | 4 |
| Electives | |
| Music courses numbered 500* or above. No more than 2 credit hours of ensemble may count as music elective hours toward the degree. | 6 |
| TOTAL: | 32 |
*A limited number of music courses numbered 400 or above may also be taken as electives, with the approval of the graduate advisor. NOTE: The student must enroll in an appropriate major ensemble [or accompanying] each semester of residence, with or without credit. |
Master of Music in Collaborative Performance
| Major Area | |
|---|---|
| CLPF 501, 502: Graduate Collaborative Perfomance | 12 |
| Offered in conjunction with MUS 557, Graduate Chamber Music. For keyboard players, supervised accompanying experiences may also constitute a focus of study. | |
| PERF 585: Graduate Recital (2 required) | 0 |
| Choose from among the following | 4-6 |
| MLT 510, 520: Instrumental Literature | 2 |
| MLT 540: Vocal Literature | 2 |
| MLT 550, 560: Chamber Literature | 2 |
| MHS 590: Graduate Seminar in Music History: Opera Survey | 3 |
| Other Studies in Music | |
| MHS 520: Research and Bibliography | 2 |
| Choose from among the following | 6 |
| (one music history course and one theory course) | |
| MHS 590: Seminar in Music History (topics vary by semester) | 3 |
| MHS 595: Special Topics in Music History | 3 |
| MTH 567: Systems of Analysis and Contemporary Art Music | 3 |
| MTH 566: Advanced Orchestration | 3 |
| MTH 458: Counterpoint | 3 |
| MTH 463: Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MTH 475: Synthesizer/Computer Applications | 3 |
| MTH 595: Special Topics in Music Theory | 3 |
| Humanities | |
| MHUM 501-502: Seminar: Music, Worship and Culture in Christian Perspective | 4 |
| Electives | |
| Music courses numbered 500* or above. No more than 2 credit hours of ensemble may count as music elective hours toward the degree. | 2-4 |
| TOTAL: | 32 |
*A limited number of music courses numbered 400 or above may also be taken as electives, with the approval of the graduate advisor. The student must also enroll in the appropriate major ensemble each semester of residence, with or without credit. |
Master of Music in Composition
| Major Area | |
|---|---|
| COMP 501, 502: Applied Composition | 12 |
| One semester must include either a thesis (substantial composition plus written document) or a full recital of original compositions. | |
| MTH 566: Advanced Orchestration | 3 |
| Other Studies in Music | |
| MHS 520: Research and Bibliography | 2 |
| Choose from among the following | 3 |
| MHS 590: Seminar in Music History (topics vary by semester) | 3 |
| MHS 595: Special Topics in Music History | 3 |
| Choose at least one from among the following | 3 |
| MTH 567: Systems of Analysis and Contemporary Art Music | 3 |
| MTH 566: Advanced Orchestration | 3 |
| MTH 458: Counterpoint | 3 |
| MTH 463: Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MTH 475: Synthesizer/Computer Applications | 3 |
| MTH 595: Special Topics in Music Theory | 3 |
| Humanities | |
| MHUM 501-502: Seminar: Music, Worship and Culture in Christian Perspective | 4 |
| Electives | |
| Music courses numbered 500* or above. No more than 2 credit hours of ensemble may count as music elective hours toward the degree. | 5 |
| TOTAL: | 32 |
|
*A limited number of music courses numbered 400 or above may also be taken as electives, with the approval of the graduate advisor. NOTE: The student must enroll in an appropriate major ensemble [or accompanying] each semester of residence, with or without credit. |
Master of Music in Conducting
| Major Area | |
|---|---|
| Instrumental Majors | |
| CNDI 501, 502: Applied Conducting | 12 |
| Choose from among the following | 2 |
| MLT 510: Orchestral Literature | 2 |
| MLT 510: Wind Literature | 2 |
| Choral Majors | |
| CNDC 501, 502: Applied Conducting | 3 |
| MUS 529: Advanced Choral Conducting Seminar | 3 |
| (topics rotate; three semesters required) | 9 |
| All Majors | |
| PERF 585: Graduate Recital (1 required) | 0 |
| The student must also enroll in the appropriate major ensemble each semester of residence, with or without credit. | |
| Other Studies in Music | |
| MHS 520: Research and Bibliography | 2 |
| Choose from among the following | 6 |
| (one music history course and one theory course) | |
| MHS 590: Seminar in Music History (topics vary by semester) | 3 |
| MHS 595: Special Topics in Music History | 3 |
| MTH 567: Systems of Analysis and Contemporary Art Music | 3 |
| MTH 566: Advanced Orchestration | 3 |
| MTH 458: Counterpoint | 3 |
| MTH 463: Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MTH 475: Synthesizer/Computer Applications | 3 |
| MTH 595: Special Topics in Music Theory | 3 |
| Humanities | |
| MHUM 501-502: Seminar: Music, Worship and Culture in Christian Perspective | 4 |
| Electives | |
| Music courses numbered 500* or above. No more than 2 credit hours of ensemble may count as music elective hours toward the degree. | 6-8 |
| TOTAL: | 32-44 |
|
*A limited number of music courses numbered 400 or above may also be taken as electives, with the approval of the graduate advisor |
Master of Music in Brass, Winds, or Percussion Performance
| Major Area | |
|---|---|
| INST 501, 502: Graduate Applied Study | 12 |
| INST = instrument code, chosen from appropriate course codes. | |
| PERF 585: Graduate Recital (2 required) | 0 |
| Other Studies in Music | |
| MHS 520: Research and Bibliography | 2 |
| Choose from among the following | 6 |
| (one music history course and one theory course) | |
| MHS 590: Seminar in Music History (topics vary by semester) | 3 |
| MHS 595: Special Topics in Music History | 3 |
| MTH 567: Systems of Analysis and Contemporary Art Music | 3 |
| MTH 566: Advanced Orchestration | 3 |
| MTH 458: Counterpoint | 3 |
| MTH 463: Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MTH 475: Synthesizer/Computer Applications | 3 |
| MTH 595: Special Topics in Music Theory | 3 |
| Humanities | |
| MHUM 501-502: Seminar: Music, Worship and Culture in Christian Perspective | 4 |
| Electives | |
| Music courses numbered 500* or above. No more than 2 credit hours of ensemble may count as music elective hours toward the degree. | 5-6 |
| TOTAL: | 32 |
|
*A limited number of music courses numbered 400 or above may also be taken as electives, with the approval of the graduate advisor. For Wind & Brass performance majors, ensemble within the degree program (including those required in Other Studies in Music) may not exceed four, including a maximum of two in chamber ensemble. NOTE: The student must enroll in an appropriate major ensemble [or accompanying] each semester of residence, with or without credit. |
Master of Music in Organ Performance
| Major Area | |
|---|---|
| ORGN 501, 502: Graduate Organ | 12 |
| MLT 570: Organ Literature | 2 |
| or | |
| MUS 575: Applied Music Pedagogy: Organ | |
| PERF 585: Graduate Recital (2 required) | 0 |
| Other Studies in Music | |
| MHS 520: Research and Bibliography | 2 |
| Choose from among the following | 6 |
| (one music history course and one theory course) | |
| MHS 590: Seminar in Music History (topics vary by semester) | 3 |
| MHS 595: Special Topics in Music History | 3 |
| MTH 567: Systems of Analysis and Contemporary Art Music | 3 |
| MTH 566: Advanced Orchestration | 3 |
| MTH 458: Counterpoint | 3 |
| MTH 463: Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MTH 475: Synthesizer/Computer Applications | 3 |
| MTH 595: Special Topics in Music Theory | 3 |
| Humanities | |
| MHUM 501-502: Seminar: Music, Worship and Culture in Christian Perspective | 4 |
| Electives | |
| Music courses numbered 500* or above. No more than 2 credit hours of ensemble may count as music elective hours toward the degree. | 5-6 |
| TOTAL: | 32 |
|
*A limited number of music courses numbered 400 or above may also be taken as electives, with the approval of the graduate advisor. NOTE: The student must enroll in an appropriate major ensemble [or accompanying] each semester of residence, with or without credit. |
Master of Music in Piano Performance
| Major Area | |
|---|---|
| PIAN 501, 502: Graduate Piano | 12 |
| MLT 580: Piano Literature | 2 |
| or | |
| MUS 576: Applied Music Pedagogy: Piano | 2 |
| PERF 585: Graduate Recital (2 required) | 0 |
| Other Studies in Music | |
| MHS 520: Research and Bibliography | 2 |
| Choose from among the following | 6 |
| (one music history course and one theory course) | |
| MHS 590: Seminar in Music History (topics vary by semester) | 3 |
| MHS 595: Special Topics in Music History | 3 |
| MTH 567: Systems of Analysis and Contemporary Art Music | 3 |
| MTH 566: Advanced Orchestration | 3 |
| MTH 458: Counterpoint | 3 |
| MTH 463: Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MTH 475: Synthesizer/Computer Applications | 3 |
| MTH 595: Special Topics in Music Theory | 3 |
| Humanities | |
| MHUM 501-502: Seminar: Music, Worship and Culture in Christian Perspective | 4 |
| Electives | |
| Music courses numbered 500* or above. No more than 2 credit hours of ensemble may count as music elective hours toward the degree. | 5-6 |
| TOTAL: | 32 |
| *A limited number of music courses numbered 400 or above may also be taken as electives, with the approval of the graduate advisor.NOTE: The student must enroll in an appropriate major ensemble [or accompanying] each semester of residence, with or without credit. |
Master of Music in String Performance
| Major Area | |
|---|---|
| INST 501, 502: Graduate Applied Strings | 12 |
| INST = instrument code, chosen from appropriate course codes | |
| MUS 557: Graduate Chamber Music | 2 |
| PERF 585: Graduate Recital (2 required) | 0 |
| Other Studies in Music | |
| MHS 520: Research and Bibliography | 2 |
| MUS 550: Graduate Orchestra | 2 |
| Choose from among the following | 6 |
| MHS 590: Seminar in Music History (topics vary by semester) | 3 |
| MHS 595: Special Topics in Music History | 3 |
| MTH 567: Systems of Analysis and Contemporary Art Music | 3 |
| MTH 566: Advanced Orchestration | 3 |
| MTH 458: Counterpoint | 3 |
| MTH 463: Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MTH 475: Synthesizer/Computer Applications | 3 |
| MTH 595: Special Topics in Music Theory | 3 |
| Humanities | |
| MHUM 501-502: Seminar: Music, Worship and Culture in Christian Perspective | 4 |
| Electives | |
| Music courses numbered 500* or above. No more than 2 credit hours of ensemble may count as music elective hours toward the degree. | 5-6 |
| TOTAL: | 32 |
| *A limited number of music courses numbered 400 or above may also be taken as electives, with the approval of the graduate advisor. For string performance majors, ensemble within the degree program (including those required in Other Studies in Music) may not exceed four, including a maximum of two in chamber ensemble. NOTE: The student must enroll in an appropriate major ensemble [or accompanying] each semester of residence, with or without credit. |
Master of Music in Vocal Performance
| Major Area | |
|---|---|
| VOIC 501, 502: Applied Voice | 12 |
| Choose from among the following | 2-3 |
| MHS 590: Graduate Seminar in Music History: Opera Survey | 3 |
| or | |
| MLT 540: Vocal Literature | 2 |
| or | |
| MUS 576: Applied Music Pedagogy: Voice | 2 |
| (Students who have not taken both vocal literature and vocal pedagogy at the undergraduate level are strongly advised to elect both courses.) | |
| PERF 585: Graduate Recital (2 required) | 0 |
| Other Studies in Music | |
| MHS 520: Research and Bibliography | 2 |
| Choose from among the following | 6 |
| MHS 590: Seminar in Music History (topics vary by semester)( | 3 |
| MHS 595: Special Topics in Music History | 3 |
| MTH 567: Systems of Analysis and Contemporary Art Music | 3 |
| MTH 566: Advanced Orchestration | 3 |
| MTH 458: Counterpoint | 3 |
| MTH 463: Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MTH 475: Synthesizer/Computer Applications | 3 |
| MTH 595: Special Topics in Music Theory | 3 |
| Humanities | |
| MHUM 501-502: Seminar: Music, Worship and Culture in Christian Perspective | 4 |
| Electives | |
| Music courses numbered 500* or above. No more than 2 credit hours of ensemble may count as music elective hours toward the degree. | 5-6 |
| TOTAL: | 32 |
|
*A limited number of music courses numbered 400 or above may also be taken as electives, with the approval of the graduate advisor. All graduate vocal performance majors are required to be enrolled in a graduate ensemble during each semester of residence (MUS 550, Graduate Major Ensemble or 553, Graduate Opera Workshop). All graduate voice performance fellowship holders are required to be enrolled in both MUS 550 & 553. Vocal performance majors must demonstrate one year of college-level study of any two of: French, German, or Italian. Acquisition of comparable language mastery of the third language, if not present, is strongly encouraged. |
