Master of Music
Master of Music in Music Education
Entrance Audition Requirements for M.M., Music Education
When your application to a graduate degree program in Music Education is complete, it will be reviewed by the Music Education faculty. If this review is favorable, a representative of the Music Education faculty will contact you to schedule an entrance audition and interview.
Entrance Audition
The main purposes of this audition requirement are: (1) to enable you to provide evidence of a quality of musicianship on a performing medium that is appropriate for graduate study in Music Education at WVU, and (2) to make a preliminary determination that appropriate resources and opportunities will be available to you to meet the applied study requirements of your graduate program in Music Education.
Auditions are held on campus throughout the academic year and should be scheduled in conjunction with your entrance interview. If you have had previous opportunities to demonstrate your musicianship in this manner for WVU faculty, this audition requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Music Education faculty.
You will audition for a team of at least two faculty members–at least one of whom will represent Music Education and at least one of whom will represent the appropriate applied area.
You may audition on a principal or secondary instrument or voice.
Your audition will comprise a minimum of two prepared works of contrasting style.
You may audition with or without an accompanist. If you intend to audition with an accompanist, you may provide your own or you may request that the Division of Music provide one for you. A request for a Division of Music accompanist should be made when you are contacted to schedule your audition. If you wish to work with your Division of Music accompanist before your audition, it will be your responsibility to make all related arrangements.
In the event of extenuating circumstances (as determined and approved by the Music Education faculty), you may submit a recording in place of an on-campus audition. This recording should be accompanied by a program that clearly and completely identifies the contents of the recording.
Approved submission of a recording in place of an on-campus entrance audition does not preclude the requirement of an on-campus entrance interview.
Entrance Interview
The main purposes of this interview requirement are: (1) to provide the Music Education faculty with an opportunity to meet you and discuss your application and career aspirations, (2) to review specific curriculum options within your intended degree program in Music Education, (3) to review graduate assistantship opportunities (if applicable), and (4) to provide you with an opportunity to meet the Music Education faculty and discuss any topics related to your interest in graduate study in Music Education at WVU.
Interviews are held on campus throughout the academic year and should be scheduled in conjunction with your entrance audition. In the event of extenuating circumstances (as determined and approved by the Music Education faculty), a telephone interview may be conducted in place of an on-campus interview. Approval of a telephone interview in place of an on-campus entrance interview does not preclude the requirement of an on-campus entrance audition.
The M.M., Music Education degree is designed to cultivate continued development of professional competence beyond the baccalaureate degree. High levels of musicianship and pedagogical expertise are integrated into a comprehensive program of study. Unique to the degree in music education are four degree options that enable students to pursue individual interests and talents.
At the core of each of the 30 hour degree options is coursework that immerses students in the foundations and research of music education, performance studies, music history, and music theory. Depending on the degree option a student selects, coursework and culminating projects are tailored to emphasize a specialization in either performance, research, or teaching.
Field Study Option
This degree option emphasizes teaching and includes opportunities to integrate performance studies and research, with a school-based field study that demonstrates application of knowledge and skills from graduate study as a culminating project.
MUSC 783 Foundations of Music Education |
3 |
MUSC 784 Introduction to Research in Music Education |
3 |
Advanced Seminars in Music Education, Methods, Workshops, Directed Studies |
6 |
Perspectives of Music History |
5-6 |
Graduate Theory Review |
|
One Graduate Level Music Theory Course |
2-3 |
MUSC 500 or 700 Performance |
4 |
Master’s Field Study |
4 |
Music Electives |
4-5 |
Recital Option
This degree option emphasizes performance studies and includes opportunities to integrate research and teaching, with a representative public recital that demonstrates advanced performance competence as a culminating project.
MUSC 783 Foundations of Music Education |
3 |
MUSC 784 Introduction to Research in Music Education |
3 |
Advanced Seminars in Music Education, Methods, Workshops, Directed Studies |
6 |
Perspectives of Music History |
5-6 |
Graduate Theory Review |
|
One Graduate Level Music Theory Course |
2-3 |
MUSC 500 or 700 Performance |
8 |
Master’s Recital |
2 |
Music Electives |
2-3 |
Thesis Option
This degree option emphasizes research and includes opportunities to integrate performance and teaching, with an original thesis that demonstrates advanced research and writing competence as a culminating project.
MUSC 783 Foundations of Music Education |
3 |
MUSC 784 Introduction to Research in Music Education |
3 |
Advanced Seminars in Music Education, Methods, Workshops, Directed Studies |
6 |
Perspectives of Music History |
5-6 |
Graduate Theory Review |
|
One Graduate Level Music Theory Course |
2-3 |
MUSC 500 or 700 Performance |
4 |
Master’s Thesis |
4 |
Music Electives |
4-5 |
Certification Option
This degree option is designed for persons who obtained an undergraduate degree in music other than music education. Coursework (including student teaching) leads to a professional certificate (K-12 Music, West Virginia) and is combined with a master’s degree in music education, with the generation of a professional portfolio as a culminating project. Students begin the program with a series of undergraduate courses that are necessary for certification. This block of undergraduate courses ranges from 0-21 credits depending on the students’ previous coursework. The graduate classes required for this option follow.
MUSC 783 Foundations of Music Education |
3 |
MUSC 784 Introduction to Research in Music Education |
3 |
Advanced Seminars in Music Education, Methods, Workshops, Directed Studies |
6 |
Perspectives of Music History |
5-6 |
Graduate Theory Review |
|
One Graduate Level Music Theory Course |
2-3 |
MUSC 492 Music Student Teaching Seminar |
2 |
MUSC 686 Instrumental Music Methods |
3 |
MUSC 687 Choral Music Methods and Materials |
3 |
MUSC 688 General Music Methods and Materials |
3 |
MUSC 500 or 700 Performance |
4 |
Master of Music in Performance
Audition Requirements
Audition repertoire for the M.M. in Music Performance should be chosen that allows candidates to demonstrate their current level of achievement.
Early in the application process potential students should contact the major teacher in their area and discuss audition repertoire possibilities.
Course Requirements (Course descriptions are available on-line at: www.wvu.edu)
Prerequisite: Level 10 in the major performance area, and Level 3 in piano; for organists, Level 5 in piano; for pianists in the piano pedagogy option, Level 9 in piano and one year of piano pedagogy/group or equivalent teaching experience; for voice majors, the same language requirements as for the B.M. degree, one year of French, German or Italian.
M.M., Traditional Performance Program
MUSC 700 Performance (major performance area) |
8 |
MUSC 771 Introduction to Music Bibliography |
3 |
MUSC 689 Master’s Recital |
4 |
One of the following: |
2 |
One theory course and one music history course |
5-6 |
Music electives |
7-8 |
Total |
30 Hr. |
M.M., Piano Pedagogy Program
MUSC 700 Performance (major performance area) |
8 |
MUSC 771 Introduction to Music Bibliography |
3 |
MUSC 689 Master’s Recital |
2 |
MUSC 630 Studies in Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy |
6 |
MUSC 692 Guided Studies (Teaching internship) |
4 |
One graduate level Theory course or one Music History course |
2-3 |
Music electives |
4-5 |
Total |
30 Hr. |
Master of Music in Composition
Audition Requirements
Applicants for entrance to the composition program should send a portfolio of compositions that music include a major work and two or three other shorter works in various genres. The score may be on paper, bound the usual way, or as computer-notated files (Coda Software’s Finale preferred) on compact disc or ZIP disc. Portable document file format (Adobe Acrobat) is acceptable. Please do not use floppy discs. Music files may be sent as attachments to an e-mail message (jobeall@mail.wvu.edu), Recordings of application compositions are welcome but not mandatory. NOTE: Graduate instruction in composition is generally in classical styles; no more than one application work may be in some other style (jazz, popular song, etc.) Questions about the application portfolio compositions should be addressed to the Composer-in-Residence or Director of Graduate Studies.
Course Requirements (Course descriptions are available on-line at: www.wvu.edu)
M.M., Composition Program
Prerequisite: Level 8 in the major performance area; Level 4 in piano; evaluation of previously completed compositions at a graduate major level.
MUSC 771 Introduction to Music Bibliography |
3 |
MUSC 660 Composition |
6 |
MUSC 762 Pedagogy of Theory |
3 |
MUSC 765 Transcription and Arranging |
3 |
MUSC 764 Comp. Tech. in Contemporary Music or Music 763 Analytical Tech |
3 |
MUSC 660 Composition of Electronic Music |
3 |
One Graduate level Music History Course |
3 |
MUSC 698 Research (thesis) |
3 |
One Graduate level Elective Course |
3 |
Total |
30 Hr. |
Master of Music in Conducting
Audition Requirements
Teaching/Conducting Experience: It is strongly recommended that those desiring admission to this degree have a minimum of 2 years successful teaching/conducting experience beyond their undergraduate conducting courses.
Instrumental Emphasis
• Prepare and conduct a 15-30 minute audition with the Symphony Orchestra or Wind Symphony. The applicant will conduct and rehearse the ensemble on designated repertoire and will be evaluated by appropriate conducting faculty.
• The applicant’s knowledge of the historical development of instrumental music and knowledge and experience with instrumental literature will be assessed by appropriate faculty.
Choral Emphasis
• The applicant will prepare and present a 20-minute rehearsal audition with a designated choral ensemble before the conducting faculty.
• The applicant will demonstrate piano ability by playing selected segments from designated choral scores. This portion of the audition is designed merely to determine if the candidate can utilize the piano in some way as a study and teaching tool. Elements of this portion of the audition will include simple open-score part reading, transposition of melodic lines and simple accompaniments.
• An overview of the applicant’s knowledge and experience with choral literature will be assessed by appropriate faculty.
• The applicant will demonstrate a basic knowledge of singer’s diction in English, Latin, Italian, and German by reciting and singing brief prepared excerpts drawn from standard choral repertoire.
Course Requirements (Course descriptions are available on-line at: www.wvu.edu)
M.M., Conducting Program
MUSC 700 Performance (major performance area) |
8 |
MUSC 771 Introduction to Music Bibliography |
3 |
MUSC 689 Master’s Recital |
6 |
MUSC 710, 711 Conducting Seminars |
6 |
MUSC 631, 632, or 633 Studies in Vocal/Instrumental Music |
3 |
MUSC 780 or 781 Studies in Choral/Instrumental Techniques |
2 |
One Theory course with Analytical Component |
3 |
One graduate level Theory course or one Music History course |
2 |
Total |
33 Hr. |
Master of Music in Jazz Pedagogy
The program is designed to prepare students for independent jazz teaching, public school teaching, college or university studio or group teaching, ensemble coaching, and the teaching of jazz improvisation and pedagogy at the college of university level.
Audition Requirements
Applicants are required to sight-read both musical notation and chord changes. Applicants should be prepared to play common jazz scale forms and improvise in a number of jazz and contemporary styles. In addition, applicants may choose additional music that best reflects their technical ability, overall musicianship, and musical interests. The applicant should demonstrate their versatility and creativity.
Course Requirements (Course descriptions are available on-line at: www.wvu.edu)
M.M., Jazz Pedagogy Program
Prerequisite: Level 9 in the major performance area, and Level 3 in piano, and one year of jazz pedagogy/group or equivalent teaching experience.
MUSC 700 Performance (major performance area) |
8 |
MUSC 731 Introduction to Music Bibliography |
3 |
MUSC 689 Master’s Recital |
2 |
MUSC 634 Studies in Jazz Performance and Pedagogy |
6 |
One graduate level Theory course or one Music History course |
3 |
Music Electives |
4-5 |
MUSC 692 Research |
4 |
Ensembles (2 semesters) |
|
Total |
30 Hr. |
Master of Music in Music History
Students completing the Master's Program in Music History acquire a broad-based knowledge of Western Music. Courses and seminars explore both art and vernacular traditions, and the curriculum encourages the development of an understanding of how musical styles evolve within a larger social and cultural context. The theses of recent graduates have explored the rise of Russian nationalism as revealed in 18th century opera, the formation of German-American musical culture in the 19th century, and the musical sub-cultures of 20th century Greek and Italian immigrants to western Pennsylvania. Recent graduates have entered leading American doctoral programs or have found employment in occupations drawing heavily upon the expertise and skills developed through our degree program.
Audition Requirements
• Students seeking admission to the graduate program in music history must successfully audition on their principal instrument.
• The audition will be heard by members of the performance faculty from the appropriate applied area who will provide a written evaluation of the audition and assign a level for informational purposes.
• All students who are admitted to the program will be required to successfully complete four semesters of studio lessons on their principal instruments. The successful completion of this requirement will be measured by the semester grade and the jury at the end of each semester. We do not intend to admit students who will be unable to draw upon the performing experiences in any meaningful way as they engage with music in a historical context.
Course Requirements (Course descriptions are available on-line at: www.wvu.edu)
M.M., Music History Program
Prerequisite: Level 7 in the major performance area; Level 4 in piano; 4 semesters of a foreign language; 7 hours upper-division theory; 15 undergraduate hours in music history.
MUSC 771 Introduction to Music Bibliography |
3 |
Music History |
6 |
MUSC 591/791 Special Topics |
6 |
Theory Elective |
3 |
MUSC 797 Research (Thesis) |
4 |
Electives (at least four credits in music) |
8 |
Total |
30 Hr. |
Master of Music in Music Theory
The MM in Music Theory is intended for performers and music educators who desire advanced training in the analysis of Western art music and preparation for teaching basic musicianship in either a high school or college setting. This degree can also prepare students for doctoral work in either academic or applied areas, depending upon the electives chosen. It is recommended that those considering this degree have above average keyboard skills; specifically the student should be able to place select Bach Two-Part Inventions and be able to sight read a hymn or chorale.
Course Requirements (Course descriptions are available on-line at: www.wvu.edu)
M.M., Music Theory Program
Prerequisite: Level 8 in the major performance area; Level 4 in piano. Language: 2 semester or equivalent proficiency in one language. French, German, or Italian, or a language pertaining to the thesis topic.
Music 771 Introduction to Music Bibliography |
3 |
One graduate-level Music History course (M470-476, 591K, 670, 791) |
3 |
*MUSC 465 16th Century Counterpoint |
2 |
*MUSC 466 18th Century Counterpoint |
2 |
MUSC 763 Analytical Techniques |
3 |
MUSC 764 Compositional Techniques in Contemporary Music |
3 |
MUSC 762 Pedagogy of Theory |
3 |
MUSC 761 Theory Topics |
3 |
MUSC 660 Composition |
3 |
MUSC 698 Research (Thesis) |
3 |
†Electives |
2 |
* required if not taken in the undergraduate degree.
† total degree is 30 hours. If counterpoint taken in undergraduate degree (i.e., MUSC 465 and/or 466), 6 total hours are available as electives.
Additional Requirements for all M.M. Options
Master’s degree students must establish an overall grade-point average of 3.0. A representative public recital is required of candidates majoring in performance. Composition majors must submit as a thesis a composition in a large form. All candidates for the master of music degree are required to participate for credit for two semesters (or summer sessions) in a performing group which meets at least two clock hours per week and which is selected with the advisor’s approval. A general comprehensive oral examination must be passed by all candidates for the master of music degree. Unsuccessful candidates may repeat this examination after a three-month period. The results of the second oral examination will normally be considered final. The examining committee will decide immediately after an unsuccessful second attempt whether a petition for a third attempt will be granted. Students must complete all requirements following admission to a degree program in eight calendar years. Failure to do so will result in the loss of credit for courses taken at the outset of the program.
