Master of Music
In addition to the University of Oregon Division of Graduate Studies' requirements for master’s degrees, the School of Music and Dance has the following requirements. For additional information, contact the music graduate office or consult the Info for Grad Students webpage.
A minimum of 9 credits must be taken in 600- or 700-level courses and at least one-half of the required credits must be in courses intended for graduate students only. Degree candidates must complete a terminal project (e.g., recital, thesis, project), all of which must be archived in one of the following locations: Music Services in Knight Library, Scholars’ Bank, ProQuest, or Cykler Music Education Library.
Master of Music in Intermedia Music Technology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Two 500-level seminars or courses in music outside the music technology area, approved by an advisor | 6-8 | |
| MUS 550 | Sensor Music | 3 |
| MUS 570 | History of Electroacoustic Music | 3 |
| MUS 571 | Musical Performance Networks | 3 |
| MUS 609 | Terminal Project | 9 |
| MUS 611 | Research Methods in Music | 3 |
| MUS 693 | Oregon Electronic Device Orchestra | 2 |
| Completion of 18 credits of the following: | 18 | |
| Advanced Electronic Composition | ||
| Two nonmusic courses, approved in advance by the advisor | 6-8 | |
| MUS 579 | Data Sonification | 4 |
| Total Credits | 57-61 | |
Additional Requirements
- electroacoustic listening exam—a listening examination covering contemporary and classic works of electroacoustic music literature
- technical exam—a four-hour written examination on theoretical aspects of music technology
- final oral examination—reviewing the terminal project and degree course work
Master of Music in Music Composition
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Appropriate ensemble, at least three terms | 3-6 | |
| MUS 516 | Post-Tonal Theory I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Post-Tonal Theory II | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Advanced Post-Tonal Theory | ||
| MUS 530 | Schenkerian Analysis | 3 |
| MUS 533–535 | Counterpoint | 12 |
| MUS 538 | Composers Forum (at least four terms) | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Interactive Media Performance | ||
| Advanced Electronic Composition | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Introduction to Ethnomusicology | ||
| Musical Instruments of the World | ||
| Balinese Gamelan (two terms) | ||
| MUS 605 | Reading and Conference: [Topic] (Thesis Proposal) | 1 |
| MUS 611 | Research Methods in Music | 3 |
| Two sequences of the following: | 18 | |
| Advanced Composition Studies | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Music in the Classical Period | ||
| Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| MUS 665 | Music in the 20th Century | 3 |
| MUS 503 | Thesis 1 | 9 |
| Total Credits | 72-76 | |
| 1 | A composition of substantial dimension, composed under the guidance of a member of the music composition faculty, performed and recorded on campus. |
Additional Requirements
- proficiency in notation
- proficiency in orchestration
- proficiency in piano
Students have two ways of meeting the piano proficiency:
1. Six consecutive terms of MUP 165 in piano;
2. Pass the proficiency exam administered by the composition faculty, which may be taken at the end of any of the first five terms of piano lessons (MUP 165).
- public performance—usually a graduate recital lasting 50 minutes—of works composed under the guidance of and approved by the composition faculty
- final oral examination reviewing the thesis and degree course work
Master of Music in Music: Conducting––Choral Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 611 | Research Methods in Music | 3 |
| Performance Studies: Voice, at least three terms | 6 | |
| MUS 607 | Seminar: [Topic] (Choral Conducting) | 2 |
| MUS 607 | Seminar: [Topic] (Choral Conducting) | 2 |
| MUS 607 | Seminar: [Topic] (Choral Conducting) | 2 |
| MUS 627 | Survey of Choral Literature I | 3 |
| MUS 628 | Survey of Choral Literature II | 3 |
| MUE 606 | Practicum: [Topic] (three terms) | 6 |
| MUS 697 | Chorus: [Topic] (three terms of Chamber Choir or University Singers) | 6 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Music in the Classical Period | ||
| Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Music in the 20th Century | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Seminar: [Topic] (Master Class in Conducting associated with the Oregon Bach Festival) | ||
| Reading and Conference: [Topic] (OBF Chamber Choir) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices I-III | ||
| Teaching Singing in the Classroom | ||
| Lyric Diction | ||
| Lyric Diction | ||
| Pedagogy and Practicum: [Topic] (Choral Conducting or Voice) | ||
| Notation of Medieval and Renaissance Music | ||
| MUS 691 | Collegium Musicum | 1-3 |
| Electives in the area of emphasis, chosen in consultation with advisor to bring final total to 54 graduate credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 61-63 | |
Additional Requirements
- final program portfolio
- as a culminating demonstration of professional capability in the major field, the student must conduct a juried, concert-length public performance or the equivalent
- piano proficiency examination
- a final oral examination that covers degree course work
Residence Requirement
Three consecutive terms must be in residence, excluding summer sessions.
Master of Music in Music: Conducting––Orchestral Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 611 | Research Methods in Music | 3 |
| MUS 624 | Instrumental Conducting Laboratory (six terms) | 12 |
| MUS 625 | Orchestral Music: Bach to Beethoven | 2 |
| MUS 626 | Orchestral Music: 1825 to Modern | 2 |
| MUS 629 | Repertoire and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS 681 | Historical Performance Practices II | 3 |
| or MUS 682 | Historical Performance Practices III | |
| MUP Performance Studies (three terms) | 6 | |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Music in the Classical Period | ||
| Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Music in the 20th Century | ||
| Ensemble (three terms) 1 | 6 | |
| Electives at the 500 level or above in the area of emphasis 2 | 11 | |
| Juried rehearsal prepared in consultation with faculty advisor | ||
| Total Credits | 54 | |
| 1 | Ensemble must by approved by an advisor. |
| 2 | Chosen in consultation with an advisor. |
Additional Requirements
- as a culminating demonstration of professional capability in the major field, the student must conduct a juried, concert-length public performance or the equivalent
- academic year in residence
- a final oral examination that covers degree course work
- a research paper dealing with some aspect of orchestral conducting
Master of Music in Music: Conducting––Wind Ensemble Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUP 635 | Music Performance Studies: [Topic] (Three terms, 2 credits per term) | 6 |
| MUS 611 | Research Methods in Music | 3 |
| MUS 620 | Bibliography in Instrumental Conducting | 3 |
| MUS 624 | Instrumental Conducting Laboratory (Six terms, 2 credits per term) | 12 |
| MUE 507 | Seminar: [Topic] (Band Materials) | 3 |
| MUS 622 | Wind Repertoire | 3 |
| MUS 623 | Wind Repertoire | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Music in the Classical Period | ||
| Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| MUS 665 | Music in the 20th Century | 3 |
| MUS 695 | Band: [Topic] (three terms of Wind Ensemble) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
Additional Requirements
- as a culminating demonstration of professional capability in the major field, the student must conduct a juried rehearsal and concert-length public performance or the equivalent
- academic year in residence
- a final oral examination that covers degree course work
- a research paper dealing with some aspect of wind ensemble conducting
Master of Music in Music Education
Candidates are required to establish an area of emphasis among the following:
-
Choral music education (voice and piano must be used)
-
Elementary general music education (voice and piano must be used)
-
Instrumental music education: band (traditional wind or percussion instruments must be used)
-
Instrumental music education: orchestra (violin, viola, cello, or double bass must be used)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUE 532 | Music in School and Society | 3 |
| MUE 612 | Quantitative Research in Music Education | 3 |
| MUE 538 | Curricular Strategies in Music Education | 3 |
| MUE 649 History of American Music Education | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Music in the Classical Period | ||
| Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Music in the 20th Century | ||
| Music Performance Studies | 6-12 | |
| Music Performance Studies: [Topic] | ||
| 500-level or above music theory, musicology, or ethnomusicology course | 3-4 | |
| 500-level or above music education courses in area of emphasis 1 | 12 | |
| 500 or 600-level or above courses 1 | 6 | |
| Ensemble, three terms 1 | 3-6 | |
| Electives 1 | 6 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Thesis (and oral examination) 2 | ||
Major project and oral examination 3,4 | ||
| Total Credits | 48-58 | |
| 1 | Chosen in consultation with advisor. |
| 2 | Oral examination covers all music education course work. |
| 3 | Course work is 6 credits of Research: [Topic] (MUE 601). |
Additional Requirements
As needed, courses in expository writing.
Master of Music in Music: Jazz Studies––Composition-Arranging Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUJ 583–584 | Advanced Jazz Arranging I-II | 6 |
| MUJ 605 | Reading and Conference: [Topic] (Research Presentation Preparation) | 4 |
| MUS 611 | Research Methods in Music | 3 |
| MUJ 660 | Survey of Jazz Composition | 3 |
| MUJ 540 | Jazz Pedagogy Practicum ((MUJ 440/540 currently in review)) | 3 |
| MUJ 661 | Jazz Program Planning and Development | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 6-12 | |
| Jazz Laboratory Band III (six terms) | ||
| Jazz Laboratory Band II (six terms) | ||
| Oregon Jazz Ensemble (six terms) | ||
| MUJ 695 | Small Jazz Ensemble: [Topic] (three terms) | 3 |
| At least four 500-level or above seminars or courses in music outside the jazz area 1,2 | 12-16 | |
| Electives at the 500-level or above to bring final total to 54 graduate credits 3 | 11 | |
| Applied study in jazz composition: MUP 650 or MUP 665 | 6-12 | |
| Music Performance Studies | ||
| Music Performance Studies | ||
| Total Credits | 60-76 | |
| 1 | Individualized study and experimental courses do not fulfill this requirement. |
| 2 | Seminar and courses must by approved by advisor. |
| 3 | Chosen in consultation with an advisor. |
Additional Requirements
- successful completion of the graduate jazz arranging barrier exam
- a recorded public recital or CD project of works composed under the guidance of a member of the jazz faculty and approved by the jazz studies committee
- a public lecture-presentation of independent research conducted under the guidance of a member of the jazz faculty
- a final oral examination with emphasis on jazz history, literature, and pedagogy
Both the recital-CD project and lecture-demonstration must have prior approval from the jazz studies committee.
Master of Music in Music: Jazz Studies––Instrumental Performance Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUJ 577–579 | Advanced Jazz Repertoire I-III | 9 |
| MUS 611 | Research Methods in Music | 3 |
| MUJ 661 | Jazz Program Planning and Development | 3 |
| MUJ 540 | Jazz Pedagogy Practicum | 3 |
| Jazz performance studies | 12 | |
| To be taken at either MUP 650 or 665 | ||
| Music Performance Studies | ||
| Music Performance Studies | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-6 | |
| Jazz Laboratory Band III (three terms) | ||
| Jazz Laboratory Band II (three terms) | ||
| Oregon Jazz Ensemble (three terms) | ||
| MUJ 695 | Small Jazz Ensemble: [Topic] (six terms) | 6 |
| At least four 500-level or above seminars or courses in music outside the jazz area 1,2 | 12-16 | |
| Electives at the 500-level or above to bring final total to 54 graduate credits 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 54-61 | |
| 1 | Individualized study and experimental courses do not fulfill this requirement. |
| 2 | Seminar and courses must by approved by an advisor. |
| 3 | Chosen in consultation with an advisor. |
Additional Requirements
- successful completion of the graduate jazz performance barrier exam
- a full-length, recorded public recital or CD project demonstrating mastery of jazz performance and showcasing creativity
- a public lecture-presentation of independent research conducted under the guidance of a member of the jazz faculty
- a final oral examination with emphasis on jazz history, literature, and pedagogy
Both the recital-CD project and lecture-demonstration must have prior approval from the jazz studies committee.
Master of Music in Music: Piano Pedagogy
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUE 571 | Piano Pedagogy I: Teaching Beginners | 3 |
| MUE 572 | Piano Pedagogy II: Teaching Groups | 2 |
| MUE 573 | Piano Pedagogy III: Teaching Intermediate Levels | 2 |
| MUE 606 | Practicum: [Topic] (three terms) | 3 |
| MUE 639 | Pedagogy and Practicum: [Topic] | 3 |
| MUS 611 | Research Methods in Music | 3 |
| MUS 650–652 | Piano Literature | 9 |
| Appropriate ensemble, at least three terms | 3-6 | |
| Applied Piano Study | 12-24 | |
| 500-level or above seminars or courses in music history, theory, or literature | 6 | |
| Music electives at the 500-level or above 1 | 3 | |
| MUE 601 | Research: [Topic] (Final Project) 2 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 52-67 | |
| 1 | Chosen in consultation with an advisor. |
| 2 | Project and recital of at least 30 minutes of music performance. If pursuing a concurrent piano performance degree, a lecture-demonstration may serve in lieu of the recital. |
Additional Requirement
A final oral examination reviewing the project and degree course work.
Master of Music in Music Performance
Options are available in bass, bassoon, cello, clarinet, collaborative piano, euphonium, flute, harp, harpsichord, horn, multiple woodwind or brass, oboe, organ, percussion, saxophone, solo piano, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, and voice.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 611 | Research Methods in Music | 3 |
| MUP 665 | Music Performance Studies 1,2 | 24 |
| Appropriate ensemble, at least six terms 3 | 9-12 | |
| MUS 691 | Collegium Musicum 4 | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Music in the Classical Period | ||
| Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Music in the 20th Century | ||
| 500-level or above music theory course | 3-4 | |
| 500-level or above course in musicology-ethnomusicology, theory, or literature 5 | 3-4 | |
| 600-level or above course in musicology-ethnomusicology or theory 5 | 3-4 | |
| Total Credits | 49-55 | |
| 1 | During the term of the public recital, enroll in Music Performance Studies (MUP 665) |
| 2 | Exception is multiple woodwind or brass instruments option. |
| 3 | Exception is voice and multiple woodwind or brass instruments option. |
| 4 | Not required for saxophone students. |
| 5 | Exceptions are collaborative piano and voice options. |
Additional Requirements
Final oral examination with emphasis on history, literature, and pedagogy of the primary performance medium.
Public recital prepared in consultation with faculty advisor.
Additional Violin and Viola Required Courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUE 563 | Pedagogy Methods: Violin and Viola | 2 |
| MUE 564 | Advanced Violin/Viola Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUE 565 | Somatics for String Players | 1 |
Ensemble Requirements
Before each fall term, students must audition for ensemble placement. Students entering winter and spring terms audition at the time of entrance. Factors for placement include the student’s preference, level of ability, major performance medium, educational and musical needs, and the needs of the school’s ensembles.
- Instrumental ensemble options: University Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Wind Ensemble, Oregon Wind Symphony
- Voice ensemble options: University Singers, Chamber Choir, Repertoire Singers, Opera Ensemble
- Students studying harpsichord, organ, or harp may enroll in one of the following courses instead of large conducted ensembles:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 605 | Reading and Conference: [Topic] | 1-4 |
| MUS 691 | Collegium Musicum | 1-3 |
| MUS 694 | Chamber Ensemble: [Topic] | 1 |
Students studying piano must enroll in the following courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 521–523 | The Collaborative Pianist | 6 |
| MUS 694 | Chamber Ensemble: [Topic] (Accompanying) | 3 |
Students studying collaborative piano must enroll in the following course:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 694 | Chamber Ensemble: [Topic] (Chamber Ensemble) | 6 |
Additional Requirements
Final oral examination with emphasis on history, literature, and pedagogy of the primary performance medium.
Public recital prepared in consultation with faculty advisor.
Additional Violin and Viola Required Courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUE 563 | Pedagogy Methods: Violin and Viola | 2 |
| MUE 564 | Advanced Violin/Viola Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUE 565 | Somatics for String Players | 1 |
Additional Requirements for Selected Options
Harpsichord
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 605 | Reading and Conference: [Topic] (Harpsichord Literature) | 3 |
| MUS 650 | Piano Literature | 3 |
Multiple Woodwind or Brass Instruments
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 605 | Reading and Conference: [Topic] (Wind Instrument Music) | 3 |
| Performance Studies, at least 3 credits in each secondary instrument | 6 | |
| MUE 639 | Pedagogy and Practicum: [Topic] (Woodwinds or Brass) | 3 |
Additional Requirements
- Public recital of both solo and ensemble music on the primary instrument, and performance of a substantial composition on each of the two secondary instruments during a public student recital
- final oral examination with emphasis on history, literature, and pedagogy of the primary and secondary instruments
Organ
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 605 | Reading and Conference: [Topic] (Organ Literature) | 1-4 |
| MUE 639 | Pedagogy and Practicum: [Topic] (Organ) | 3 |
Percussion
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Percussion Ensemble: | 6-12 | |
| Chamber Ensemble: [Topic] (Oregon Percussion Ensemble) | ||
Piano
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 650–652 | Piano Literature | 9 |
Collaborative Piano
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 155–156 | Introduction to Lyric Diction | 4 |
| MUS 567–568 | Solo Vocal Music | 6 |
| MUS 605 | Reading and Conference: [Topic] | 2 |
| MUP 650 | Music Performance Studies (Taken two times) | 4 |
Additional Requirements
Two public recitals: consult an advisor for procedures.
Stringed Instruments
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Chamber Ensemble: | 3 | |
| Chamber Ensemble: [Topic] | ||
Violin and Viola
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUE 563 | Pedagogy Methods: Violin and Viola | 2 |
| MUE 564 | Advanced Violin/Viola Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUE 565 | Somatics for String Players | 1 |
Voice
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 555–556 | Lyric Diction | 6 |
| MUS 567–568 | Solo Vocal Music | 6 |
| MUS 574–575 | History of Opera | 8 |
| MUE 639 | Pedagogy and Practicum: [Topic] (Voice) | 3 |
| One year of college study in each of the following languages: Italian, French, German. | ||