Music (MMusic)
Department website: http://www.music.utexas.edu/
The Master of Music degree with a major in music includes the following areas of concentration: performance (including collaborative piano, opera coaching/directing, and chamber music), composition, theory, literature and pedagogy, musicology, and ethnomusicology. The Master of Music degree is also offered with a major in conducting and a major in music and human learning.
Music, Performance (MMusic)
Degrees in this concentration are awarded for performance on brass, woodwind, percussion, keyboard, and stringed instruments, and in voice, opera, collaborative piano, and chamber music. In addition to demonstrating the technical achievements of the artist-performer, the student is expected to exhibit a thorough knowledge of the theoretical, pedagogical, and historical aspects of the major, as well as a knowledge of the literature of the performance area.
Music, Musicology/Ethnomusicology (MMusic)
Students pursuing this concentration have the opportunity to acquire the appropriate tools and methods of research in both historical musicology and ethnomusicology, and to study the history of music from the remote past to the present as well as the nature and function of music in the cultures of the world. The student also has the opportunity to do research in any historical aspect of music and to undertake field research in any cultural area. This major provides preparation for positions in college teaching, research, music criticism, and, with additional training, library work. A broad background in the humanities and social sciences is essential for this area of study. Languages, history, philosophy (aesthetics), psychology, anthropology, cultural studies, and sociology are supporting and related fields.
Music, Composition (MMusic)
Students pursuing this concentration have the opportunity to acquire the tools to create music and convey their musical ideas through a variety of performance media. Students are expected to exhibit a thorough knowledge of the theoretical and historical basis of music and to develop strong pedagogical skills. A comprehensive general curriculum and optional concentrations in various areas of specialization help to prepare students for advanced careers as composers and teachers.
Music, Theory (MMusic)
Students pursuing this concentration study the principles of music, develop skills in music analysis and scholarly research, and prepare themselves to become college teachers in music theory. Competence in keyboard performance, proficiency in aural skills, a thorough knowledge of the pedagogy of music theory, and a broad background in the humanities are essential for this area of study.
Graduate Handbook
Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.
Admission
Entering students should have a bachelor’s degree (or the equivalent) from an accredited institution.
All applicants are required to furnish a statement of intent in graduate study and three letters of reference pertaining to their potential for graduate work in music. Graduate Record Examinations scores are not required for students pursuing degrees in music with concentrations in composition or performance. Applicants seeking admission to degree programs with a concentration in performance typically must perform a live audition. Exceptions and detailed instructions can be found on the Butler School of Music graduate admissions website. Those seeking admission to the degree program in certain areas of concentration within music must submit prescreening videos before arranging for a live audition on campus; those planning to major in music with a concentration in composition must send scores and recordings of their music; and those planning to major in music with a concentration in musicology, ethnomusicology, or music theory must submit samples of their written work.
Diagnostic examinations in music theory and in music history and literature are required of all students before registration for the first semester of graduate work. Passing these examinations or remedying deficiencies by completing assigned courses is necessary for the completion of every degree and is a prerequisite for doctoral comprehensive examinations.
Entering graduate students in music pursuing a concentration in voice are expected to have taken the equivalent of one semester each of Italian, French, and German, and two semesters of diction. All entering graduate students pursuing a degree with a concentration in voice are given a diagnostic examination consisting of reading in these three languages. The examination stresses proficiency in pronunciation and is used to help the student plan a program of study.
Total Hours Required: 30
Requirements
The Master of Music degree with a major in music includes the following areas of concentration: performance (including collaborative piano, opera coaching/directing, and chamber music), composition, theory, literature and pedagogy, musicology, and ethnomusicology. The Master of Music degree is also offered with a major in conducting and a major in music and human learning.
Most programs of study leading to the Master of Music require between 30 to 36 semester hours of coursework depending on the degree major and area of concentration. The program of work for music degrees with a concentration in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and literature/pedagogy includes a three-hour Master's Report (MUS 398M) in lieu of the six-hour Master's Thesis (MUS 698 Thesis). A comprehensive examination is required of all master’s degree candidates, usually in the final semester of study.
Further information about master’s degrees is given in Degree Requirements. Details of departmental requirements in the various areas of concentration are available from the graduate admissions coordinator.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All students must also follow the requirements and policies below: | ||
| Graduate Fine Arts Requirements | ||
| Graduate University Requirements | ||