The School of Music offers the Master of Music degree with majors in performance, music education, theory/composition, and church music. The Master of Music degree is designed to:
The degree requires a minimum of 30 hours; however, additional hours may be required to meet the standards for a particular area of study.
Applicants for graduate study in music must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with recognized standing in the National Association of Schools of Music. Admission to the program requires the program director’s endorsement, which will be based on evaluation of the following elements:
Provisional admission may be granted to a student before taking auditions and entrance examinations, or if one or more parts of the entrance exams are not passed. Such provisional admission allows the student to begin taking graduate course work, with the stipulation that full admission is earned before the student is allowed to continue beyond 12 hours of graduate work. Full admission is earned by successfully completing all parts of the exam and any assigned leveling work, and must be earned within 12 months of beginning graduate study at HSU. Further explanation of admissions policies can be found in the admissions section of this catalog.
Students in their undergraduate senior year who meet the entrance requirements for the graduate music program, may be admitted to the program and take up to six hours of music graduate course work to count toward the Master of Music degree.
Solo and ensemble performance may be required on all graduate degrees in music. The MUPS courses with 5000-level numbers are used in the music education and theory/composition degrees to satisfy the performance study requirements. Only 6000-level numbers may be used to satisfy performance studies requirements for the performance degree.
Students making a grade of D, F or WF in any required course will not be allowed to continue in graduate studies.
In order to receive the Master of Music degree, students must complete all required courses including any leveling work, successfully complete the comprehensive examination, and successfully complete the culminating work of the particular degree option (recital, thesis, composition, or final project).
Performance
Instrumental, Vocal, or Conducting Emphasis
Major Field
TOTAL MAJOR FIELD 12 HOURS
MUPS (6000 level)
| Performance Study | 9 |
| MUPS 6101 | Recital | 1 |
| MUHL 6241 | Directed Independent Studies in, Music Literature. | 2 |
Music Core
(Pedagogy—major performance area)
(Performance Literature—major performance area)
TOTAL MUSIC CORE 10-12 HOURS
Supportive Courses
MUTC (see MUTC Curriculum Selection List)
TOTAL SUPPORTIVE COURSES 9-10 HOURS
*Note: MUHL 5099 courses will NOT substitute for required period courses in the Music Core.
Performance Study courses may be repeated for credit.
Total Hours for Performance Degree: 31-34
Recital
With the advance approval of the graduate committee, all performance majors will present a public recital covering a variety of styles, including a major work or works for the particular medium. A scholarly and original analysis of the various works included on the program must be presented in thesis form as part of the recital requirement. The major professor will be responsible for determining the focus and scope of the paper. In order for performance students to be approved for graduation, the recital and the analytical paper must be judged by the student’s committee to be satisfactory in the areas of public appearance, proper form, and quality.
Music Education
The Master of Music degree with a major in music education is designed to give students an opportunity to improve musicianship skills, pursue in-depth study of repertoire and pedagogy in the chosen area, and to develop a broad knowledge of current issues in music education.
Two degree options are available in the Master of Music (music education) degree, a thesis option and a non-thesis option.
Thesis Option
The traditional thesis program provides the student with a broad background in music history and literature, theory, and applied studies. The thesis is an original study of some aspect of music education in a philosophical, historical, or empirical mode. The thesis option is strongly recommended for students who may pursue doctoral studies, and for those interested in music supervision and administration.
Major Field
TOTAL MAJOR FIELD 15 HOURS
Prerequisite to MUSI 6391: committee approval of prospectus
Music Core
TOTAL MUSIC CORE 10 HOURS
MUSI 6226 and MUPS (5000 level) may be repeated for credit.
Supportive Courses
See MUTC Curriculum Selection List under degree plans
TOTAL SUPPORTIVE COURSES 9 HOURS
Total Hours for Music Education Degree Thesis Option: 33
Non-Thesis Option
The non-thesis program is intended for experienced teachers who have demonstrated expertise in the field, and who wish to pursue concentrated studies in a particular area of music education.
This option differs from the traditional program in two respects:
- In place of a thesis, the student will choose a block of electives in one teaching area (band, orchestra, choir, instrumental pedagogy, or general music). Electives may include applied music, conducting studies, classes in rehearsal techniques, pedagogy and literature, or workshops in music.
- The culmination of this degree will be a practicum demonstrating professional activity and a final report on some aspect of music pedagogy, repertoire, or curriculum. The professional activity may consist of a teaching demonstration, conducting an ensemble rehearsal and performance, or performing a solo recital. The practicum project and electives should be from the same teaching area (band, orchestra, choir, instrumental pedagogy, or general music).
Major Field
TOTAL MAJOR FIELD 12 HOURS
Choose 7 hours from Music Education Electives
MUPS 6000-only students approved for recital
| MUSI 6227 | Supervsn of Pub Sch Music | 2 |
| MUSI 6331 | Psychology of Music Learning | 3 |
MUSI 52X2***
| Pedagogy and Literature for Educators Brass, Woodwind, String, Perc., Voice | 2 |
| MUSI 5295 | Rehearsal Techniques | 2 |
MUPS (6000 level)
| Performance Study | 9 |
| MUSI 5129 | Workshop in Music | 1 |
| MUSI 5229 | Workshop in Music | 2 |
| MUSI 5329 | Workshop in Music | 3 |
Music Core
TOTAL MUSIC CORE 11 HOURS
MUSI 6226 and MUPS 51X1 may be repeated for credit.
Supportive Courses
TOTAL SUPPORTIVE COURSES 7 HOURS
Prerequisite to MUSI 6232: committee approval of prospectus
Choose 5 hours from
Other music classes (up to 2 hours credit for ensembles)
Education courses (upon approval of program director)
Recitals require departmental approval and 4 additional hours of applied music at the 6000 level.
Total Hours for Music Education Degree Non-Thesis Option: 30
Teacher Certification
The Master of Music (music education) degree is designed for certified teachers who have received an undergraduate degree in music education or its equivalent. Graduate students who wish to obtain a professional teaching certificate while pursuing a master’s degree must consult with the certification officer in the Irvin School of Education. Holders of out-of-state certificates who wish to obtain a Texas Teacher’s Certificate are advised to contact the Texas Education Agency, Division of Professional Education and Certification, 512-463-8976.
Rotation of Music Education Courses
Fall Odd-Numbered Years
MUSI 52X2***
| Pedagogy and Literature for Educators Brass, Woodwind, String, Perc., Voice | 2 |
| MUSI 6321 | History of Music Education in America | 3 |
| MUSI 6124 | Seminar in Music Education | 1 |
| MUSI 6125 | Seminar in Music Education | 1 |
Spring Even-Numbered Years
MUSI 52X2***
| Pedagogy and Literature for Educators Brass, Woodwind, String, Perc., Voice | 2 |
| MUSI 5295 | Rehearsal Techniques | 2 |
| MUSI 5310 | Band Literature | 3 |
| MUSI 6331 | Psychology of Music Learning | 3 |
Fall Even-Numbered Years
MUSI 52X2***
| Pedagogy and Literature for Educators Brass, Woodwind, String, Perc., Voice | 2 |
| MUSI 6321 | History of Music Education in America | 3 |
| MUSI 6124 | Seminar in Music Education | 1 |
| MUSI 6125 | Seminar in Music Education | 1 |
| MUSI 6232 | Music Education Practicum | 2 |
Spring Odd-Numbered Years
MUSI 52X2***
| Pedagogy and Literature for Educators Brass, Woodwind, String, Perc., Voice | 2 |
| MUSI 5295 | Rehearsal Techniques | 2 |
| MUSI 5320 | Choral Literature | 3 |
| MUSI 6227 | Supervsn of Pub Sch Music | 2 |
Theory and Composition
Major Field-Theory Emphasis
TOTAL MAJOR FIELD 10 HOURS
Major Field-Composition Emphasis
TOTAL MAJOR FIELD 10 HOURS
Secondary Field–Theory Emphasis
TOTAL SECONDARY FIELD 5 HOURS
Secondary Field–Composition Emphasis
TOTAL SECONDARY FIELD 5 HOURS
Supportive Courses (both fields of emphasis)
TOTAL SUPPORTIVE COURSES 15
| MUTC 5233 | History of Music Theory | 2 |
MUHL 524X
| Music History and Literature | 2 |
| MUTC 5333 | Pedagogy of Theory | 3 |
| MUTC 6235 | Advanced Counterpoint | 2 |
| MUTC 6236 | Advanced Orchestration | 2 |
| MUHL 6341 | Intro to Research Techniques | 3 |
MUPS 51X1
| Performance Study** | 1-4 |
**MUPS 51X1: see Note to follow
Note: Must attain proficiency in performance study equivalent to the completion of 31X1 of a music education principal
Total Hours for Music Theory and Composition Degree: 30
Recital Requirement
All students pursuing the degree of Master of Music in Theory and Composition must produce a compositional recital of forty-plus minutes of music (one hour total running time). 75% of the music for the recital must have been composed in MUTC 6233 and MUTC 6234 Advanced Composition. The student is responsible for scheduling the recital date through the School of Music office, creating professional -level scores and parts, and developing the recital program that conforms to School of Music guidelines.
Rotation of Music Theory/Composition Courses
Fall Even-Numbered Years
Spring Odd-Numbered Year
Fall Odd-Numbered Years
Spring Even-Numbered Years
Church Music
Major Field
TOTAL MAJOR FIELD 14
Music Core
TOTAL MUSIC CORE 13 HOURS
| MUHL 6341 | Intro to Research Techniques | 3 |
MUTC 63xx
| Graduate level Theory | 2 |
MUHL 52xx
| Graduate level Music History | 2 |
| Or | |
| MUHL 5099 | Special Studies in Music History, & Literature. | 1-4 |
| | |
| MUPS 5181 | Conducting-Private Instruction | 1-4 |
Performance or Ministry Project Options
Option 1 (performance emphasis)
Option 2 (ministry emphasis)
| MUCM 5099 | Special Studies in Church Music and, Research Project | 1-4 |
MUCM 60XX
| Research Project | 1 |
Theology Core
TOTAL THEOLOGY CORE 15
| CHST 6300 | Introduction to Christian History | 3 |
THEO 6399
| | |
| | |
| BIBL 6331 | Interpreting the Old Testament I | 3 |
| Or | |
| BIBL 6332 | Interpreting Old Testament II | 3 |
| | |
| BIBL 6311 | Interpreting the New Testament I | 3 |
| Or | |
| BIBL 6312 | Interpreting the New Testament II | 3 |
Also take any three hours from MNST, MISS or FMIN courses.
Note: Graduate level electives from the Logsdon School of Theology should by chosen from Church Ministry (MNST) studies only: MNST 5364, MNST 5366, MNST 5370, MNST 6350, and MNST 6352.
Supportive Courses
Choose two graduate-level music electives from the following:
Note: Students who have not had courses in vocal pedagogy and/or hymnology on the undergraduate level will be required to take these courses as their graduate-level music electives for this degree.
TOTAL SUPPORTIVE COURSES 6–7 hours
Total Hours for Church Music Degree: 48-49
Rotation of Church Music Courses
Fall Even-Numbered Years
Spring Odd-Numbered Years
Fall Odd-Numbered Years
Spring Even-Numbered Years
Students who have not had courses in vocal pedagogy and/or hymnology on the undergraduate level will be required to take these courses as their graduate-level music electives for this degree.
A thesis is required for both the music education (thesis option) and theory/composition degrees. A committee, composed of three faculty members recommended by the program director and the dean of the school or college that houses the academic program, supervises the student’s thesis. The student must prepare a prospectus for the thesis topic to be approved by both the student’s committee and the dean of school or college that houses the academic program prior to beginning the project. The student must follow the guidelines and deadlines prescribed by both the HSU Department of Music (Turabian) and the Office of Graduate Studies. After beginning work on the thesis, continuous enrollment for either Thesis or Thesis Renewal is required for all fall and spring semesters until completion of the thesis. Summer enrollment is required if the student anticipates working on the thesis or completing his/her degree during either summer term. Note: A thesis processing fee is assessed.
All Master of Music degree candidates must successfully pass a written and/or an oral comprehensive examination. The details for each will be approved by the student’s committee. The written document must be distributed to committee members at least two weeks prior to the examination.
All requirements for the master’s degree in music must be completed within five years from semester of initial admission.