Music Master's

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Master of Music in Music Theory Pedagogy

Course List

Music Theory Core

Required Core Courses
MUSC 630Counterpoint3
MUSC 631Contemporary Harmonic Techniques3
MUSC 735Music Theory Pedagogy I3
MUSC 736Music Theory Pedagogy II3
MUSC 794Practicum4
Choose one of the following: 3
Form and Analysis
Analytical Techniques
Music Core
74x History (Choose based on availability in course rotation)3
MUSC 748Music Bibliography/Research Methods2
Electives (in consultation with adviser)6
Total Credits30

Overview of Program:

The primary purposes of the MM option in Music Theory Pedagogy are (1) to add to the breadth of the experiences for our graduate students and (2) to make them more attractive candidates in their job searches, especially those seeking teaching positions in higher education. The current job market in higher education prioritizes depth of knowledge and experience in more than a single specialty area. Often, this means extensive knowledge and experience in music history and/or music theory. Further, the most successful applicants on the academic job market have not only experience teaching music theory or music history, but also a relevant academic credential. This new program would allow enrolled students to advance their knowledge of music theory and their marketability in teaching the undergraduate theory sequence.

This degree track is designed for students who wish to expand their professional marketability by preparing performers/conductors for the many university positions that involve both performance and classroom teaching. The MM in Music Theory Pedagogy option will primarily be pursued by students jointly with another MM option or DMA in Performance or Conducting, though it has enough unique required courses to be granted as a single degree.

Master of Music in Music Education Degree

Music Education Core
MUSC 701Psychology Of Music3
MUSC 703Foundations of Music Education3
MUSC 790Graduate Seminar3
Music Core
MUSC 702Graduate Theory Survey3
MUSC 704Graduate Music History Survey3
MUSC 731Applied Study2
Music Electives
Choose three courses from the following options:9
Advanced Choral Music Methods
Advanced Elementary Music Methods
History of Choral Literature
Jazz Methods and Pedagogy in Music Education
Band Literature:History and Development
Band Literature:Chamber Music,Other Genres
Capstone
MUSC 794Practicum4
Total Credits30

Master of Music in Instrumental Performance

Music Core
MUSC 635Topics in Music Theory3
MUSC 636Topics in Music History3
MUSC 709Graduate Ensemble (1,1,1,1)4
MUSC 731Applied Study (2,2,2,2)8
MUSC 748Music Bibliography/Research Methods2
Pedagogy/Literature
MUSC 722Applied Instrumental Pedagogy (1-3 credits)3
MUSC 764Applied Instrumental Literature (1-3 credits)3
Capstone
MUSC 780Recital2
Electives - in consultation with advisor2
Total Credits30

Master of Music in Piano Performance  

Music Core
MUSC 635Topics in Music Theory3
MUSC 636Topics in Music History3
MUSC 709Graduate Ensemble (1, 1)2
MUSC 731Applied Study (2, 2, 2, 2)8
MUSC 748Music Bibliography/Research Methods2
Pedagogy/Literature
MUSC 623Piano Pedagogy3
MUSC 643Keyboard Literature3
Capstone
MUSC 780Recital (2,2)4
Electives
In consultation with advisor2
Total Credits30

Master of Music in Collaborative Piano

Music Core
MUSC 635Topics in Music Theory3
MUSC 636Topics in Music History3
MUSC 731Applied Study (Collaborative and performance; 2-4 cr each registration)14
MUSC 748Music Bibliography/Research Methods2
Vocal or instrumental specialization
Choose two courses from the following options:4
Graduate Diction Survey I
Graduate Diction Survey II
Graduate Ensemble
Applied Instrumental Literature
Capstone
MUSC 780Recital (2, 2)4
Total Credits30

 Master of Music in Vocal Performance 

Music Core
MUSC 635Topics in Music Theory3
MUSC 636Topics in Music History3
MUSC 709Graduate Ensemble (1,1)2
MUSC 731Applied Study (2,2,2,2)8
MUSC 748Music Bibliography/Research Methods2
Pedagogy/Literature
MUSC 646Topics in Song Literature3
MUSC 705Graduate Diction Survey I2
MUSC 706Graduate Diction Survey II2
MUSC 721Advanced Vocal Pedagogy3
Capstone
MUSC 780Recital2
Total Credits30

 Master of Music in Choral Conducting 

Music Core
MUSC 635Topics in Music Theory3
MUSC 636Topics in Music History3
MUSC 709Graduate Ensemble (1,1,1)3
MUSC 721Advanced Vocal Pedagogy3
MUSC 731Applied Study (2,2,2,2)8
MUSC 748Music Bibliography/Research Methods2
Literature
Choose two courses from the following options:6
Medieval/Renaissance Choral Literature
Baroque Choral Literature
Classical/Romantic Choral Literature
Contemporary Choral Literature
Capstone
MUSC 780Recital2
Total Credits30

Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting 

Music Core
MUSC 635Topics in Music Theory3
MUSC 636Topics in Music History3
MUSC 709Graduate Ensemble (1,1,1,1)4
MUSC 731Applied Study (Conducting 2,2,2,2)8
MUSC 748Music Bibliography/Research Methods2
Literature
MUSC 765Band Literature:History and Development3
MUSC 766Band Literature:Chamber Music,Other Genres3
Capstone
MUSC 780Recital2
Electives
In consultation with advisor2
Total Credits30

Admission and Application Requirements

Graduate School admission and application requirements are found on the Admission Information page. In addition to these requirements, the following are required:

  • A scholarly writing example.
  • Applicants should notify the graduate music coordinator, charlette.moe@ndsu.edu, of their intention to apply.
  • For applicants in performance and conducting, an on-campus visit and audition are required.
  • Following acceptance into the masters program, applicants will complete a diagnostic exam, which will be used by their advisers to plan appropriate coursework.