An overview of the

Master of Music

The Master of Music Degree in Applied Study is a 32 hour degree which includes the following:

Core Curriculum (10) Unlike typical graduate programs, Western's approach to its music core is designed to synthesize historical and theoretical perspectives on music. Three courses are required in the core, each addressing its topic material in this way. The result is a new way of thinking and talking about music that we hope you will find both challenging and rewarding.

The Core courses are offered on a two year rotation. One course will be offered each regular semester. Students in the MM are required to take 3 classes (9 hours). MUS 601 Writing about Music is offered every fall semester. At this point, there are no music core courses offered in the summer.

Area of Concentration (13) MM students are required to take four semesters of 2 credit hour lessons on the same instrument culminating in a full-length public recital (1). They may take additional hours of lessons on another instrument, composition or conducting as electives. In addition, MM students are required to take 1-4 semester hours of ensemble. Extra electives may count as an elective. Students may take 1-3 hours of Independent Study to work closely with one of our faculty on a particular project.

General Electives (9) MM students may modify their degree with electives to supplement their study or satisfy other needs of study with 9 hours of electives. They may take a maximum of 6 hours outside of music. Voice majors must demonstrate proficiency in French, German, Italian and English diction.