In addition to the flexibile areas of concentration, the MA-Mus allows for four different thesis options: Written Thesis + Lecture, Composition + Thesis Essay, Recital + Thesis Essay, Creative Project + Thesis Essay. The first option is a standard Master's thesis comparable to those in other disciplines in the Humanities. The other options allow some type of creative activity to serve as the primary portion of the thesis, with a shorter written essay to accompany it. The recital option, for example, could allow performance majors to continue a fifth year of intensive private study with their studio professor in preparation for graduate school auditions, while adding a research component to their resume.
The MA program is intended for self-directed students with a strong interest in scholarly research and should not be considered a substitute for a Master of Music in Performance degree. The benefits include a stronger preparation for graduate studies after Western and a more diverse portfolio for future teaching positions. The MA in Music degree is primarily intended as part of a five-year accelerated degree path combined with a Bachelor of Music degree, but it may be completed as a stand-alone two-year graduate degree.
Mus 6100 – Research Methods (3 credits)
Music History – two courses, at least one at 6000-level (4-6 credits)
Music Theory – two courses, at least one at 6000-level (4-6 credits)
Music Ensemble – 5000-level (2 credits)
Professional Electives – must be approved for admission to candidacy (7-9 credits)
Mus 7000 – Master’s Thesis, see options below (6 credits)
Total – 30 credits
Allowable Music History courses include:
MUS 5720 - Baroque Music (1600-1750)
MUS 5730 - Classical Music (1750-1800)
MUS 5740 - Romantic Music (1800-1910)
MUS 5780 - Chamber Music Literature
MUS 5790 - Operatic Literature
MUS 5800 - Solo Literature: (topics)
MUS 5810 - Choral Music Literature
MUS 5820 - Wind Music Literature
MUS 5830 - Jazz History and Literature
MUS 5840 - Topics in Musicology and Ethnomusicology
MUS 5850 - Medieval Music
MUS 5860 - Renaissance Music
MUS 5870 - Contemporary Music
MUS 6450 - Arts: Aesthetics and Criticism
MUS 6700 - Seminar in Musicology
MUS 6790 - Composers
Allowable Music Theory courses include:
MUS 5600 - Counterpoint I
MUS 5610 - Counterpoint II
MUS 5620 - Advanced Compositional Topics
MUS 5650 - Seminar in Music Theory
MUS 5670 - Orchestration I
MUS 5680 - Orchestration II
MUS 6640 - Form in Music
MUS 6740 - Seminar in Music Theory
Professional Electives:
The Professional Electives are expected to support the thesis topic and should generally include at least two additional 6000-level courses in music history and/or theory beyond the general requirement above. Other types of graduate-level music courses and even courses from other departments are possible if they can be justified as relevant to the thesis topic. Reading ability in at least one foreign language may also be required depending on the nature of the subject. All electives must be approved by the School of Music faculty before they can be applied toward the degree.
Thesis Options:
All thesis options inolve a written document and some kind of public presentation. The thesis committee will consist of an advisor, who serves as chair of the committee, and two other committee members. The thesis defense will include an oral comprehensive exam.
A) Written Thesis + Lecture
This thesis option has two parts. Part I is a substantial written thesis dealing with some historical, theoretical, or other scholarly aspect of music, written under the guidance of a faculty member. Part II is a public lecture presenting some portion of the written thesis.
B) Composition + Thesis Essay
This thesis option has two parts. Part I is an extended composition for instrumental, vocal, and/or computer-implemented media, approved by the department, and written under the guidance of a faculty member. Part II is a significant essay dealing with some historical, theoretical, or analytical aspect of music related to the composition. Part I or Part II (or both) must be presented in a public recital or lecture.
Candidates selecting this thesis option must be accepted by the composition faculty into Mus 6620 – Seminar in Music Composition and are subject to additional composition area requirements. This option is not regarded as equivalent to a Master of Music in Composition degree; it is a research degree with a composition component as part of the scholarship. C) Lecture/Recital + Thesis Essay
This thesis option has two parts. Part I is full-length lecture/recital with accompanying program notes. Part II is a significant essay dealing with some historical, theoretical, or analytical aspect of music, related to the recital.
Candidates selecting this option must be accepted by the studio area faculty into Mus 6000 – Applied Music and are subject to additional studio area requirements. This option is not regarded as equivalent to a Master of Music in Performance degree; it is a research degree with a performance component as part of the scholarship.
D) Creative Project + Thesis Essay
This thesis option has two parts. Part I is a substantial creative project (e.g., multi-media project, computer program, CD recording, or web site) approved by the department, and written under the guidance of a faculty member. Part II is a significant essay dealing with some historical, theoretical, or analytical aspect of music related to the project. Part I or Part II (or both) must be presented in a public lecture.