Music
(Including Music Education and Musicology)
School of Music
3053 Music Building
1114 West Nevada Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Program Contact: Jenny Phillips
(217) 333-1712
Graduate Coordinator: Joyce Griggs
E-mail: griggs@illinois.edu
Major: Music
Degrees Offered: M.Mus., A.D., A.Mus.D.
Graduate Concentrations: Choral Music (M.Mus. and A.Mus.D.), Instrumental Conducting - Band (M.Mus. only), Instrumental Conducting - Orchestra (M.Mus. only), Jazz Performance (M.Mus. and A.Mus.D.), Music Composition (M.Mus. and A.Mus.D.), Music Theory (M.Mus. only), Musicology (M.Mus. only), Performance and Literature (M.Mus. and A.Mus.D.), Piano Pedagogy (M.Mus. only), Vocal Coaching & Accompanying (M.Mus. and A.Mus.D.)
Major: Music Education
Degrees Offered: M.M.E., Ed.D., Ph.D.
Major: Musicology
Degrees Offered: Ph.D.
Graduate Concentration: Medieval Studies
Graduate Degree Programs
The School of Music offers graduate study leading to the Master of Music, Artist Diploma in Music, Doctor of Musical Arts, Doctor of Philosophy in Musicology, Master of Music in Music Education, Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education, and Doctor of Education in Music Education. Complete details of these programs may be found in the school's brochure on graduate study in music.
Admission
Requirements for admission to the Master of Music programs are a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or an equivalent degree from another accredited institution. Students holding other degrees may be admitted but will be expected to make up any deficiencies in addition to fulfilling all requirements for the graduate degree. Those majoring in musicology are generally expected to have a minimum grade point average of 3.25 (A = 4.0). Applicants in performance and literature must pass a qualifying audition for their major division or submit satisfactory recordings. Applicants in musicology, theory, and composition must present writings or other evidence of their ability to pursue work at the graduate level. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required but is strongly recommended for applicants in musicology.
Prerequisite for admission to the Artist Diploma is a master's degree in music performance.
During the student's first registration period, placement examinations are administered in music theory. International applicants whose native language is not English must present an ibt score of 79 for admission to the Artist Diploma (AD), 90 for the MAster of Music (MM) and 96 for all other programs. Fall admission only; other terms of entry by departmental petition approval only.
Requirements for admission to the Master of Music Education include a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or an equivalent degree from another accredited institution. An overall grade average for the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate work of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). The grade average for music education and education courses, when averaged separately, must also be at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale); Recommendations from three individuals who can discuss the applicant’s musicianship, ability to undertake graduate level study, and teaching ability/potential. For more information, please refer to the Graduate Music Education Advising website.
Requirements for admission to the Doctor of Musical Arts and the Doctor of Philosophy in Musicology programs are (1) the Master of Music degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or an equivalent degree from another accredited institution; and (2) a minimum of 18 semester hours in the liberal arts and sciences, usually including general history, philosophy, and literature. Applicants to the Doctor of Musical Arts programs must have (1) a high level of proficiency in composition or performance - candidates in composition must submit original scores for review, and candidates in performance and literature must pass a qualifying audition or submit satisfactory recordings; and (2) appropriate experience in ensemble performance and/or score reading. Candidates in voice must have fulfilled all foreign language requirements considered prerequisites for the Master of Music degree.
During the student's first registration period, placement examinations are administered in music theory. International applicants whose native language is not English must present an ibt score of 79 for admission to the Artist Diploma (AD), 90 for the Master of Music (MM) and 96 for all. Students may begin a program in any semester.
Admission to doctoral programs (Ed.D or PhD) in music education is determined by personal interviews; records of previous education and experience; recommendations from persons who have known the applicant; and holding a degree (bachelor’s or master’s) from an accredited institution that led to certification granted by a state board of education. International students’ qualifications will be assessed individually to determine the extent to which their credentials are appropriate for music education in their home country. Additional requirements include: for the EdD: (1) demonstrated completion of a minimum of three years of full-time teaching with two years being consecutive and at one institution, as a certified music teacher of children between the ages of three and eighteen; (2) a DVD of a classroom or rehearsal teaching situation and a written explanation of the teaching context and goals; for the PhD: completion of a Master’s Thesis or Research Project from an accredited institution, or evidence of sufficient background to undertake a research project that is significant and substantial. For more information, please refer to the Graduate Music Education Advising website.
Language Requirements
For the Master of Music program, applicants in voice and vocal accompanying and coaching are required to have had at least one year each of college-level French, German, and Italian or the equivalent. Applicants in other applied music areas and in theory and composition are required to have had one year of any language at the college level or the equivalent. Applicants in musicology must give evidence of a reading knowledge of French or German. Students who are otherwise admissible may satisfy any language deficiencies concurrently with graduate studies.
All Doctor of Musical Arts candidates will be required to demonstrate proficiency in at least one language other than English. Each division may specify which language is required or may require proficiency in more than one language. Proficiency is required in German and at least one other language, depending on the proposed field of specialization, for candidates in the Doctor of Philosophy in Musicology program. The Language requirement may be satisfied by evidence of two years of undergraduate study or the equivalent, by completion of a two-semester, 500-level reading course sequence at UIUC with a grade of at least B, or by satisfactory test scores. For up-to-date information on language requirements, please consult the Handbook for Graduate Studies in Music.
Degree Requirements
*For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Academic Information online and the Graduate College Handbook.
Master of Music
The fields of concentration for the Master of Music degree are musicology, music theory, music composition, performance and literature, choral music, instrumental conducting (band), instrumental conducting (orch), vocal coaching and accompanying, jazz performance, and piano pedagogy.
Master of Music, concentrations in Musicology and Music Theory
| Required Courses: | Musicology Thesis option - Required Hours | Musicology Non-thesis option - Required Hours | Music Theory Thesis option - Required Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 505 | 8 | ||
| MUS 525 | 4 | ||
| MUS 523 | 8 | 12 | |
| MUS 511 and 512 | 8 | 8 | |
| MUS 528 or MUS 511 and/or 512 | 4 | ||
| Courses in Theory, Composition and Musicology | 6 | ||
| Electives (including ensemble) | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Language Requirements: Courses taken to meet language requirements do not count toward the degree. See the departmental handbook for details. | |||
| Thesis Hours Required – MUS 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 8 | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
12 | 12 | 12 |
| Other Requirements:*A concentration is required. | |||
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 | 2.75 | 2.75 |
Master of Music, concentrations in Performance and Literature and Jazz Performance
| Required Courses: | Performance and Literature - Required Hours | Jazz Performance - Required Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 528 | 4 | 4 |
| 500 level Applied Music Major | 8-12 | 8-12 |
| Music literature course in major applied area | 8 | 8 |
| Advanced jazz courses | 4-8 | |
| Electives (including ensemble) | 8-12 | 0-4 |
| Total Hours | 32 | 32 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
12 | 12 |
| Other Requirements:*A concentration is required. | graduate recital; Master's Comprehension examination | Master's Comprehensive examination |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 | 2.75 |
Master of Music, concentrations in Instrumental Conducting (Band or Orchestra)
| Required Courses: | Instrumental Conducting (Band) - Required Hours | Instrumental Conducting (Orchestra) - Required Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 528 | 4 | 4 |
| MUS 553 | 12 | |
| MUS 554 | 12 | |
| MUS 546 and 547 | 4 | 4 |
| Electives (including ensemble) | 8 | 8 |
| MUS 413, 414, 415 and 517 | 4 | 4 |
| Total Hours | 32 | 32 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
12 | 12 |
| Other Requirements:*A concentration is required. | Master's Comprehension examination | Master's Comprehensive examination |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 | 2.75 |
Master of Music, concentration in Choral Music, Music Composition, Piano Pedagogy, and Vocal Coaching and Accompanying
| Required Courses: | Choral Music - Required Hours | Music Composition - Required Hours | Piano Pedagogy - Required Hours | Vocal Coaching & Accompanying - Required Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 528 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| MUS 550 and 551 | 4 | |||
| MUS 555 | 4 | |||
| MUS 564 | 2 | |||
| MUS 450F | 2 | |||
| Courses in Theory of Music | 8 | |||
| MUS 506 | 12 | |||
| MUS 570 | 4 | |||
| MUS 571 | 4 | |||
| MUS 557 | 8 | |||
| MUS 480 | 4 | |||
| MUS 577 | 12 | |||
| MUS 558 | 8 | |||
| Electives (including ensemble) | 16 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Language Requirements: Courses taken to meet language requirements do not count toward the degree. See the departmental handbook for details. | ||||
| Total Hours | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Other Requirements:*A concentration is required. | Master's Comprehension examination | Must present a portfolio of their works for approval by the composition faculty; Master's Comprehensive examination | Master's Comprehensive examination | Master's Comprehensive examination |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 | 2.75 | 2.75 | 2.75 |
Electives in music theory, music history and literature, and other music and nonmusic courses will be chosen in consultation with the candidate's graduate adviser. Each candidate for the Master of Music must participate in an ensemble during two of the terms of study.
Artist Diploma
The fields of specialization for the Artist Diploma are keyboard, voice, and orchestra/band instruments. The degree is intended only for musicians at the highest level of artistic accomplishment and potential, and the entrance audition must reflect this exceptional standard. Upon completion of the Artist Diploma, students are expected to be ready for entrance into the music profession as a solo artist, member of an orchestra or chamber or jazz ensemble, or as an apprentice in an opera company, and should be prepared to compete effectively in international competition.
| Required Courses: | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS 578-598, Applied music/ performance studies | 20 |
| MUS 450/499, ensemble participation, both in large and chamber/small groups | 8 |
| MUS 500, performances, including solo and chamber music | 4 |
| Total Hours | 32 |
| Other Requirements:* | |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
Doctor of Musical Arts
Concentrations in Choral Music, Jazz Performance, Music Composition, Performance and Literature, and Vocal Coaching and Accompanying.
| Required Courses: | Choral Music - Required Hours | Jazz Performance - Required Hours | Music Composition - Required Hours | Performance & Literature - Required Hours | Vocal Coaching and Accompanying - Required Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 563, 565 and 553 | 20 | ||||
| MUS 450F and 481 and electives | 8-14 | ||||
| Advanced music literature | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| Advanced Music History or Music Theory | 8 | ||||
| Cognate field or minor area | 8-16 | 8-16 | 8-16 | 8-16 | 8-16 |
| 500 level major applied music | 8-12 | 12-16 | |||
| MUS 506 | 12-16 | ||||
| MUS 577 | 12-16 | ||||
| Electives (min/max applied toward degree): | 8-14 | 6 | 12-20 | 12-20 | 4-12 |
| Language Requirements: Courses taken to meet language requirements do not count toward the degree. See the departmental handbook for details. | |||||
| Thesis Hours or Doctoral Project Hours Required – MUS 576/599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Total Hours | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Other Requirements:*A concentration is required. | |||||
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 | 2.75 | 2.75 | 2.75 | 2.75 |
| Masters Degree Required for Admission to PhD? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Qualifying Exam Required | No | No | No | No | No |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Students select courses to fulfill requirements in consultation with their graduate adviser in terms of special needs, interests, and abilities.
In the composition, performance and literature, and jazz concentrations, 24 graduate hours are devoted to a special doctoral project that includes both performance and research. Composers must produce a large-scale original score. Students in the performance and literature concentration must demonstrate comprehensive repertory study in the form of two solo recitals or one solo recital and two of the following options: performing a concerto, a major operatic or oratorio role, or a chamber music program; giving a lecture-recital; or preparing and, when appropriate, conducting a concert by an instrumental or vocal ensemble. Those majoring in one of the string instruments must also present a recital of chamber music. Students in the jazz concentration must present two recitals. For specific research requirements, please see the Handbook for Graduate Students in Music.
Students in vocal accompanying and coaching must give four recitals, one of which must be chamber music. In addition, both fields have a research requirement that serves in lieu of a thesis.
In the choral music concentration, 4 graduate hours are given for the preparation and presentation of a one-hour program representative of a comprehensive repertory, and 16 graduate hours are devoted to the writing of a thesis.
Doctor of Philosophy in Musicology
The Ph.D. in Musicology is intended for those whose interests lie in research in the history of music, systematic musicology, or ethno-musicology.
| Required Courses: | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS 523 | 8 min |
| Thesis Hours Required – MUS 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 32 |
| Total Hours | 64 |
| Other Requirements:* | |
| Students are expected to take courses in fields outside music that are appropriate to the proposed area of thesis research | |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
| Masters Degree Required for Admission to PhD? | Yes |
| Qualifying Exam Required | No |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes |
A preliminary examination is taken after all coursework is completed.
Master of Music Education
The Master of Music Education degree program is designed to meet the needs and interests of individuals who are already certified to teach music and who seek to continue their careers as public school music educators or music administrators. It is also possible to structure a program that will enable individuals interested in seeking careers in education-related fields or as a step in preparation for eventual college teaching.
Although prior teaching experience is not a requirement for entrance into this degree program, graduate study will be more meaningful if teaching experience in the field has first been gained. Therefore, individuals considering pursuit of the MME are urged to plan to teach one to three years prior to initial enrollment or before completing the degree. Students interested in gaining certification to teach music as part of the MME should refer to the MME+certification website for information about the MME+Certification Program.
| Required Courses: | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS 532 | 4 |
| MUS 533 | 4 |
| Music Education Electives (any 400 or 500-level music education course) | 6 |
Educational Psychology (EPSY) |
4 |
| Educational Policy (EPS or C&I) (2 courses, 4 credits; at least 2 credits from College of Education) |
4 |
| Music (Music Theory, Musicology/Ethnomusicology, Conducting and Literature, Applied Study (4 cr. max), Ensemble (1 cr. max)) | 10 |
Choose 1 Capstone Option: |
|
Total Hours |
32 |
Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: |
14 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
12 |
| Other Requirements:* | |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
1 The credit hours for this Capstone Option will be counted as Music Education electives.
2 The credit hours for this Capstone Option will be counted as Music Education electives.
Doctoral Program in Music Education (EdD and PhD)
The doctoral program in music education consists of two degree options: the Doctor of Education in Music Education and the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education. Both degrees are offered by the School of Music. Each is tailored to meet the varying needs and interests of individuals seeking a terminal degree in Music Education. The Ed.D. and Ph.D. are equal in rigor and stature and appropriate for those whose professional goals are aligned with the processes of teaching and learning music, broadly defined, either in public schools, community programs, or at the university level. The Ed.D. is particularly suited to those seeking to advance their careers in K-12 schools, and those preparing for a career in teacher education or higher education administration. It is also a suitable degree for university faculty positions where a broad range of expertise and teaching/conducting experience are expected. The Ed.D. allows for more flexibility in coursework requirements than does the Ph.D., and is appropriate to students with significant interests in more than one area of music education. It also allows students to pursue offerings in the College of Education, musicology, ethnomusicology, and performance divisions of the School of Music. The Ed.D. requires substantive original research for the dissertation. The Ph.D. places a greater emphasis on research and research methodology training as compared to the Ed.D. Students entering the Ph.D. must have already completed a substantial thesis or research project as part of their master’s degree.
Doctor of Education in Music Education
| Required Courses: | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS 534 | 4 |
| MUS 535 | 4 |
| MUS 536 | 4 |
| MUS 5441 (enrollment every semester) | 2 |
| Music Education Electives2 (e.g., MUS 529, MUS 530, MUS 531, MUS 532, MUS 533, MUS 537, MUS 538, MUS 539, MUS 541, MUS 542, MUS 543) | 6 min |
Educational Psychology (EPSY)3 |
8 |
Educational Policy (EPS or C&I)4 |
8 |
Research methodology course in College of Education |
4 |
| Music (up to 10 hrs. – not required) | 10 max |
| Thesis Hours Required – MUS 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 8 min |
| Total Hours | 64 |
| Other Requirements:* | |
| Residence requirement of either full-time study (minimum of 12 semester hours) in two consecutive semesters (fall-spring), or full-time study in one semester, a contiguous summer session, and one additional summer session. | |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
| Masters Degree Required for Admission to EdD? | Yes |
| Qualifying Exam Required | Yes |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes |
1 Local students must register every semester. Credit is earned only for one semester.
2 Minimum of 6 hours of electives from music education; or, with approval of the Music Education Graduate Coordinator, courses in other Colleges
3 MUS 531 or MUS 543 may be counted as one EPSY course.
4 To partially fulfill the EPS requirement, a student may take courses in the College of Education or one of the following: MUS 537, MUS 539, or MUS 543.
This program is designed to develop leaders in music education with a high level of musical, intellectual, and professional competence. A dissertation is required.
Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education
| Required Courses: | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS 535 | 4 |
| MUS 536 | 4 |
| MUS 5441 (enrollment every semester) | 2 |
| Music Education Electives2 (e.g., MUS529, MUS530, MUS531, MUS532, MUS533, MUS537, MUS538, MUS539, MUS541, MUS542, MUS543) | 6 |
Educational Psychology3 (EPSY) |
8 |
Educational Policy4 (EPS or C&I) |
8 |
| Research methodology courses in College of Education, and MUS 534 (4 hours)5 | 16 |
| Thesis Hours Required – MUS 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 16-32 |
| Total Hours | 64 |
| Other Requirements:* | |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
| Masters Degree Required for Admission to PhD? | Yes |
| Qualifying Exam Required | Yes |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes |
1 Local students must register every semester. Credit is earned only for one semester.
2 Minimum of 6 hours of electives from music education; or, with approval of the Music Education Graduate Coordinator, courses in other Colleges
3 MUS 531 or MUS 543 may be counted as one EPSY course.
4 To partially fulfill the EPS requirement, a student may take courses in the College of Education or one of the following: MUS 537, MUS 539, or MUS 543.
5 A student must take 12 hrs of College of Education Research Specialization Methodology courses, unless exceptions are approved by the Music Education Graduate Coordinator. In addition, MUS 534 earns four credits, bringing the total Research Methodology credits to 16.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience.
Financial Aid
Fellowships, teaching, graduate, and research assistantships are awarded on a one-year basis with continuation dependent upon success in the program. Specific information on application procedures is available from the Music Admissions Office, (217) 244-7899.