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Music

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.), Instrumental Conducting - Orchestra (M.Mus.and A.Mus.D.), Instrumental Conducting – Wind Band (A.Mus.D.), Jazz Performance (M.Mus. and A.Mus.D.), Music Composition (M.Mus. and A.Mus.D.), Music Theory (M.Mus.), Musicology (M.Mus.), Performance and Literature (M.Mus. and A.Mus.D.), Piano Pedagogy (M.Mus.), 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

Requirements by major
• Music A.D.
• Music A.Mus.D.
• Music M.Mus.
• Music Education Ed.D.
• Music Education M.M.E.
• Music Education Ph.D.
• Musicology Ph.D.

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. Complete details of these programs may be found on the School of Music’s website: www.music.illinois.edu. The School of Music has been an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1933.

Admission

Requirements for admission to the Master of Music (MM) 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 MM 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 and aural skills. 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 in Education (MME) are:

1. Undergraduate degree in music education from an accredited institution;
2. 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);
3. Recommendations from three individuals who can discuss the applicant’s musicianship, ability to undertake graduate level study, and teaching ability/potential.
4. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for application to the MME, nor do MME students take placement tests in music theory or music history.
5. In addition to the standard requirements please see below for specific guidelines regarding letters of recommendation.

For MME applicants with public school experience:

1. Recommendation letter from a principal or supervisor who speaks primarily to the quality of the applicant’s teaching experience;
2. Recommendation letter from an individual who speaks primarily to the quality of the applicant’s musicianship;
3. Recommendation from an individual who speaks primarily to the applicant’s potential for completion of graduate level study;
4. Applicants who wish to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship should ensure that at least one of their references provides specific comments on their potential to engage in university-level teaching duties associated with such an appointment.

For MME applicants without public school experience:

1. Recommendation from a music education professor;
2. Recommendation from an applied or ensemble music professor;
3. Recommendation from an individual who can speak to the applicants potential for completion of graduate study.

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, including 1 year of college-level study in Italian, French, and German.

During the student's first registration period, placement examinations are administered in music theory and aural skills. International applicants to the DMA or PhD whose native language is not English must submit an ibt score of 79 for admission to the Artist Diploma (AD), 90 for the Master of Music (MM) and 96 for all. Fall admission only; other terms of entry by departmental petition approval only.

Admission to the PhD in Music Education requires the following:

The quality and clarity of all application materials are important aspects of the application process. Please be sure materials represent your readiness in the best way possible.

1. Three letters of recommendation written, preferably, by professors from whom the applicant has taken one or more courses and possess the expertise to evaluate the applicant’s academic and professional suitability to engage in PhD study.  Recommendations written by colleagues (i.e. fellow teachers and school principals) are not considered suitable to eliminate possible doubts and concerns about the applicant’s fitness for the academic rigors of a research-oriented doctoral program.
2. Digital recording of one complete teaching and learning sequence (lesson or rehearsal) in your music education area of specialization (winds/percussion, choral, general, or strings) at the elementary, middle, or secondary level along with written documentation (plan and reflection) is required.
3. Official scores for the Graduate Record Examination [GRE], obtained within the last five years, must be mailed from Educational Testing Service [ETS] to the University of Illinois at the time of application.
4. A completed master’s degree of at least 24 graduate credits with a GPA of at least 3.25 [on a 4.0 grading system] is generally required, however, it is possible to be admitted under extraordinary circumstances for the doctoral program without entering or finishing a master’s degree in music education.
5. An undergraduate grade-point average of at least 3.00 [on a 4.0 grading system] on the last 60 semester credits of baccalaureate music education study is required.
6. Applicants are required to submit a resume or CVthat succinctly accounts education to date, accomplishments and an employment record that includes a minimum of three years of full-time music teaching experience, preferably two consecutive years in the same setting and school.
7. Each applicant is required to submit a detailed essay for doctoral study in music education. This statement of 3-5 paragraphs in length should identify the applicant’s primary area of interest, professional activities, career goals, and why the applicant is interested in pursuing a PhD in Music Education at the University of Illinois. This information will be used to determine the compatibility and suitability of the applicant’s program goals in relation to the music education division’s mission and to identify a faculty member to potentially serve as an academic advisor.  It is important that this statement be detailed, well-written, and composed with cognizance of the specific areas of specialization held by music education faculty members.  If an applicant was encouraged by a specific professor to apply as a prospective doctoral advisee of that professor, this should beacknowledged in the letter.
8. 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 (e.g., domain research project/s, action research study, or field research study). It is up to each applicant to provide evidence with the initial application of prior research experience and potential for undertaking a major PhD dissertation.

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, theory, composition and musicology are required to have had one year of any language at the college level or the equivalent.

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 two languages, depending on the proposed field of specialization, for candidates in the Doctor of Philosophy in Musicology program. This may be demonstrated through two years of undergraduate study in each language.

For those who do not meet the language requuirement at the time of entrance, it 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 regarding language requirements of the School of Music, please see the Graduate Music Handbook.

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

Master of Music, concentrations in Performance and Literature and Jazz Performance

¹ To be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor.
²Students pursuing a Master of Music in Performance and Literature whose primary instruments are woodwinds, brass, percussion, or strings will be enrolled in an approved ensemble for every semester of full-time study. Students seeking exemption from the requirement must petition the Ensemble Committee following two semesters of ensemble membership. Requests for exemption must be made within the first six weeks of the semester prior to the term for which the exemption is being requested.
³ May be selected from additional jazz courses, musicology, music theory, and non-music major courses; to be chosen in consultation with student’s advisor.

Master of Music, concentrations in Instrumental Conducting (Band or Orchestra)

¹ To be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor.

Master of Music, concentrations in Choral Music, Music Composition, Piano Pedagogy, and Vocal Coaching and Accompanying

¹ To be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor.

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.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Doctor of Musical Arts, concentrations in Choral Music, Jazz Performance, Music Composition, Performance and Literature, and Vocal Coaching and Accompanying

¹ To be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor.
²Students pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance and Literature whose primary instruments are woodwinds, brass, percussion, or strings will have a curricular requirement of four semesters of approved ensemble participation.

In the composition, performance and literature, and jazz concentrations, 16 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 20 graduate hours are devoted to the writing of a thesis.

Doctor of Musical Arts, concentrations in Instrumental Conducting – (Orchestra or Wind Band)

¹ To be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor.

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.

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.

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

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

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.