Dr. Jeffrey Showell, Director
For information, call (540) 568-6197
Web site: http://www.jmu.edu/music
Professors
P. Brady, I. Choi, S. Cross, J. Hilliard, J. Klusener, J.
Little, R. McCashin, C. W. Rice, J. Rooney, E. Ruple
Associate Professors
B. Cockburn, J. Hiatt, W. Huang, S. Reid, G. Ritcher
Assistant Professors
B. Chandler, C. Donakowski, J. Haney, M. Kirkdorffer, A.
Lankford, J. Minor, M.J. Speare, C. Stevens
Admission
Mission
Assistantships
The Curriculum
Concentrations
Music Minor
Course Offerings
Admission
A student entering a graduate
degree program in music is expected to have completed an undergraduate degree
with a major in music or its equivalent and have a grade point average of 3.0
or better in music studies.
In addition to College of
Graduate and Professional Programs requirements (including successful
completion of the GRE General Exam), the School of Music administers its own
diagnostic examinations in written theory, ear training and music literature
prior to the student’s first semester. The school also requires successful
completion of any deficiencies by the time 18 credit hours of study have been
completed.
In addition to these general
requirements, conducting majors must pass examinations in conducting, and those
in choral conducting must pass tests in sightsinging, keyboard skills and
language diction, while instrumental students must pass examinations in score
reading, keyboard skills and orchestration. Performance majors must
successfully pass an audition, while theory/composition majors must submit
scores and/or tapes of original works showing satisfactory potential as
composers or documented materials demonstrating adequate skills and
capabilities in theory.
Refer to http://www.jmu.edu/music/auditions/graduate.html for specific graduate audition details.
Mission
The James Madison University School of Music is committed to
the highest level of music training. It offers graduate degrees in conducting,
music education, performance, and music theory/composition. Graduate work
involves post-baccalaureate focused study to achieve mastery of a specific
field of music. For each degree concentration, the graduate program seeks to
provide a course of study and environment for excellence.
To fulfill this mission, the James Madison University School
of Music strives to:
§ introduce students to the most advanced
knowledge in their specific field;
§ provide the means for enhanced professional
accomplishment and supervised practical experience;
§ foster the means and ability to carry out
scholarly research and creative projects;
§ prepare students for continuing development
and study in doctoral programs.
The School of Music is an
active unit of approximately 375 undergraduates, 30 graduate students, and a
faculty and staff of 50. More than 200 performances are given on campus each
year by students, 25 student ensembles, faculty, faculty ensembles, guest
artists and clinicians. The level of performance is highly professional and
several ensembles and soloists enjoy regional and national prominence.
The school’s graduate students
represent a wide variety of fine undergraduate institutions and a range of
experiences that makes possible a valuable interchange among students and
faculty. The faculty/student ratio also allows for a close relationship and
provides the opportunity for individualized instruction in many areas.
The School of Music offers a
Master of Music degree with concentration options in conducting, music
education, performance and theory/composition. The program seeks to provide an
opportunity for the highest degree of musical development and professional
training for each student, appropriate for careers in teaching, performance and
composition of music. Conducting majors will undertake a comprehensive study of
the literature of their medium, develop advanced insights into the musical
ideas and structure of the major works, and refine their conducting and rehearsal
skills.
Performance majors will
specialize in activities that develop the technical mastery and musical
maturity essential to the art of making music involving their chosen instrument
or voice. Student composers will immerse themselves in the techniques and
aesthetics of musical creation and will become aware, through intensive
examination, of the music and musical thought of all style periods, especially
that of the present and immediate past. Music education students will examine
the foundations and principles underlying the practices of their profession and
will develop both scholarly and technical abilities essential to a continuing
development as effective teachers and leaders.
All concentrations in the
Master of Music degree program must complete a minimum requirement of 32 hours
of graduate credit. In addition to opportunities to broaden and improve skills
through music electives, music education majors have the option to pursue
courses selected from programs in elementary, secondary or higher education.
Graduate students who major in non-music programs may elect the graduate music
minor, earning a minimum of 12 hours of graduate credit in courses approved by
the music school’s coordinator of graduate studies.
As per JMU College of Graduate
and Professional Programs requirements, successful completion of the Master of
Music degree includes an oral comprehensive examination to be arranged at a
date convenient for the master’s candidate, adviser and comprehensive
committee.
Students electing to minor in
music are expected to have completed an undergraduate minor in music or must
demonstrate acceptable competencies or skills appropriate to an undergraduate
minor at JMU.
Post-baccalaureate,
post-master’s and other qualified students may enroll in certain courses on a
limited basis. For details concerning requirements and deadlines, contact the
coordinator of graduate studies for the School of Music.
The School of Music is a full
member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Assistantships
Teaching and nonteaching
graduate assistantships in music are awarded each year on a competitive basis.
Specific assignments in applied music, ensembles, music education, theory and
literature, accompanying, and administration are based on students’ qualifications
and School of Music needs. In addition to an attractive stipend, all
assistantships include tuition scholarship for nine graduate credit hours
during each fall and spring semester. For more detailed information, procedures
for application and deadlines, contact the coordinator of graduate studies for
the School of Music.
The Curriculum
The courses in each Master of
Music degree concentration are to be distributed among courses in the major
area, cognate courses in music, approved electives and a significant major
project. Concentration projects are:
§ Conducting – a lecture recital
§ Music education – a thesis, document or
research project in MUED 691
§ Performance – a recital or lecture recital
§ Theory/composition – a composition project,
or a thesis or document in theory
All entering students who
apply for admission to the Master of Music degree program are required to
complete a core curriculum comprised of 10-11 credits which will serve as a
basis for designing their programs of study. The core curriculum is composed of
the following: MUS 600, Introduction to Graduate Study in Music (three
credits); specified literature courses (six credits for conducting students,
three for all others – choice to be governed in part by placement examination);
a theory course designated for the particular concentration (two-three
credits); and MUAP, applied study or ensembles (two credits minimum).
All students are expected to
complete the core curriculum at the earliest opportunity, in a sequence
approved by their adviser.
Prior to the end of the first
semester, or after completion of nine hours of credit in the Master of Music
program, students will submit a program of study form to the graduate
coordinator upon approval by their adviser.
At least one-third of the required
credits in a program must be earned in the area of concentration. At least
one-half (15-16 credits) of the required total credits must include courses
from the 600 level and above. No more than six credits in workshops (501) may
be used to meet minimum requirements for the degree.
Concentrations
Conducting
|
Minimum Requirements
|
Credit Hours
|
|
MUS 600. Introduction to Graduate
Studies in Music
|
3
|
|
MUS 601. Graduate Seminar in Music
History
|
3
|
|
MUS 605. Analytical Studies in Music
Literature
|
3
|
|
Music Literature
|
9
|
|
Choral track:1
|
|
|
MUS 556 and 557. Choral Literature
|
|
|
Wind track: 2
|
|
|
MUS 564. Symphonic Literature
|
|
|
MUS 548. History and Literature of Wind Performance
|
|
|
Orchestral
track: 2
|
|
|
MUS 562, 563, 578 or 579. Romantic, 20th-Century, Baroque or
Classical Music
|
|
|
MUS 564. Symphonic Literature
|
|
|
MUAP 610. Applied Conducting3
|
6
|
|
(three
credits each term) A minimum of six credits are to be earned in one of the
courses below; any of the other courses may be taken as electives:
|
|
|
MUAP 610A.
Choral Conducting
|
|
|
MUAP 610B.
Orchestral Conducting
|
|
|
MUAP 610C. Wind
Conducting
|
|
|
MUAP 696. Lecture Recital
|
2
|
|
Approved electives, 500-600 level
|
6
|
|
|
|
1 Admission to the choral conducting concentration
requires, in addition to the School of Music requirements in ear training,
written theory and music history, successful completion of entrance
examinations in conducting, keyboard skills, sight-singing, and French, Latin,
German and Italian diction. Undergraduate or graduate credit in a course in
vocal pedagogy must be presented for graduation. 2 Admission to the
instrumental concentration requires, in addition to the School of Music
requirements in ear training, written theory and music history, successful
completion of entrance examinations in conducting, keyboard skills and
orchestration. 3 Lab in ensemble will be required each semester of enrollment
in applied conducting.
Music Education
|
|
Credit
|
|
Minimum Requirements
|
Hours
|
|
MUS 548, 556, 557, 562, 563, 564, 578 or 579. Music Literature
|
3
|
|
MUS 600. Introduction to Graduate
Study in Music
|
3
|
|
MUED 670. Principles and Practices in
Music Education
|
3
|
|
MUED 671. Research in Music Education
|
2
|
|
Choose one of the following:
|
6
|
|
MUED 680
(three credits) and
|
|
|
Music education elective courses (three credits)1
|
|
|
MUED 700.
Thesis (six credits)
|
|
|
Music courses (MUS) Theory,
Arranging,
|
2-3
|
|
Counterpoint, Analytical Studies in Music
|
|
|
Literature or Music Theory Practices
|
|
|
Applied music study (MUAP)
|
4
|
|
(may include two credit ensembles)
|
|
|
Approved electives 1,2
|
6-7
|
|
|
|
1 MUED 660 and 661 are strongly recommended as
electives for students pursing the degree during the summer.
2 A student may choose an option in elementary,
secondary or higher education (eight credits) or may select approved courses in
music, music education or applied music, and/or courses from the respective
education minors.
Performance 1
|
|
Credit
|
|
Minimum Requirements
|
Hours
|
|
MUS 600. Introduction to Graduate
Study in Music
|
3
|
|
MUS 601. Graduate Seminar in Music
History
|
3
|
|
MUS 605. Analytical Studies in Music
Literature
|
3
|
|
MUS 562, 563, 578 or 579. Music
Literature
|
3
|
|
MUAP 500 level. Ensembles2
|
2-4
|
|
MUAP 600 level. Applied major 2
|
6-9
|
|
MUAP 695 or 696. Recital or Lecture
Recital 2
|
1-2
|
|
Music electives in theory, literature
and pedagogy
|
3
|
|
Approved electives, 500-600 level
|
3-6
|
|
|
|
1 Voice majors must exhibit competence in French,
German and Italian diction. Eight credits each of two languages (equivalent to
the 101-102 level at JMU) are expected. Voice majors are also required to have
completed at least one course in vocal pedagogy for graduation; courses taken
at the undergraduate level may meet this requirement. 2 Minimum of 11 credits
in the applied major, ensemble and recital credits.
Theory/Composition
|
|
Credit
|
|
Minimum Requirements
|
Hours
|
|
MUS 600. Introduction to Graduate
Study in Music
|
3
|
|
MUS 601. Graduate Seminar in Music
History
|
3
|
|
MUS 605. Analytical Studies in Music
Literature
|
3
|
|
MUS 551, 552, 651 or 652. Music
Composition1
|
4-6
|
|
MUS 562, 563, 578, 579. Music
Literature
|
3
|
|
MUAP courses. Applied Studies and/or
Ensemble
|
2
|
|
MUS 700. Thesis in Theory or
|
3-6
|
|
MUS 697. Composition Project, or MUS 680.
|
|
|
Electives in music literature,
performance,
|
6-9
|
|
pedagogy and additional composition2
|
|
|
|
|
1 Composition majors are required to take the
six-hour option. 2 Theory-composition majors are required to have completed two
courses in counterpoint and one course in electronic music for graduation.
Courses taken at the undergraduate level may satisfy this requirement.
Music Minor
|
|
Credit
|
|
Minimum Requirements
|
Hours
|
|
MUS courses. Music courses
|
3
|
|
MUED 600 level. Music Education
Courses
|
3
|
|
Electives
|
6
|
|
Music (MUS),
Music Education (MUED) and Applied
|
|
|
Music
(MUAP) courses.
|
|
|
Workshop
courses, 501 and independent studies
|
|
|
680, 690
and 691 not to exceed a total of three credit hours applicable to the minor.
|
|
|
Applied
Music (MUAP) courses, lessons and/or ensembles, not to exceed three credits.
|
|
|
|
|
Course Offerings
Music
MUS 520. Piano Technology. 1-2
credits.
The acoustical and mechanical design and history of
the piano theory of tuning and temperaments; advanced procedures and techniques
of regulating and voicing pianos. Additional hour of credit for tuning lab.
MUS 540. Jazz Improvisation Laboratory II. 1 credit.
Presents intermediate to advanced improvisation
skills in the jazz idiom alone for graduate music majors. Emphasis is on the
theoretical analysis of chord progression as well as creative musical
application. A research paper dealing with advanced musical improvisation
concepts is required. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
MUS 541. Vocal Arranging. 2
credits.
Students explore the art of arranging songs for solo
and choral groups with or without accompaniment. Multiple styles and choral
ensemble types are included. Those enrolled in 541 are responsible for rehearsing
and leading performances sung by the class and university ensembles.
MUS 542. Instrumental Arranging. 2 credits.
Arranging for various instrumental ensembles,
including techniques of orchestration. Class projects include orchestrating
excerpts for brass, woodwind, and string ensembles, and a complete arrangement
for full wind ensemble or symphony orchestra.
MUS 543-544. Counterpoint. 2
credits each semester.
Modal and tonal counterpoint. Two, three and four
voice forms, florid counterpoint. Study of imitative techniques and form
analysis. Prerequisite: MUS 242 or equivalent.
MUS 548. History and Literature of Wind Performance. 3 credits.
A survey of the history of literature for wind and
percussion ensembles from pre-Renaissance to the present. Emphasis on
20th-century literature including works of Husa, Holst, Vaughan Williams,
Grainger, Hindemith and Schwantner.
MUS 551-552. Music Composition. 2-3 credits each semester.
Composition in 20th-century styles and techniques.
Individualized instruction for theory-composition majors. Prerequisite:
Permission of instructor. Three credit hours for theory-composition majors
only.
MUS 556. Choral Literature I. 3 credits.
An advanced survey of choral literature from the
pre-Renaissance through the Classical period including a cappella and
accompanied works. A thorough examination will be undertaken of the parallel
trends in keyboard and instrumental music through the mature works of
Beethoven.
MUS 557. Choral Literature II. 3 credits.
An advanced survey of choral literature from the
Romantic period through the present, including small and large form repertoire
and a cappella and accompanied works. A thorough examination will be undertaken
of the parallel trends in keyboard and instrumental music.
MUS 560. Piano Literature I. 2 credits.
An advanced study of
Baroque and Classical literature for the piano encompassing solo and concerto
repertoire from literature for clavichord, harpsichord and pianoforte through
the mature works of Beethoven.
MUS 562. Music of the Romantic Period. 3 credits.
An advanced study of
nineteenth-century western music and its historical contexts. Includes
concentration on Beethoven, Schubert, Weber, Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Liszt,
Chopin, Wagner, Verdi, Brahms and their contemporaries.
MUS 563. Twentieth-Century Music. 3 credits.
An advanced study of
historical and compositional trends of 20th-century European and American composers.
Includes atonal music, neo-classicism, serial music, inderminacy, electroinc
music, pluralism, minimalism, and neo-Romantic music.
MUS 564. Symphonic Literature. 3 credits.
An advanced study of
symphonic literature concentrating primarily on major composers and
compositions from the Baroque Era to the present.
MUS 565. Opera History and Literature. 3 credits.
An advanced study of the
history of opera ca. 1600 through the 20th century.
MUS 567. Solo Vocal Literature. 3 credits.
An advanced survey of specific areas of vocal
literature to include the early English air, classic Italian art songs, the
German lied, the French art song and contemporary art song..
MUS 568. Organ Literature. 2
credits.
A survey of organ
literature from 1600 to present. Emphasis will be placed on style
characteristics of each historical era with some demonstration at the organ
where appropriate.
MUS 569. Church Music. 2
credits.
A course for organists
designed to develop the practical skills required of a church musician. Study
and performance of hymns, solo and anthem accompaniments, liturgies of major
religious denominations and selected church music for the church year.
Prerequisite: Level five organ proficiency.
MUS 570. Piano Literature II. 2 credits.
An advanced study of
Romantic, Impressionistic and 20th-century literature for the piano, including solo and concerto
repertoire, with an emphasis on stylistic trends of the 20th century.
MUS 573. Projects in Private Piano Pedagogy. 2 credits.
Topics of special interest to the private piano
teacher: overview of current methods, materials and repertoire for teaching
beginning, intermediate and advanced students; teaching techniques and
strategies; preparing students for college level piano study; business
procedures for maintaining a private studio; electronic and computer aids in
the piano studio.
MUS 576. Music Theory Practices. 3 credits.
Common-practice music theory with an introduction to
20th-century analysis. Current theory texts are examined.
MUS 577. Vocal Pedagogy. 2
credits.
An advanced survey of scientific and empirical
approaches to vocal pedagogy.
MUS 578. Music of the Baroque Period. 3 credits.
An advanced study of western music and its
historical contexts from ca. 1590-1750.
MUS 579. Music of the Classical Period. 3 credits.
An advanced study of the music of Pre-classic
composers, Mozart, Haydn, early Beethoven and their contemporaries.
MUS 598. Selected Topics in Music. 1-4 credits.
Courses in music which are of a topical nature. May
be repeated.
MUS 600. Introduction to Graduate Study in Music. 3 credits.
Research as a discipline; current trends and types
of research in music. Overview of bibliographical and other resources for music
study. Research in bibliography and techniques culminating in a research paper
in area of concentration.
MUS 601. Graduate Seminar in Music History. 3 credits.
A topical approach to the study of music history.
Topics might include: Music since 1950, Music of Beethoven, Debussy Schoenberg
and their followers, History of the Concerto, or any pertinent musical topic.
Topic and professor offering the course may change each semester. This course
may be repeated when content is different. See e-campus for current topic and
professor.
MUS 605. Analytical Studies in Music. 3 credits.
Analysis of representative works from selected
periods. Consideration will be given to melody and rhythm, harmony, texture,
and overall form. Prerequisite: MUS 576 or permission of instructor.
MUS 651-652. Music Composition. 2-3 credits each semester.
Advanced original composition utilizing various
20th-century styles and techniques. Prerequisite: Music 551-552. Three
credit hours for theory-composition majors only.
MUS 680. Document in Music Theory. 3 credits.
Final research project for theory/composition majors
specializing in theory, who choose three credits of course work and a smaller
document rather than the thesis. Follows thesis procedures.
MUS 690. Special Studies in Music. 1 - 3 credits.
Opportunity for supervised independent study in
areas of special interest to the student. May be repeated for credit.
MUS 697. Composition Final Project and Recital. 3 credits.
Project shall be a work for large ensemble.
Instrumentation and scope to be determined in consultation with the composition
instructor. In addition, students will present a recital of their original
works, the majority of which must have been composed during the student’s
graduate course of study in the School of Music.
MUS 698. Comprehensive Continuance. 1 credit.
Continued preparation in anticipation of the
comprehensive examination. Course may be repeated as needed.
MUS 699. Thesis Continuance. 2 credits.
Continued study, research and writing in the area of
thesis concentration. Course may be repeated as needed.
MUS 700. Thesis. 6
credits.
This course is graded on a
satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis.
Applied Music
Applied music instruction is offered in conducting, piano,
voice, organ, harpsichord or an orchestral instrument. Permission to register
for applied music must be granted by the appropriate applied division. Students
in a performance concentration are expected to continue major study each
semester enrolled.
MUAP 500-level. Applied Music. 1-2 credits.
(Minor area and
non-degree students.)
One or two 30-minute lessons per week. Two credits
available only by permission of the graduate studies coordinator.
MUAP 510. Applied Conducting. 1-2 credits.
(Minor study and
elective.)
Applied study, with limited ensemble assignment. May
be required of conducting applicants not meeting all requirements for major
study. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
MUAP 510A. Choral Conducting.
See course description for MUAP 510.
MUAP 510B. Orchestral Conducting.
See course description for MUAP 510.
MUAP 510C. Wind Conducting.
See course description for MUAP 510.
MUAP 600-level. Applied Music.
(Major area for Master of Music students.) 1 -
3 credits.
MUAP 610. Applied Conducting. (Major study.) 3 credits.
Limited to advanced conductors. Applied study, with
assignment to one or more ensembles.
MUAP 610A. Choral Conducting.
See course description for MUAP 610. Entrance based
on demonstration of advanced competence in conducting and meeting entrance
requirements in sight-singing, keyboard skills, and French, Latin, Italian and
German diction.
MUAP 610B. Orchestral Conducting.
See course description for MUAP 610. Entrance to
major instrumental study based on demonstration of advanced competence in
conducting and meeting the entrance requirements in keyboard score reading
skills and orchestration.
MUAP 610C. Wind Conducting.
See course description for MUAP 610. Entrance to
major instrumental study based on demonstration of advanced competence in
conducting and meeting the entrance requirements in keyboard score reading
skills and orchestration.
MUAP 695. Graduate Recital. 1
credit.
A public performance including advanced repertoire
in a variety of styles. MUAP 695 or MUAP 696 is required of all students with a
major in performance in the Master of Music degree program. Prerequisite:
Permission of major applied division.
MUAP 696. Graduate Lecture Recital. 2 credits.
A public lecture/performance demonstrating knowledge
of advance repertoire in a variety of styles. Recital must be accompanied by a
formal document. MUAP 695 or MUAP 696 is required of all students with a major
in performance in the Master of Music degree program. MUAP 696 is
required of all majors in conducting. Prerequisite: Permission of major
applied division.
Music Ensembles
MUAP 500-level. 1 credit.
Ensembles are required
in performance tracks and recommended as electives in other programs. In
consultation with the adviser, students may elect the following ensembles, most
of which require an audition. May be repeated.
MUAP 535.
Chorus
MUAP 537. Marching Band
MUAP 540. Chorale
MUAP 541. Madison Singers
MUAP 543. Opera Theater (1-2
credits)
MUAP 544. Chamber Orchestra
MUAP 545. Symphony Orchestra
MUAP 546. Wind Symphony
MUAP 547. Jazz Ensemble
MUAP 548. Jazz Band
MUAP 550. String Ensemble
MUAP 551. Woodwind Ensemble
MUAP 552. Brass Ensemble
MUAP 553. Guitar Ensemble
MUAP 554. Percussion Ensemble
MUAP 556. Flute Choir
MUAP 557. Piano Accompanying and
Ensemble
MUAP 559. Keyboard Performance
Practicum –Organ
Music Education
MUED 501. Workshops in Music Education. 1-3 credits.
Designed to provide a
variety of workshop experiences; many workshops are particularly appropriate
for teachers in elementary and secondary schools. The content of each will be
determined by interest and demand.
MUED 570. Marching Band Procedures. 2 credits.
Skills and knowledge needed to organize, administer,
plan and teach marching band shows including shows for various competitions,
parades, football, basketball and festival events; techniques for developing
both marching and playing style through a functional method of fundamental
drills.
MUED 571. Jazz and Show Choir Procedures. 2 credits.
Skills and concepts needed to organize, administer,
plan, teach and perform in jazz or show choirs will be taught. Techniques of
commercial vocal style and choreography for the show choir will be covered.
MUED 598. Selected Topics in Music Education. 1 - 4 credits.
Courses in music education which are of a topical
nature. May be repeated.
MUED 660. Introduction to Graduate Study in Music
Education. 1 credit.
This course provides an overview of the goals and
guiding principles for the Masters of Music with a concentration in Music
Education. The required portfolio project will be begun in this course.
MUED 661. The Professional Portfolio. 1 credit.
This course provides the opportunity to draw
together the strands of the Masters of Music with a concentration in Music
Education in the form of a professional portfolio and in preparation for the
comprehensive exam and the thesis/document.
MUED 670. Principles and Practices in Music Education. 3 credits.
The foundations underlying music education programs
and practices found in the history of music education, philosophy with special
emphasis on aesthetics, sociology, social psychology and psychology. Practices
in music education are examined from the perspective of these foundation
studies.
MUED 671. Research in Music Education. 2 credits.
Understanding the principles and techniques of
historical, descriptive, experimental and conceptual research. Planning
original research. A thesis proposal is the final class requirement.
MUED 680. Document in Music Education. 3 credits.
Final research project for music education majors
who choose three credits of course work and a smaller document, rather than the
thesis. Follows thesis procedure.
MUED 690. Special Studies in Music Education. 1 - 3 credits.
Opportunity for supervised independent study in
areas of special interest to the student. May be repeated for credit.
MUED 698. Comprehensive Continuance. 1 credit.
Continued preparation in anticipation of the
comprehensive examination. Course may be repeated as needed.
MUED 699. Thesis Continuance. 2 credits.
Continued study, research and writing in the area of
thesis concentration. Course may be repeated as needed.
MUED 700. Thesis. 6
credits.
