Undergraduate Degrees | Graduate Degrees
 

Master of Music in Performance

The Master of Music in Performance curriculum is designed to develop skills in performance and interpretation, supported by a knowledge base in historical and analytical areas.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in music, or equivalent, prior to admission into the program.  Applied performance applicants must present a program of 30 minutes of music in contrasting styles from which the auditioner will make a selection.  A demonstration of technique or sight- reading may be required at the option of the auditioner.  For voice majors, voice must have been the major instrument at the baccalaureate level.  

The designated master of music performance area must have been the major applied area at the baccalaureate level. The completion of specific recital deficiencies may be required if the baccalaureate music degree was a curriculum other than performance.  

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS  

The degree requirement is a minimum of 30 credit hours with rates of be or better in required courses and a grade point average of 3.000.  

Master of Music students are required to complete an oral comprehensive examination at or near the completion of course work.  Examinations are individualized with specific questions based on each student's graduate transcript.  A minimum of three Shenandoah faculty members will administer the examination usually selected from your division, your primary adviser, and your primary teacher.  Students must contact the Chair of their applied division who will schedule the examination in coordination with the Chair of the Graduate Performance Program.  The Comprehensive Examination is graded as Pass or Fail.  Should the student failed a first attempt at the examinations, a second attempt is possible.  Students are not permitted a third attempt at completing the Comprehensive Examination.  

Master of Music in Performance - Instrumental   

At the master's level students must complete one graduate performance recital (MUPP 540  - 2 credits) and a choice of the following:

MUTC 598 graduate Thesis/Lecture /Project (Vocal, Keyboard Majors)
MUPP 540 Performance Recital (a second completion)

Students must present a balanced program of repertoire.  The program must be approved by the student's graduate committee no later than six weeks prior to the recital date.  Additional information may be found in the student recital handbook available in the Conservatory Office.  This publication includes all forms and requirements necessary to complete the recital requirements.  

Master of Music in Performance - Piano Solo majors  

At the Master's level, students must complete two Graduate Solo Recitals (MUPP 540 - 2 credits) 

Students must present a balanced program of repertoire totaling 55 minutes of music to be performed by memory (with the exception of 20th century avant-garde repertoire).  The student has the option of including a chamber work on one of the graduate recitals.    

Master of Music in Performance - Vocal majors  

At the Master's level, students must complete one Graduate Solo Recital (MUPP 540 - 2 credits) and a choice of the following

MUTC 598 graduate Thesis/Lecture/Project 
MUPP 540 Performance Recital (a second completion)

Students must present a balanced program of repertoire.  Voice majors must also include at least three languages in addition to English. The program must be approved by the student's graduate committee no later than six weeks prior to the recital date.  Additional information may be found in the student recital handbook available in the Conservatory Office.  This publication includes all forms and requirements necessary to complete the recital requirements.  

Requirements for the Master of Music in Performance Degree

Course 

Title

Credits

AP** 521

Applied Music

2 *

AP** 522

Applied Music

2 *

AP** 621

Applied Music

2 *

AP** 622

Applied Music

2 *

MUED 601

Bibliography and Research

3

MUPP 640

Graduate Performance Recital

2 *

MUTC 520

Graduate Theory Seminar

3
  Music Literature electives (Recommendation for voice majors include French Vocal Literature, German Vocal Literature, American/British Vocal Literature, Italian/Spanish Literature, Oratorio) 6

Keyboard Majors:

MUTC 698

Graduate Thesis/Lecture/Project 

  
 

or

2*+

MUPP 640

Graduate Performance Recital (a second completion)

  
 

Electives (2 credits may not include skill based or performance instruction. May apply up to 4 credits of ensemble toward degree requirements)

6

Instrumental Majors:

MUTC 698

Graduate Thesis/Lecture/Project 

  
 

or

2*+

MUPP 640

Graduate Performance Recital (a second completion)

  
  Performance Ensemble 4
 

Electives (not to include skill based or performance instruction.)

2

Voice Majors:

MUTC 699

Graduate Thesis

 4*+
  or  
MUEC 698  Lecture Recital  2*
 

Electives:
(Elective recommended include Voice Science, Vocal Coaching, Opera Workshop, Opera Production, Opera Direction, Opera Characterization, Vocal Chamber Ensemble, pedagogy, conducting, applied accompanying, or ensembles. May apply up to 2 credits of ensemble toward degree requirements)

4-6

All Majors:

  Comprehensive Examination  (all majors) Pass/Fail

 

 Total

30

* minimum grade of "B" required.

+After initial registration in MUTC 698 or MUED 699, the student must remain continuously registered for that course for at least one credit each Fall and Spring semester until the requirement is fulfilled.   Registration and billing are automatic until the requirement is fulfilled or the student submits a written statement of withdrawal from the curriculum.

GENERAL INFORMATION  
No information contained herein shall be deemed to amend or modify the official catalogue of Shenandoah University. This replica is intended to provide information that will assist Conservatory students. The University reserves the right to make changes in policy, regulations, and fees, as circumstances dictate subsequent to the reproduction of this replica.