Curricular Outlines

Performer’s Certificates

The program of study leading to the Performer’s Certificate in Music is intended to provide a concentrated course of study in performance for outstanding musicians who have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a university or music conservatory in the United States or an international equivalent. Under the guidance of artist-teachers, students study applied music, participate in chamber music, repertory/coaching (voice), and perform in a major ensemble.

The Performer’s Certificate is intended to be completed in one academic year (in consecutive fall and spring semesters). Nine credits are required in the Fall semester and three in the Spring, for a total of twelve credits. Credits earned in a certificate program may not be applied later to any degree program at the University of Connecticut. Specific information on the types of Performer’s Certificates, listed below, is available in the Handbook for Graduate Music Students.

 

All certificate programs require a public recital, which carries no academic credit.

Certificate in Strings, Winds, or Percussion

Courses Credits
Music 5323 Applied Music (seven credits in the fall semester and 1 credit in the spring) 8
Music 5305 Orchestra or Wind Ensemble (two semesters at 1 credit per semester) 2
Music 5324 Graduate Chamber Ensemble (two semesters at 1 credit per semester) 2
Total Credits 12

Certificate in Piano

Courses Credits
Music 5323 Applied Music (seven credits in the fall semester and 1 credit in the spring) 8
Music 5324 Graduate Chamber Ensemble (two semesters at 1 credit per semester) 2
Music 5300 Special Topics — Accompanying (two semesters at 1 credit per semester) 2
Total Credits 12

Certificate in Voice

Courses Credits
Music 5323 Applied Music (seven credits in the fall semester and 1 credit in the spring) 8
Music 5305
or Music 5325
Chorus or Opera (two semesters at 1 credit per semester) 2
Music 5300 Special Topics — Repertory/Coaching (two semesters at 1 credit per semester) 2
Total Credits 12

Certificate in Conducting

Courses Credits
Music 5323 Applied Music (seven credits in the fall semester and 1 credit in the spring) 8
Music 5305 Chorus, Orchestra or Wind Ensemble (two semesters at 1 credit per semester) 2
Music 5331 Conducting Seminar (two semesters at 1 credit per semester) 2
Total Credits 12

Certificate in Jazz

Courses Credits
Music 5323 Applied Music (seven credits in the fall semester and 1 credit in the spring) 8
Music 5305 or Music 5325 Music 5305, Jazz Ensemble/Jazz Lab Band, or Music 5324, Graduate Chamber Ensemble (1 credit per
semester for two semesters)
2
Music 5300 Special Topics – Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Arranging or Jazz History (1 credit per semester for two semesters) 2
Total Credits 12

Master’s Degrees

The Master of Arts in Music is awarded in recognition of demonstrated accomplishment in the field of music, with special emphasis in historical musicology or theory. The Master of Music is awarded in recognition of musical accomplishment with special emphasis in performance or conducting. The master's degree programs require 24 to 30 credits of course work (depending upon the specialty). The Master of Arts program also requires 9 research credits (Grad 5950), plus a thesis which does not receive specific numerical credit. Students in performance must present a public recital.

The following outlines list the courses and credits required for each masters program. A complete listing of individual courses and course descriptions is given in the Graduate Catalog. For other requirements, see Requirements & Standards for Graduate Study and Final Requirements as indicated.

Master of Arts in Historical Musicology

Courses Credits
  Music History Requirements (15 credits total)  
MUSI 5391 Procedures in Historical Research 3
MUSI 5319, 6411, 6412, or 6413 Four additional courses in Music History, concentrating on important genres, major composers, and historical style periods. At least one seminar must focus on a pre-eighteenth century topic, and at least two on post-seventeenth century topics. 12
  Supportive Music Courses Outside of Music History (9 credits total)  
MUSI 5302 Analytic Techniques* 3
Music Theory Elective One course from MUSI 5348 Schenkerian Theory and Analysis, 5353 Theory Seminar, 5354 Advanced Analysis, 5359 History of Music Theory, 5379 Post-tonal Theory and Analysis, or MUSI 6400 Tutorial in Music (Counterpoint) 3
Electives outside of music history or music-history-oriented independent studies (e.g. in music theory, literature, pedagogy, or performance) 3
Total Course Credits: 24
Thesis 0
Research Credits Grad 5950 9
Total Credits: 33

* If the student places out of MUSI 5302 on the graduate music theory proficiency evaluation, a music theory course with a higher course number may be substituted (see courses listed under Music Theory Elective above).

In addition, attendance and participation in the Music History/Theory Colloquium is expected during each semester of residence.

See Requirements & Standards for Graduate Study for other requirements (especially Research Credits and Foreign Language), and Final Requirements (especially Master’s Degree Thesis and Master’s Degree Final Examination).


Master of Arts in Music Theory

Courses Credits
  Music Theory Requirements (12 credits total)  
MUSI 5302 Analytic Techniques* 3
Additional Music Theory Courses Three additional courses from MUSI 5348 Schenkerian Theory and Analysis, 5353 Theory Seminar, 5354 Advanced Analysis, 5359 History of Music Theory, 5379 Post-tonal Theory and Analysis, or 6400 Tutorial in Music (Counterpoint) 9
  Supportive Music Courses outside of Music Theory (9 credits total)  
MUSI 5391 Procedures in Historical Research 3
Two courses from MUSI 5319 Notation, MUSI 6411 The Life and Works of Individual Composers, MUSI 6412 Style Periods in Music History, or MUSI 6413 History of Musical Forms 6
  Electives (3 credits total)  
May include courses in music theory, history, literature, pedagogy, performance, or independent studies 3
Total Course Credits: 24
Thesis 0
Research Credits Grad 5950 9
Total Credits: 33

* If the student places out of MUSI 5302 on the graduate music theory proficiency evaluation, a music theory course with a higher course number may be substituted (see courses listed under Additional Music Theory Courses above).

In addition, attendance and participation in the Music History/Theory Colloquium is expected during each semester of residence.

See Requirements & Standards for Graduate Study for other requirements (especially Research Credits and Foreign Language), and Final Requirements (especially Master’s Degree Thesis and Master’s Degree Final Examination).


Master of Music in Performance

Courses Credits
  Performance Requirements (15 credits total)  
MUSI 5323 Applied Music (major instrument) 14
MUSI 5397 Recital 1
  Supportive Music Courses Outside of Performance (10 credits total)  
MUSI 5302 Analytic Techniques* 3
MUSI 5391 Procedures in Historical Research 3
Music History, Theory, Literature, Pedagogy, or non-performance-oriented independent study 4
  Free Electives (5 credits total)  
May include performance courses or performance-oriented independent study 5
Total Credits: 30

* If the student places out of MUSI 5302 on the graduate music theory proficiency evaluation, a music theory course with a higher course number may be substituted.

In addition, students with an emphasis in voice must demonstrate proficiency in foreign languages and diction.

See Requirements & Standards for Graduate Study for other requirements (especially Ensemble Participation and Recitals), and Final Requirements (especially Master’s Degree Project and Master’s Degree Final Examination).


Master of Music in Choral Conducting

Courses Credits
  Performance Requirements (13 credits total)  
MUSI 5323 Applied Music (conducting, 3 semesters @ 2 credits each) 6
MUSI 5330 Advanced Instrumental Conducting 2
MUSI 5305 Graduate Performing Ensemble (2 semesters minimum) 2
MUSI 5323

or 3222

Secondary Voice or Piano 2
MUSI 5397 Recital 1
  Supportive Music Courses Outside of Performance (15 credits total)  
MUSI 5302 Analytic Techniques* 3
MUSI 5308 Choral Literature (3 semesters @ 2 credits each) 6
MUSI 5391 Procedures in Historical Research 3
Music History One course chosen from MUSI 6411 Seminar: The Life and Works of Individual Composers, MUSI 6412 Style Periods in Music History, or MUSI 6413 History of Musical Forms 3
  Free Electives (2 credits total)  
May include performance courses or performance-oriented independent study 2
Total Credits: 30

* If the student places out of MUSI 5302 on the graduate music theory proficiency evaluation, a music theory course with a higher course number may be substituted.

In addition, students are expected to participate in MUSI 5331 Conducting Seminar during each semester of residence.

See Requirements & Standards for Graduate Study for other requirements (especially Ensemble Participation and Recitals), and Final Requirements (especially Master’s Degree Final Examination).


Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting

Courses Credits
  Performance Requirements (11 credits total)  
MUSI 5323 Applied Music (conducting, 3 semesters @ 2 credits each) 6
MUSI 5364 Advanced Choral Techniques 2
MUSI 5305 Graduate Performing Ensemble (2 semesters minimum) 2
MUSI 5397 Recital 1
  Supportive Music Courses Outside of Performance (15 credits total)  
MUSI 5302 Analytic Techniques* 3
MUSI 5372 Wind Band Literature 3
MUSI 5373 Orchestra Literature 3
MUSI 5391 Procedures in Historical Research 3
Music History One course chosen from MUSI 6411 Seminar: The Life and Works of Individual Composers, MUSI 6412 Style Periods in Music History, or MUSI 6413 History of Musical Forms 3
  Free Electives (4 credits total)  
May include performance courses or performance-oriented independent study 4
Total Credits: 30

* If the student places out of MUSI 5302 on the graduate music theory proficiency evaluation, a music theory course with a higher course number may be substituted.

In addition, students are expected to participate in MUSI 5331 Conducting Seminar during each semester of residence.

See Requirements & Standards for Graduate Study for other requirements (especially Ensemble Participation and Recitals), and Final Requirements (especially Master’s Degree Final Examination).

Doctoral Degrees

The Doctor of Musical Arts degree is the highest practice-oriented degree in the field of music. It is intended to give persons of outstanding ability the opportunity to become creative contributors in both performance and scholarship. The Doctor of Philosophy in Music is awarded in recognition of distinguished scholarly achievement in the field of music. The acquisition of the degree testifies to the mastery of the general subject of music, to a concentration of knowledge or skill in some specialty within the field of music, and to the acquisition of research skills applicable to the activities of scholarship and teaching in music.

It is important for students to realize that work towards a doctoral degree is not merely a matter of accumulating course credits or of satisfying other requirements. The degree will be conferred only after the Advisory Committee and the Graduate Faculty are convinced that the student has developed independence of judgment and mature scholarship in the chosen field.

The following outlines list the courses and credits required for each doctoral program. A complete listing of individual courses and course descriptions is given in the Graduate Catalog. For other requirements, see Requirements & Standards for Graduate Study and Final Requirements as indicated.


Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance

Courses Credits
  Performance Requirements (23 credits total)  
MUSI 5323 Applied Music (private lessons, 4 semesters @ 4 credits each) 16
MUSI 5305 or 5324 or 5325 Ensembles (large or small, 4 semesters @ 1 credit each) 4
MUSI 5397 Recitals* (3 recitals @ 1 credit each) 3
  Supportive Music Courses Outside of Performance (15 credits total)  
MUSI 5302 Analytic Techniques** 3
MUSI 5391 Procedures in Historical Research 3
Music Theory or History 3 courses @ 3 credits each, chosen from MUSI 5319 Notation and Performance Practice, MUSI 5348 Schenkerian Theory and Analysis, MUSI 5353 Theory Seminar, MUSI 5354 Advanced Analysis, MUSI 5359 History of Music Theory, MUSI 5379 Post-Tonal Theory and Analysis, MUSI 6411 Seminar: The Life and Works of Individual Composers, MUSI 6412 Style Periods in Music History, or MUSI 6413 History of Musical Forms 9
  Directed Electives (7 credits total)  
To be chosen with the approval of the Major Advisor and the Advisory Committee. Music electives may be chosen from Literature (appropriate to the student’s area of concentration), Diction, History, Theory, Conducting, Performance, Composition, or Tutorial. Electives may also be chosen in areas outside of music. 7
  Research Credits (15 credits total)  
GRAD 6950 May be taken before or after admission to candidacy 15
Total Credits: 60

*All DMA degree recitals must consist of a minimum of 50 minutes of music. In addition, students with a vocal emphasis must demonstrate proficiency in foreign languages and diction.

**If the student places out of MUSI 5302 on the graduate music theory proficiency evaluation, a music theory course with a higher course number may be substituted.

For additional requirements, see Requirements & Standards for Graduate Study (especially Residency, Research Credits, Ensemble Participation, Recitals and Foreign Language), and Final Requirements (especially Admission to Candidacy, Doctoral General Examination, and Dissertation Defense).


Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting

Courses Credits
  Performance Requirements (25 credits total)  
MUSI 5323 Applied Music (conducting study, 4 semesters @ 4 credits each) 16
MUSI 6400 Ensembles (orchestra, concert choir, or wind ensemble, 2 semesters @ 2 credits each) 4
MUSI 5331 Conducting Seminar (during each semester of residence, 4 semesters minimum @ 1 credit each) 4
MUSI 5397 Recital* (1 recital @ 1 credit and two non-credit large ensemble conducting appearances [one-half program each]) 1
  Supportive Music Courses Outside of Performance (15 credits total)  
MUSI 5302 Analytic Techniques** 3
MUSI 5391 Procedures in Historical Research 3
Music Theory or History 3 courses @ 3 credits each, chosen from MUSI 5319 Notation and Performance Practice, MUSI 5348 Schenkerian Theory and Analysis, MUSI 5353 Theory Seminar, MUSI 5354 Advanced Analysis, MUSI 5359 History of Music Theory, MUSI 5379 Post-Tonal Theory and Analysis, MUSI 6411 Seminar: The Life and Works of Individual Composers, MUSI 6412 Style Periods in Music History, or MUSI 6413 History of Musical Forms 9
  Directed Electives (7 credits total)  
To be chosen with the approval of the Major Advisor and the Advisory Committee. Music electives may be chosen from Literature (appropriate to the student’s area of concentration), Diction, History, Theory, Conducting, Performance, Composition, or Tutorial. Electives may also be chosen in areas outside of music. 7
  Research Credits (15 credits total)  
GRAD 6950 May be taken before or after admission to candidacy 15
Total Credits: 62

*All DMA degree recitals must consist of a minimum of 50 minutes of music. In addition, students with a vocal emphasis must demonstrate proficiency in foreign languages and diction.

**If the student places out of MUSI 5302 on the graduate music theory proficiency evaluation, a music theory course with a higher course number may be substituted.

For additional requirements, see Requirements & Standards for Graduate Study (especially Residency, Research Credits, Ensemble Participation, Recitals and Foreign Language), and Final Requirements (especially Admission to Candidacy, Doctoral General Examination, and Dissertation Defense).


Doctor of Philosophy in Music Theory and History

The following music theory and history requirements must be completed before the student is admitted to candidacy. Note that these are courses beyond the bachelor's degree. Similar graduate courses taken at another accredited institution may fulfill some of these requirements if the student is able to demonstrate knowledge or skill approximately equivalent to that expected of students who have completed the corresponding courses below:

PREREQUISITES
Before being admitted into this program, the student is expected to demonstrate, through testing and interviews with members of the faculty, a level of competence equivalent to undergraduate coursework in the following areas:

  1. The principal periods of Western music history, including important composers and other historical figures, the history and development of standard musical genres, and representative musical works.
  2. Musical performance (on the student's principal instrument or voice).
  3. Harmony and voice leading; conventions of part writing and figured bass.
  4. Aural skills, including sight singing; keyboard facility.
  5. Sixteenth- and eighteenth-century counterpoint.
  6. Standard formal designs of the common practice period.
  7. Twentieth-century music literature and compositional techniques.
  8. Basic principles of score reading, instrumentation and orchestration.
  9. Research and bibliographic skills sufficient for effective writing in the discipline.

A student with a limited background in one or more of these areas may be admitted to the program with the understanding that appropriate undergraduate course work will be completed as soon as possible.

Courses Credits
  Required Courses in Music Theory and History (33 credits total)  
MUSI 5302 Analytic Techniques* 3
MUSI 5319 Notation and Performance Practice 3
MUSI 5348 Schenkerian Theory and Analysis 3
MUSI 5353 Seminar in Music Theory (repeatable with different topics: additional enrollments count toward Directed Electives [see below]) 3
MUSI 5359 History of Music Theory 3
MUSI 5379 Post-Tonal Theory and Analysis 3
MUSI 5391 Procedures in Historical Research 3
MUSI 6411, 6412, or 6413 Seminars in Music History (4 courses @ 3 credits each) 12
  Directed Electives (12 credits total)  
Courses chosen by the student in consultation with the Advisory Committee and guided by the student’s individual interests and research area. 12
  Research Credits (15 credits total)  
GRAD 6950 May be taken before or after admission to candidacy 15
Total Credits: 60

*If the student places out of MUSI 5302 on the graduate music theory proficiency evaluation, the student may proceed directly to a music theory course with a higher course number that is not also a specific program requirement. Examples: MUSI 5353 (beyond the one required enrollment), MUSI 5354, or MUSI 6400 Tutorial in Music (with music theory content, for 3 credits).

Other requirements: 1) Reading proficiency in one foreign language (normally German); 2) Additional language study (in the same or different foreign language) or 6 credits in a supporting area related to the student’s proposed area of research; 3) Practical or applied musical skill: significant experience in performance, conducting, composition or musical technology; 4) Teaching ability: successful experience in academic or applied teaching; 5) Scholarly activity: evidence of success through publications or public presentations; 6) Attendance and participation in the Music theory and History Colloquium during each semester of residence. Competence in these areas will be evaluated by the student’s Advisory Committee.

For additional requirements, see Requirements & Standards for Graduate Study (especially Residency, Research Credits, Ensemble Participation, and Recitals), and Final Requirements (especially Admission to Candidacy, Doctoral General Examination, and Dissertation Defense).