Music, MM and MME
Degree programs may be pursued in Master of Music with emphasis in performance, pedagogy, musicology, music theory, composition or a Master of Music Education.
Prerequisites
To apply to the Master of Music program, students must possess a Bachelor of Music or its equivalent, usually with a major in the area of proposed graduate study, including sophomore-level credit in an approved foreign language in the case of prospective majors in musicology or theory/composition. To apply to the Master of Music Education program, students must possess a Bachelor of Music or its equivalent, with a major in music education.
For admission, the student must have satisfactory undergraduate preparation for the particular degree sought which includes at least a “B” (3.0) average in all undergraduate work and satisfactory scores on the appropriate tests required by the school/college.
Applicants from countries other than the United States must meet the same admission standards required of all other applicants. In addition, before being admitted to the School of Music, all international students must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of 90 on the iBT or TOEFL, a 6.5 on the IELTS, or 105 on the Duolingo English test. Official scores must be sent to TCU from the testing agency.
Application
Application to the Master of Music and Master of Music Education programs requires students complete two applications:
- The TCU Graduate Admission Application, available at graduate.tcu.edu
- The School of Music Admission Application, available at music.tcu.edu/admission
Audition
Students applying in performance must present a satisfactory, in-person audition. In exceptional circumstances, permission may be granted for a video audition to be considered for admission.
Additional Requirements
The GRE is optional for students applying in the areas of musicology, theory/composition, and music education. Students applying for admission to all other Master of Music programs are not required to take the GRE, but are strongly encouraged to do so and submit scores prior to admission. The test scores, along with other materials, provide valuable information aiding in the evaluation and placement of students.
All entering graduate students are required to take placement examinations in Musicology and Music Theory. Results of these examinations are used in advising and to determine if leveling work in either or both areas is warranted. All portions of the test must be satisfactorily completed prior to admission to candidacy.
Students majoring in musicology, music theory or composition must submit examples of scholarly or creative work in the School of Music Application. Scholarly papers, compositions (scores and recordings), are appropriate.
Piano Pedagogy applicants should submit a 15-minute video recording of teaching, to include a private lesson to be uploaded as part of the School of Music Admission Application. This can also include a group lesson. International students should submit a video demonstrating their ability to teach using the English language.
Every graduate student must participate in an ensemble for a minimum of two semesters during residency. In special circumstances related to stipend or assistantship, ensemble participation may be required for additional semesters.
Application Deadlines
For full consideration, applicants seeking admission to any music master's program should complete their application by February 15 to be considered for fall matriculation. Optimal consideration for scholarships and assistantships will be given to applications completed fully (including delivery of all supporting materials) by February 1.
Degree Requirements
Performance majors must earn 30-34 hours in approved graduate courses, including at least 12 hours in studio instruction, and present two recitals, the content and format of which shall be determined and evaluated by the student's Graduate Advisory Committee.
Pedagogy, musicology, music theory and composition majors must earn 34-36 hours in approved graduate courses, with at least half of the courses, including thesis where appropriate, in the principal field.
Electives are chosen from graduate courses in music or related academic fields, with permission from the Director of the School of Music and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Recommendations may be made on the basis of undergraduate transcript and placement examinations.
Comprehensive Oral Examination
A comprehensive oral examination must be passed before the completion of all programs. This examination is usually given after the final recital or project is completed; however, it may be given early within the final semester of study as appropriate. Results of the comprehensive oral examination must be reported no later than the last day of classes each semester.
Only one re-examination of a failed oral exam will be permitted, the date to be set at the discretion of the examining committee. A student must be enrolled for a minimum of one hour of credit during any term in which the oral exam will be taken.
Master of Music Degree Programs
String Requirements
Applied Studio Lessons 12
Required:
Recitals 2
Required:
Music Theory 6
Choose two:
Musicology 6
Required:
Choose one:
Ensembles 4
Required:
Choose any:
Electives 4
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework.
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 34
MUSP 70981 - The recital shall be no less than 60 minutes in length, not including intermission. A high-quality recording of the final recital must be available to the School of Music. This is the student's responsibility.
Music Theory Requirements
Music Theory 12
Required:
Additional courses in Music Theory 6
Thesis 6
Required:
Musicology 6
Required:
Choose one:
Ensembles (.5 credit) 1
Choose any:
Electives 5
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 36
Composition Requirements
Composition 12
Required:
Music Theory 9
Musicology 6
Required:
Choose one:
Additional Music Theory or Musicology coursework 3
Choose one:
Ensembles (.5 credit) 1
Choose any:
Electives 5
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 36
*In the Music Composition degree, composition lessons are continued under the course heading of Thesis, resulting in a capstone composition of significant scope.
Piano Performance Requirements
Applied Studio Lessons 12
Required:
Recitals 2
Required:
Music Theory 6
Choose two:
Musicology 6
Required:
| MUSI 60103 | Bibliography and Research Techniques | 3 |
| MUSI 50433 | Keyboard Literature I Pre-Baroque through Classical | 3 |
| | OR | |
| MUSI 50533 | Keyboard Literature II Romantic through Contemporary | 3 |
If substituting, choose one:
Ensembles (.5 credit) 1
Choose any:
Electives 5
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 30
*MUSI 70971, MUSI 70981 - Each of the two recitals shall be no less than 60 minutes in length. The first recital may, if desired, include a concerto with second piano accompaniment and/or chamber music. This portion, however, must be no more than half the length of the recital.
**Allow for substitution if student has previously taken Keyboard Literature I or II.
Organ Performance Requirements
Applied Studio Lessons 12
Required:
Recitals 2
Required:
Music Theory 6
Choose two:
Musicology 6
Required:
Ensembles (.5 credit) 1
Choose any:
Electives 5
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 30
Collaborative Piano Requirements
Applied Studio Lessons 8
Required:
Applied Collaborative Skills 4
Required:
Recitals 2
Required:
Music Theory 6
Choose two:
Musicology 6
Required:
Choose one:
Ensembles (.5 credit) 1
Choose any:
Electives 5
Choose 2-3 or any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework:
Choose any:
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 32
Piano Pedagogy Requirements
Applied Studio Lessons 8
Required:
Recitals 1
Required:
Pedagogy 15
Required:
Music Theory 3
Choose one:
Musicology 6
Required:
| MUSI 60103 | Bibliography and Research Techniques | 3 |
| MUSI 50433 | Keyboard Literature I Pre-Baroque through Classical | 3 |
| | OR | |
| MUSI 50533 | Keyboard Literature II Romantic through Contemporary | 3 |
If substituting, choose one:
Ensembles (.5 credit) 1
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 34
*Allow for substitution if student has previously taken Keyboard Literature I or II.
Voice Pedagogy Requirements
Applied Studio Lessons 8
Required:
Recitals 1
Required:
Pedagogy 9
Required:
Music Theory 6
Choose two:
Musicology 6
Required:
Choose one:
Ensembles (.5 credit) 2
Choose any:
Electives 3
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 34
MUSI 70971 - the recital shall be no less than 60 minutes in length, not including intermission. A high-quality recording of the final recital must be available to the School of Music. This is the student's responsibility.
MUSI 60041 - Voice Pedagogy Practicum may be repeated for elective credit.
Voice Performance Requirements
Applied Studio Lessons 10
Required:
Recitals 2
Required:
Pedagogy 9
Required:
Music Theory 6
Choose two:
Musicology 6
Required:
Choose one:
Ensembles (.5 credit) 2
Choose any:
Electives 3
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 34
MUSI 70971-70981 - the recital shall be no less than 60 minutes in length, not including intermission. A high-quality recording of the final recital must be available to the School of Music. This is the student's responsibility.
Winds and Percussion Performance Requirements
Applied Studio Lessons 12
Required:
Recitals 2
Required:
Music Theory 6
Choose two:
Musicology 6
Required:
Choose one:
Ensembles (.5 credit) 4
Choose any:
Electives 4
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 30
MUSP 70981 - the recital shall be no less than 60 minutes in length, not including intermission. A high-quality recording of the final recital must be available to the School of Music. This is the student's responsibility.
MUSI 60010-60210 is a two semester requirement.
MUSI 70981 - A high quality recording of the final recital must be available to the School of Music. This is the student's responsibility. A comprehensive oral examination follows the final recital.
Musicology Requirements
Musicology 16
Required:
Choose three electives:
Thesis 6
Required:
Music Theory 6
Choose two:
Ensembles (.5 credit) 1
Choose any:
Electives 3
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework
Conducting Requirements - Band Conducting Emphasis
Band Conducting Emphasis
Applied Conducting Study 11
Required:
Performance 6
Required:
Music Theory 6
Choose two:
Musicology 6
Required:
Choose one:
Electives 3
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 32
MUSP 70981 - Conducting majors participate as conductors in at least two public performances with major University ensembles. A high-quality recording of the final recital must be available to the School of Music. This is the student's responsibility.
Conducting Requirements - Choral Conducting Requirements
Choral Conducting Emphasis
Applied Conducting Study 4
Required:
Voice 7
Required:
Recitals 2
Required:
Music Theory 6
Choose two:
Musicology 9
Required:
Choose one:
Electives 4
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 32
MUSI 70971, MUSI 70981 - Conducting majors participate as conductors in at least two public performances with major University ensembles. A high-quality recording of the final recital must be available to the School of Music. This is the student's responsibility.
Conducting Requirements Orchestral Conducting Emphasis
Orchestral Conducting Emphasis
Applied Conducting Study 8
Required:
Performance 6
Required:
Music Theory 6
Choose two:
Musicology 9
Required:
Choose one:
Electives 3
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 32
MUSP 70981 - Conducting majors participate as conductors in at least two public performances with major University ensembles. A high-quality recording of the final recital must be available to the School of Music. This is the student's responsibility.
Music Education, MME Program Requirements
Music education majors must earn a minimum of 32 hours in approved graduate courses, with at least half of the courses, where appropriate, in the principal field of instrumental, choral or general music. This degree is designed to strengthen musical scholarship and performance, to promote philosophical and psychological understanding in music education, and to provide opportunities to explore specific interests of the individual student through special topics courses.
Master of Music Education Degree
Music Education 15
Required:
Education and/or Pedagogy Electives* 4
Choose any course from EDUC, EDEC or MUSI 50000-60000 level coursework
Performance 4
Required:
Required Ensembles (.5 credit)
Music Theory 3
Choose one:
Musicology 3
Required:
Electives 3
Any 50000 level and above from MUSI or MUSP coursework
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 32
*Chosen with the Advisor
**MUSP 60110/MUSI 60710 - With permission, students may take Performance for six semester hours, including a public recital.
Master of Music Education Degree
Piano Pedagogy Emphasis
Piano Pedagogy 18
Required:
Education and/or Pedagogy Electives* 3
Choose any course from EDUC, EDEC or MUSI 50000-60000 level coursework
Performance 7
Required:
Music Theory 3
Choose one:
Musicology 3
Required:
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 34
*Chosen with the Advisor.
**MUSP 60210 - With permission, students may present a public recital.