德克萨斯大学奥斯汀分校

The Master of Music is offered in performance (including collaborative piano, opera coaching/directing, and chamber music), composition, conducting, theory, music and human learning, literature and pedagogy, musicology, and ethnomusicology.

Most programs of study leading to the Master of Music require between 30 to 36 semester hours of coursework depending on the specific degree plan. A program with a report in lieu of the thesis is used for musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and literature/pedagogy. A comprehensive examination is required of all master’s degree candidates, usually in the final semester of study.

Areas of Study

Performance: Degrees in this area are awarded for performance on brass, woodwind, percussion, keyboard, and stringed instruments, and in voice, opera, collaborative piano, and chamber music. In addition to demonstrating the technical achievements of the artist-performer, the student is expected to exhibit a thorough knowledge of the theoretical, pedagogical, and historical aspects of the major, as well as knowledge of the literature of the performance area.

Music and Human Learning: Students in this major study the fundamental principles of human learning and behavior as applied in all aspects of music activity, including performance, perception, composition, analysis, pedagogy, and the role of music in elementary and secondary schools and in higher education. Individual courses of study are uniquely designed to broaden and refine the knowledge and skills of experienced educators, preparing them for advanced careers as teachers and scholars in the various dimensions of research and professional education.

Musicology/Ethnomusicology: Students in this major have the opportunity to acquire the appropriate tools and methods of research in both historical musicology and ethnomusicology, and to study the history of music from the remote past to the present as well as the nature and function of music in the cultures of the world. The student also has the opportunity to do research in any historical aspect of music and to undertake field research in any cultural area. This major provides preparation for positions in college teaching, in research, in music criticism, and, with additional training, in library work. A broad background in the humanities and social sciences is essential for this area of study. Languages, history, philosophy (aesthetics), psychology, anthropology, cultural studies, and sociology are supporting, related fields.

Composition: Students in this major have the opportunity to acquire the tools to create music and convey their musical ideas through a variety of performance media. Students are expected to exhibit a thorough knowledge of the theoretical and historical basis of music and to develop strong pedagogical skills. A comprehensive general curriculum and optional concentrations in various areas of specialization help to prepare students for advanced careers as composers and teachers.

Conducting: Students in this major study the artistic, technical, physical, and leadership principles and skills required of successful conductors at the professional and postsecondary levels. Intensive coursework in conducting, score study, analysis, musicology, and theory is combined with opportunities to conduct University ensembles. Individual courses of study are tailored to prepare students for advanced careers as artists and teachers.

Theory: Students in this major study the principles of music, develop skills in music analysis and scholarly research, and prepare themselves to become college teachers in music theory. Competence in keyboard performance, proficiency in aural skills, a thorough knowledge of the pedagogy of music theory, and a broad background in the humanities are essential for this area of study.