Master of Music - Guidelines

Guidelines to the Master of Music

revised 6 March 2005

The Master of Music (M.M.) degree provides advanced study in music education (choral, elementary or instrumental, with thesis or non-thesis option), music theory, choral conducting, or applied music (performance) in piano, voice, wind, string, and percussion instruments. For Information Please Contact Graduate Coordinator: Alan Spurgeon, 162 Scruggs Hall, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, e-mail aspurg@olemiss.edu, phone 662 915-5170

I. Requirement for Full Standing

A. Present evidence of having taken the GRE Aptitude Tests (verbal and quantitative).

B. Hold a Bachelor's Degree in Music or its equivalent. (Transcripts must be filed at the University of Mississippi Graduate School).

C. Present evidence of having acquired an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. A GPA of 2.7 (out of 4.0) is accepted with provisions.

D. Take the departmentally administered entrance exams listed in item II below.

E. Complete the Application for Admission form issued by the Graduate School. On-line application is suggested.

F. Students emphasizing applied music must present evidence of having given a senior recital or the equivalent.

The status of students not in Full Standing after having successfully completed 18 hours is changed from Graduate Unclassified to Graduate Unclassified (non-degree). While in this status, no additional work may be applied towards a graduate degree.

II. Entrance Examinations

The entrance exams include:

1. Aural Skills Test: The Aural Skills Test tests the ability to recognize standard tertian chords, take melodic dictation, recognize traditional meters and notate a well-known melody.
2. Music Theory Test: The theory test is a multiple choice exam that includes questions on subjects from lower division theory, counterpoint, form and analysis, and orchestration courses. When preparing to take the exam, students might want to review their undergraduate class notes and textbooks.
3. Music History/Literature Test: The music history examination covers information about composers, forms and styles from the medieval period to the present day. In addition to brief definitions, matching, and multiple choice elements, students will be required to write two essays. There is no listening or score identification. Students may wish to prepare for this exam by reviewing undergraduate class notes and textbooks.
4. Performance Skills Audition: The performance audition for students electing programs in performance is described in section B below. All other students are expected to demonstrate performance skills equal to that of a junior at The University of Mississippi. Candidates may want to consult with an appropriate member of the studio faculty for further information.

A. All entrance exams will be given each term immediately prior to the beginning of classes. The time for exams will be posted on the bulletin board outside the music office. Students should contact the Graduate Coordinator at aspurg@olemiss.edu for specific times and place.

B. The performance skills audition is scheduled with the appropriate Area Head (Piano, Vocal, or Instrumental) as soon as possible because it must be completed before the end of the first full week of classes. Junior level proficiency is required for admission in full standing for all students except those whose emphasis is applied music. Students whose major emphasis is applied music must prepare an audition of appropriate material not to exceed 30 minutes. Students with three or more years as a conductor may submit recordings of their orchestra, band or chorus to the respective University director. A student who has previously performed an audition at the University of Mississippi may petition to waive this requirement.

C. Deficiencies revealed by the entrance exams may require the addition of courses to a student's curriculum. Such work must be taken during the first term in which the courses are offered, and must be completed with a grade of a B or higher.

Students who score lower than 70 percent on the Aural Skills Test must add Advanced Ear Training to their curriculum.
Students who score lower than 65 percent on the Theory Test must add a lecture-style graduate theory course to their curriculum.
Students who score between 80 and 110 on the music history/literature test must add a 2-hour graduate lecture-style music history or literature course to their curriculum.
Students who score below 80 on the music history/literature test must add two 2-hour graduate lecture-style music history or literature courses to their curriculum.
Students whose Performance Skills Audition is unsatisfactory may re-audition during their first term in residence or enroll in undergraduate applied lessons until completing MUS 322.
After the completion of all entrance exams, the chair of the music department may deny admission to a program based on a recommendation from the student's Area Coordinator.

III. Major Professor

A. After achieving full standing, a major professor from the student's emphasis is assigned following consultation with the student and the professor requested.

B. Based on the results of the entrance exams, the major professor will design the program of studies in consultation with the student.

IV. Program of Studies

A. Consult the Graduate Catalogue for the curricula for the various emphases. Curricula for each area of emphasis is also available from the Graduate Coordinator at aspurg@olemiss.edu.

B. All course work in the program of studies must show a cumulative average of B or higher.

C. The program of studies may be altered only by agreement between the student and the major professor.

D. MUS 520 (Introduction to Music Research) should be taken as soon as possible. Failure to do so may jeopardize timely graduation.

V. The Thesis or Recital

A. A student may not enroll in MUS 697 (Thesis) or MUS 695 (Recital) if not in full standing.

B. For information concerning format, procedures and specifications of Thesis, consult the Graduate Student's Handbook and A Manual of Theses, Doctoral Essays and Dissertations (available at the Graduate School).

C. Students must be enrolled for at least three hours during the semester in which they intend to graduate. Summer graduates must enroll for three hours in either summer semester.

D. If a thesis is written, a thesis committee is formed by the major professor in consultation with the student and appointed by the department chair. The committee shall consist of the major professor, another representative of the student's emphasis and any other member of the graduate music faculty. Members of the committee will be consulted by the major professor concerning their willingness to serve.

VI. The Oral Examination

A. Early in the semester in which the student intends to graduate, the major professor, in consultation with the student, shall formulate a committee of graduate music faculty members to administer the oral exam (normally the thesis committee) or the written exam in the music education program.

B. The Graduate Coordinator should be contacted to set a date for the oral exam. Time should be allotted after the oral exam to allow for thesis corrections or further study required by the committee.

C. If the student's emphasis is applied music, the committee must be formulated prior to the recital so that the members may attend.

D. The thesis or composition project must be presented to all members of the committee in its completed form at least two weeks prior to the oral exam. The oral exam will primarily concern the thesis and the courses taken toward the degree.

E. After successful completion of the oral exam, two copies of the thesis must be presented to the Graduate School before the regular examination period for the semester in which the student intends to graduate.

F. If the student's emphasis is music education a written exam will be administered. The student should consult the major professor early in the semester in which they intend to graduate in order to formulate the exam committee. The student may consult each member of the exam committee to solicit questions or areas of suggested study prior to the exam. The committee members may choose not to provide questions or areas of study.

The University of Mississippi adheres to the principle of equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, sex, color, creed or national origin. This policy extends to all programs and activities supported by the University.