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– Minnesota State University, Mankato
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Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota State University, Mankato

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Page address: https://web.mnsu.edu/supersite/academics/catalogs/graduate/current/music.html

College of Arts & Humanities
Department of Music
202 Performing Arts Center
507-389-2118

Music graduate studies at Minnesota State University lead to the Master of Music degree. The Master of Music degree is a professional degree, most appropriate for students who desire to increase their knowledge as public school teachers, to teach at the college level, or to work toward their doctorate. It is also a degree useful for those who perform professionally, compose, or conduct.

Master of Music

The Master of Music is offered in three areas of concentration: Performance (instrumental, keyboard, or voice), Conducting (Choral or Wind Band) and Music Education. A student may pursue a secondary emphasis in any of the above areas or in music history/theory.

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, all prospective graduate students in music are expected to have the equivalent of an undergraduate degree with a music major from an accredited institution. Competency based music tests must be passed before a Plan of Study can be approved. Written and oral comprehensive examinations are required for graduation. The student may present as his/her independent study project a Master's recital or a thesis, depending on area of specialization. The Thesis Plan requires 30 credits which allows up to 3 credits outside of music. The Alternate Plan Paper requires 30 credits and two starred papers in place of the Thesis.

Music 600 is required for all majors and should be completed early in the program. Students planning to major in performance must audition before the appropriate music faculty prior to entrance into the program; performance majors should be full-time students. Specific information regarding entrance tests as well as outlines of the requirements for both programs may be found in the graduate music handbook available from the Department of Music. Graduate assistantships are available which provide a stipend and a tuition waiver. To apply for a music assistantship, students should contact Dr. David Dickau, graduate music coordinator.

Music MM

(All options - 30 credits)

Choose one of the following Options:

Keyboard (30 credits)

  • MUS 600 – Introduction to Graduate Music Study (3)
  • MUS 601 – Ensemble Practicum (2)
  • MUS 661 – Private Piano (12)
  • MUS 676 – Applied Music Literature (3)
  • MUS 677 – Applied Music Pedagogy (2)
  • MUS 696 – Recital (2)
  • MUS – Music History (3)
  • MUS – Music Theory (3)

Voice (31 credits)

  • MUS 555 – Diction for Singers (2)
  • MUS 600 – Introduction to Graduate Music Study (3)
  • MUS 601 – Ensemble Practicum (2)
  • MUS 651 – Private Voice (12)
  • MUS 676 – Applied Music Literature (2)
  • MUS 677 – Applied Music Pedagogy (2)
  • MUS 696 – Recital (2)
  • MUS – Music History (3)
  • MUS – Music Theory (3)

Language: Must take at undergraduate level if necessary; credits do not count for degree

Instrument (30 credits)

  • MUS 600 – Introduction to Graduate Music (3)
  • MUS 601 – Ensemble Practicum (2)
  • MUS 672 – Private Instrument (Major Instrument) (12)
  • MUS 676 – Applied Music Literature (3)
  • MUS 677 – Applied Music Pedagogy (2)
  • MUS 696 – Recital (2)
  • MUS – Music History (3)
  • MUS – Music Theory (3)

Choral Conducting

  • MUS 5xx Music History (3)
  • MUS 5xx Music Theory (3)
  • MUS 509 Advanced Choral Conducting (3)
  • MUS 600 Introduction to Graduate Music Study (3)
  • MUS 601 Ensemble Practicum ( 1, 1) (2)
  • MUS 607 Seminar in Choral Conducting (3)
  • MUS 608 Choral Literature (1-3)
  • MUS 609 Private Choral Conducting (1-3)
  • MUS 696 Recital (2)
  • MUS         Music electives (4)

Wind Band Conducting

  • MUS 5xx Music History (3)
  • MUS 534 Form and Analysis (3)
  • MUS 600 Introduction to Graduate Music Study (3)
  • MUS 601 Ensemble Practicum ( 1, 1) (2)
  • MUS 617 Seminar in Wind Band Conducting (4)
  • MUS 618 Wind Band Literature (2)
  • MUS 619 Private Instruction in Conducting (4)
  • MUS 696 Recital (2)
  • MUS         Music electives (5)

Music Education MM

(Discipline-Based)

Teaching licensure is a prerequisite to pursuing this degree which is for teachers interested in enrichment in a teaching area. This degree does not lead to initial teaching licensure. Students who desire initial licensure should consult the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. An emphasis in Music is available. Please see the section concerning the MAT program that is listed in this bulletin.

Required Core (15 credits)

  • MUS 600 Introduction to Graduate Music (3)
  • MUS 604 Survey of Music Research (3)
  • MUS 642 Topics in Music Education (3)
  • MUS 699 Thesis (3)
  • EDFN (Course in College of Education) (3)

*Related Courses (9 credits)

(must include at least one course in theory and one in history)

General Courses (6 credits)

These may be in related fields in any college of university and must be approved by the graduate coordinator.

Alternate Plan

The alternate plan requires 34 credits of coursework. The thesis is replaced with two starred papers (see the graduate music coordinator for explanation), each of which is based on further research in courses taken. The following credits are required:

Required Core: (34 credits)

  • MUS 600, 604, 642 (no thesis) (9)
    at least one course in Education (3)
  • Related Music Courses (16)
  • Electives (6)

Course Descriptions

MUS 509 (3) Advanced Choral Conducting

Choral conducting skills for the advanced conductor.

MUS 519 (3) Advanced Conducting

Conducting skills for the advanced conductor.

MUS 522 (3) Music of the Renaissance

A survey of important music literature of the 14th through the 16th century with emphasis upon the cultural, economical and philosophical forces which shaped the musical trends and influenced the composer and his compositions.

MUS 523 (3) Music of the Baroque Era

A study of the composers and their literature which represented the changing styles as dictated by the musical tastes of the period. Special attention is given the evolution and/or development of the major musical forms and genres.

MUS 524 (3) Music of the Classic Period

A study in detail of the development of musical forms and style of the 18th century, the important composers of this period, the society in which they lived and how it affected their lives and works.

MUS 525 (3) Music of the 19th Century

A study of the dominant and varied musical energies of the 19th century as seen through the study of scores and the music of its composers.

MUS 526 (3) Music of the Modern Era

This course presents the major composers of the 20th century and representative musical compositions. Beginning with Mahler and Debussy, other composers include Stavinsky, Bartok, Schoenberg, Berg, Copland, Crumb, and Messiaen. Included are reading and writing assignments; students should plan to spend part of each week listening to assigned materials in the music library,

MUS 527 (3) Music Theatre

This team-taught course will acquaint students with the problems of presenting musical drama. Course content will include preparation and presentation of musical scenes. Several aspects of musical theatre will be discussed, including history, directing, acting, conducting, singing, and producing.

MUS 528 (3) Music of the World

Explore the musics of the world and the cultures that they came from. Includes projects to develop classes in K-12 education. Participation in an off-campus musical event (concert/celebration/festival) required.

MUS 532 (3) Contemporary Theory

A study of 20th century compositional practices through the analysis of representative works of Stavinsky, Bartok, Schoenberg, Penderecki, and others. Some writing exemplifying specific techniques.

MUS 533 (3) Contrapuntal Techniques

Writing and analysis stressing the linear approach to composition, motivic development, and the imitation process. The invention, Fugue, and Chorale Prelude are examined.

MUS 534 (3) Form and Analysis

An examination of principles and patterns of musical design in representative works, principally from the Baroque, Classic and Romantic composers. The acquisition of analytical techniques which can be broadly applied.

MUS 535 (3) Orchestration

Arranging music for the school band and orchestra.

MUS 536 (2) Choral Arranging

Arranging music for choral ensembles.

MUS 541 (2) Music in Early Childhood

This course is designed to answer some of the questions concerning how young children learn music and how music can become a foundation for learning in all curricular areas. Prominent learning theories, child growth and development characteristics and effects of home/school environment will be discussed in relation to music experiences. Musical methodologies and materials will be encouraged.

MUS 555 (2) Diction for Singers

Application of the International Phonetic Alphabet to song texts in English, French, Italian, and German.

MUS 559 (2) The Art Song

This course deals with the art song as distinguished from the native song. It deals with song from the point of literary value and musical substance, and it seeks to give an overview of the art song from the Middle Ages to the present day, with emphasis given to works of the 19th and 20th centuries.

 

MUS 579 (2) Instrument Repair and Maintenance

Through a series of laboratory projects and lecture/demonstration, the course is designed to train students in the expertise of performing minor repairs to all band instruments as well to be knowledgeable in the aspects of preventive maintenance.

MUS 581 (2) Advanced MIDI Production

MUS 594 (1-6) Workshop

Special short course, usually available during summer sessions I and II.

MUS 597 (1-16) Internship

MUS 600 (3) Introduction to Graduate Music Study

The study of library sources and research procedures involved in locating music literature and materials for use in performance, teaching and/or advanced graduated studies.

MUS 601 (0-4) Ensemble Practicum

Participation in any regularly scheduled ensemble at the Department of Music. May be repeated for credit.

MUS 607 (1-3) Seminar in Choral Conducting

An intensive study of choral conducting techniques and performance practices.

MUS 608 (1-3) Choral Literature

An intensive survey of choral repertory.

MUS 609 (1-3) Private Choral Conducting

A course designed for choral conductors that continues the development of analytical and physical conducting skills. May be repeated for credit.

MUS 617 (1) Seminar in Wind Band Conducting

An intensive study of wind band conducting technique and performance practice.

MUS 618 (2) Wind Band Literature

An intensive study of repertory designed for wind band conductors.

MUS 619 (1-4) Private Wind Band Conducting

Course designed for wind band conductors that continues the development of analytical and physical conducting skills. Course may be repeated.

MUS 630 (1-6) Individual Study

Independent work by graduate students comes under this course number. The student must first secure permission from the instructor desired for the individual study.

MUS 631 (1-3) Composition

Private lessons in music composition.

MUS 641 (3) Survey of Research in Music Education

An overview of current research practices and techniques. Potential research areas are investigated and developed.

MUS 642 (3) Topics in Music Education

An investigation of the current topics of concern to the music educator. Individual student reports on current trends and problems in music education. The course includes issues in music administration.

MUS 651 (1-3) Private Voice

Individual lessons: two credits for half hour lesson each week and four credits for one hour lesson each week.

MUS 661 (1-3) Private Piano

MUS 662 (1-3) Private Harpsichord

MUS 665 (1-3) Private Organ

MUS 671 (1-3) Private Brass Instruments

MUS 672 (1-3) Private Reed and Other Instruments

MUS 673 (1-3) Private String Instruments

MUS 674 (1-3) Private Percussion

MUS 675 (1-3) Private Classical Guitar

MUS 676 (1-4) Applied Music Literature

MUS 677 (1-4) Applied Music Pedagogy

MUS 678 (1-3) Private Instrument

Individual lessons: two credits for half hour lesson each week and four credits for one hour lesson each week.

MUS 685 (1-4) Selected Topics

MUS 694 (1-2) Alternate Plan Paper Research

MUS 696 (2) Recital

MUS 698 (1-8) Internship

This course is available for students who are interested in assisting faculty in teaching and other academic pursuits. Permission of a faculty member is required before registering for this course.

MUS 699 (3-6) Thesis

Music students who write a thesis for their terminal project can register for this course. A faculty advisor must be selected before approval will be given.