GRADUATE DEGREES
Master of Arts in Music Theory
Program Goals
The master of arts in Music Theory is designed as a specialized degree in theoretical and analytical approaches to musical styles and works. The program features:
· Seminar: a special topics seminar in music theory (Music 574) that includes the study of analytical techniques, aesthetics, writings in music theory, music cognition, and mathematical models, among other areas.
· Thesis: a thesis that is analytical or theoretical in design, directed by a member of the theory faculty.
· Course work: the opportunity to study 16th- and 18th-century counterpoint, Schenkerian analysis and other systems of tonal analysis as well as analytical approaches to contemporary music.
· Pedagogy: a pedagogy course in undergraduate theory and history (Music 533).
The program offers students a thorough and efficient preparation in current modes of research and analysis from theoretical perspectives. As a graduate degree, it has the advantage of breadth in preparing the student to teach the two-year course sequence in the undergraduate theory curriculum at small liberal arts colleges or community colleges. For the student planning to pursue doctoral studies, this program offers not only the broad base of courses required for admission to most doctoral programs, but also exposure to the in-depth study that is characteristic of seminars and thesis work.
Program Description
The master of arts in Music Theory is a 34-credit degree requiring 26 credits of course work and 6 credits of thesis. At least 18 credits must be at the 500 or 600 level, and at least 26 credits must be taken at University Park. A reading examination in German or another language appropriate to the student’s research, as determined by the student’s thesis advisor, must be passed before thesis credit may be scheduled. Knowledge of the history and theory of Western art music must be demonstrated by satisfactory completion of competency examinations or completion of specified remedial courses in addition to the curricular requirements listed here. An oral examination focusing on the student's thesis research area and course work must be successfully completed in the final semester.
To be considered for admission to this degree program, the applicant must demonstrate competency in the undergraduate core theory (i.e., written theory, aural theory, basic analytical techniques of tonal and twentieth century music and keyboard skills) and history courses. Prospective students will be asked to submit writing samples and to interview on campus. (Under extraordinary circumstances, other arrangements can be made.)
The 34-credit requirement is as follows:
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Introduction to Music Reference
and Research Materials 2 credits
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Schenkerian analysis 3
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Pedagogy of undergraduate
theory and history 2
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18th-century counterpoint 2
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*Theory seminar 3
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**Music theory electives 5
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***Music history elective 3
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Music elective (in consultation
with adviser) 3
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Free elective (in consultation
with adviser) 3
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Thesis 6
*Special topics, changing from year to year.
**Two courses selected from: Music 431 (Advanced Tonal Analysis), Music 433 (Special Topics in 20th-Century Theory), Music 435 (Score Reading), Music 438 (Figured Bass), Music 471 (16th-Century Counterpoint), Music 531 (Analytical Techniques), Music 573 (Integrative Seminar), Music 574 (Theory Seminar). (Future theory electives: Schenker II, History of Theory 1600-present, Mathematical Techniques in Music Theory).
***One course selected from: Music 461W (Antiquity to 1600), Music 462W (1550-1750), Music 463W (1700-1900), Music 464W (1850-Present), Music 572 (Musicology Seminar), Music 573 (Integrative Seminar).
Music elective or free elective: Music 455 (Technology in Music [1-3 cr.]), Music 458 (Intro. To Electronic Music [3 cr.] – Prerequisite to 455), Music 459 (Project in Electronic Music [1-3]).
Unsatisfactory performance on the competency examinations in music history and theory taken at the beginning of the program may result in the necessity of additional course work.
Admission Requirements
A candidate applying for admission to the masters program in Music Theory should have completed a recognized bachelor's degree in music or music education with at least a 2.8 junior-senior grade-point average. A typical bachelor’s degree in music includes the following:
a. 12-16 credits in music theory and analysis
b. 6-9 credits in music history
c. 12-16 credits of a foreign language, preferably German
d. 4 credits (2 semesters) of keyboard
A candidate who is deficient in any area may be considered for admission, but must be prepared to make up the deficiency, without credit toward the degree, during the first year of graduate study and before thesis credit may be scheduled.
Admission Procedures
The admission process begins with completion of the on-line graduate admission application (the new web address is http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/) and payment of the application fee. The application fee is non-refundable. Information about the graduate application fee can be found at http://gradsch.psu.edu/prospective/apply.html.
Applications without fees cannot be processed. All other application materials including official transcripts, GRE General Test score (for admission to Master of Arts degrees in Musicology, Music Theory, and Music Theory and History), and TOEFL score (international applicants only) must be sent to the School of Music.
The following items should be sent to the School of Music:
1. Two letters of recommendation;
2. Evidence of scholarship and writing skills (research paper or thesis on a musical topic);
3. A written statement outlining your long-range professional goals and how you believe graduate study in the School of Music will help you attain these goals;
4. GRE scores (General Test)
Arrangements may be made for a visit to the University Park campus and for interviews with appropriate faculty members. This is especially important when applying for an assistantship. These arrangements should be made with a faculty member representing the major area. They should be scheduled as early as possible in the semester preceding the semester for which admission is desired.
In summary, the following items MUST be received before an application can be reviewed:
□ Completed online Graduate School Application and paid application fee
http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/
□ Two sets of official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended*
(Transcript Request Form is available at web address below)
http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/
□ Two letters of recommendation (we do not have a recommendation form; the recommenders should use school or personal stationery.)
□ Research paper on musical topic
□ Statement of goals
□ GRE scores: General Test
□ TOEFL score - official form (international applicants only)
□ Application for VISA Document and Financial Certification forms with financial guarantee information (international applicants only) (forms available online at
http://www.international.psu.edu/iss/pdf/VisaApp.pdf)
*An official transcript is an official listing from a university of all courses taken, including grades earned for each course. The transcript must also list the title of the degree and the date the degree was conferred, if the student has already graduated. If the transcripts do not list this information, then the original diploma must be included with the transcripts. International applicants must submit official or attested university records, with certified translations if the records are not in English. Notarized copies of the official transcripts are not sufficient.
Direct all inquiries and send materials to:
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
233 MUSIC BUILDING
UNIVERSITY PARK PA 16802-1901
Fax: 814-865-6785
E-mail: music-gr-adm@psu.edu