GRADUATE DEGREES
Master of Music in Composition/Theory
Program Goals
The master of music in Composition/Theory degree program is designed for students who wish to improve their compositional skills while broadening their theoretical background. Upon completion of this degree, students will have written at least four large works and had them performed. They also will have written at least one paper on a theoretical subject, as well as acquired training in electronic and computer music. At this point, they will be prepared to make intelligent decisions about their future. Choices may include a career in academia (through entrance into a doctoral program in composition and/or theory), or composing, or a related field such as publishing, recording, or arts management.
Program Description
The master of music in Composition/Theory requires 36 credits of course work. Eighteen credits must be 500-level courses and at least 30 credits must be taken at University Park. 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 in the major area must be passed near the completion of the program.
The 36-credit requirement is as follows:
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Composition 12 credits
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Introduction to Music Reference
and Research Material 2
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*Theory 8-9
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Electronic music 3
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History or literature 3
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Electives 4-5
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Degree composition project 1
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Master's paper (theory) 2
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*Choose from: Music 531 (Analytical Techniques), Music 532 (Schenkerian Analysis), Music 533 (Pedagogy of Undergraduate Music Theory and History), Music 431 (Advanced Tonal Analysis), Music 433 (Special Topics in 20th-Century Theory), +Music 573 (Integrative Seminar in Music Theory and History), Music 435 (Score Reading).
+Only one may be counted as a theory course; a second Music 573 may be taken as an elective.
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 should have completed a recognized bachelor's degree in music with at least a 3.0 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. Courses in form and analysis, counterpoint, orchestration, and keyboard harmony
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.
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. Applications without fees cannot be processed. All other application materials including official transcripts 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. Scores of several recent compositions. At least one of these must be for a standard ensemble (orchestra, string quartet, wind ensemble, wind quintet, brass choir, chorus, etc.);
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;
Although the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, scores can be helpful if the applicant wishes to be considered for the fellowships that are awarded by the Graduate School.
If possible, arrangements should 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. Visits 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.)
□ Composition portfolio
□ Statement of goals
□ 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
Phone: 814-865-1052
Fax: 814-865-6785
E-mail: music-gr-adm@psu.edu