GRADUATE DEGREES
Master of Music in Performance
Program Goals
Graduate performance degree programs are designed to provide well-prepared and talented students with the opportunities to develop their performance abilities while furthering their knowledge of music literature and developing effective studio teaching skills. These programs are intended to prepare students for entrance to the world of professional music as performers and teachers or for admission to doctoral-level study. The master of music in Performance degree program is available in three options: keyboard, vocal, and orchestral instruments.
Study and Performance Environment
The performance faculty comprises many distinguished artists, including members of the Pennsylvania Quintet (winds) and the Castalia Ensemble (strings, piano). Both the Penn State Philharmonic and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble sponsor annual student solo competitions. Other student ensembles include chamber orchestra, four bands, three jazz ensembles, eight vocal organizations, including opera theatre, and other more specialized ensembles. Each year the School of Music sponsors more than 200 student and faculty recitals and concerts, while the University's Center for the Performing Arts brings internationally known soloists, ensembles, and orchestras to Penn State. In addition, performance opportunities may be available in the area's professional orchestras.
Program Description
The master of music degree in Performance requires 36 credits of course work. At least one-half of the 36 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 must be passed in the major area near completion of the program. In addition, a voice major must pass proficiency examinations in French, German, English, Italian, and Latin diction. This requirement may be met by successful completion of the undergraduate sequence of diction courses.
The 36-credit requirement for each option follows:
Voice
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*Performance major 16 credits
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Introduction to Music Reference
and Research Materials 2
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**Ensemble 2
(Opera Theatre, Choir, or
Early Music Ensemble)
____________________________________________
***Vocal literature
(Music 478 or Music 480 3
____________________________________________
Seminar in music literature of the
major performance area 2-3
____________________________________________
***Voice pedagogy
(Music 418) 2
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+Music theory or history 3-4
____________________________________________
Master's paper or lecture-recital 1-2
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Graduate degree recital 1
____________________________________________
Electives 0-4
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*A maximum of 16 credits may be counted toward meeting the minimum total credits for the degree.
**A maximum of 4 credits of ensemble may be counted.
***May be waived if the student has previously passed this or a similar course at another institution with a grade of A or B.
+To be selected from approved list.
Keyboard
____________________________________________
*Performance major 16 credits
____________________________________________
Introduction to Music Reference
and Research Materials 2
____________________________________________
**Ensemble
(Music 493 or Music 489) 2
____________________________________________
***Keyboard literature (Music 481) 3
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Keyboard literature seminar 2
____________________________________________
Piano pedagogy
(Music 419 or Music 424) 2
____________________________________________
+Music theory or history 3-4
____________________________________________
Master's paper or lecture-recital 1-2
____________________________________________
Graduate degree recital 1
____________________________________________
Electives 2-4
____________________________________________
*A maximum of 16 credits may be counted toward meeting the minimum total credits for the degree.
**A maximum of 4 credits of ensemble may be counted.
***May be waived if the student has previously passed this or a similar course at another institution with a grade of A or B.
+To be selected from approved list.
Orchestral instruments
____________________________________________
*Performance major 16 credits
____________________________________________
Introduction to Music Reference
and Research Materials 2
____________________________________________
Ensemble
(distribution of these credits among
various types of ensembles to be
determined by faculty in major area) 4-6
____________________________________________
Music literature
(Music 485, Music 487, or Music 580) 3
____________________________________________
Seminar in music literature of the
major performance area 2-3
____________________________________________
Major area pedagogy
(Music 414, 415, 416, or 417) 1-2
____________________________________________
**Music theory or history 3-4
____________________________________________
Graduate degree recital 1
____________________________________________
+Electives 0-4
____________________________________________
*A maximum of 16 credits may be counted toward meeting the minimum total credits for the degree.
**To be selected from approved list.
+May select Music 594 (Master’s paper research) as an elective.
In all options, 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 master's degree program in performance must have earned a recognized bachelor's degree in music 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
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. 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 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 performance abilities and repertoire consistent with those expected of graduating Penn State students in the bachelor of music in performance program. The evidence should include (1) a repertoire list of solo material, noting works performed, and (2) program(s) from a solo recital or other major performance (opera, performance with orchestra, 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 fellowships that are awarded by the Graduate School.
An audition is required. If possible, the audition should be in person. In-person auditions/interviews are required for applicants applying for teaching assistantships. The audition will be conducted by a jury consisting of faculty members in the major area.
Voice, string, and piano performance applicants must complete an on-line form to schedule an audition. The form will be submitted electronically to us. If you have difficulty with this on-line form, contact the music graduate admissions office at 814-865-1052. Brass, woodwind, and percussion applicants should arrange an audition directly with a faculty member in the applicant's area. See faculty contact information listed by instrument on the Audition Requirements (Graduate) page. Applicants who wish to be considered for graduate assistantships should schedule auditions/ interviews 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.)
□ Repertoire list
□ Recital program(s)
□ 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