GRADUATE DEGREES

Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy and Performance

Program Goals
The master of music in Piano Pedagogy and Performance degree program is intended to offer the Penn State graduate piano major an intensive curriculum not only in the performance of the instrument, but also in piano methods, literature, and teaching strategies at a variety of levels. It provides students the opportunity to diversify their interests in the two fields without diluting either. Students who complete the degree can expect to achieve not only a high standard of piano performance, but also a thorough working knowledge of the pedagogy and literature of the instrument. It is intended to prepare students for entrance to the world of professional music as performers and teachers or for admission to doctoral-level study. 
 
Study, Performance, and Teaching Environment
The piano faculty comprises three distinguished artists and pedagogues. The Castalia Ensemble is one of several resident artist chamber groups. The piano laboratory is newly equipped with fully modern Yamaha Clavinovas. Both the Penn State Philharmonic and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble sponsor annual student concerto competitions.
 
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 the Penn State campus.
 
Program Description
The master of music degree in Piano Pedagogy and 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.


The 36-credit requirement is as follows:
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*Performance major                                         16 credits
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**Piano pedagogy
(Music 419, 424, 589)                                     6
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Master's paper or lecture-recital                        1
(specified in an area of piano pedagogy)
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Internship in piano pedagogy                             1-4
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Introduction to Music Reference
and Research Materials                                     2
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Ensemble (Music 493 or Music 489)                1
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Keyboard literature (Music 481)                       3
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Seminar in music literature of the
major performance area                                    2
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+Music theory or history                                   3
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Graduate degree recital                                     1
______________________________________________

*A maximum of 16 credits may be counted toward meeting the minimum total credits for the degree.

**May be repeated for credit, depending on qualifications and background of the candidate.

+To be selected from approved list.

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 Piano Pedagogy and 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.  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;

4. A written statement detailing all (if any) teaching experience and pedagogy course work.

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 live. Live 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.
 
Piano Pedagogy and Performance applicants must contact Dr. Timothy Shafer at 814-863-4413 or tps1@psu.edu to schedule a graduate audition.  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

□ Statement of teaching experience and pedagogy course work

□ 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