2015-2016 Graduate Catalog

Music D.A.

Collaborative Piano Emphasis

Conducting Emphasis

Jazz Studies Emphasis

Music History and Literature Emphasis

Music Performance Emphasis

Music Composition Emphasis

Each new student entering a graduate program in music at the University of Northern Colorado is required to take graduate advisory examinations in Music History and writing skills, and placement examinations in Music Theory and Aural Skills, and the student’s major area. For students entering the Music Education degree, the major area will be Music Education. Graduate students who do not pass the theory placement exam must enroll in MUS 401. Graduate students who do not pass the aural skills placement exam must enroll in MUS 402. All students must either pass the theory and aural skills exam OR pass; MUS 401 and/or; MUS 402 with a grade of C or better before they can enroll in graduate-level theory classes or graduate from their programs.

The Doctor of Arts degree provides options for advanced study in the areas of music history and literature, composition, conducting, and performance (with an optional concentration in pedagogy.

The Doctor of Arts in Music at UNC is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) established by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). In most cases, WRGP students pay tuition at resident student rates; prospective D.A. students may direct inquiries concerning the WRGP to the School of Music.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Music D.A.

Music Education Emphasis

This program emphasizes philosophy, psychology, contemporary and past history, and research. It also includes scholarship and musicianship through study in the areas of music history and literature, theory, composition, and performance.

This program area places primary emphasis on a comprehensive working knowledge of contemporary music education practices in public schools and college music programs, and/or community cultural life.

Prospective music education graduate students, in addition to following current Graduate School and School of Music application procedures, should submit the following directly to the Music Education Chair in order to be considered for admission to the UNC Music Education Graduate Program:

  • One 30-45 minute video or DVD that is representative of the applicant's teaching abilities. Applicants should include a 10-15 minute performance segment that is representative of their performing ability on their primary instrument or voice. Applicants should select two pieces of contrasting style for the performance segment.
  • Three letters of recommendation addressing teaching abilities, potential for success in graduate studies, musicianship, and collegiality.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Music D.A. — Music Education Emphasis