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 degree program seeks to assist graduate candidates in developing advanced professional competencies in performance, scholarly abilities, research, and pedagogical techniques for use in the profession or for instruction in higher education.
The candidates must take the Advisory Examinations in Music History and writing skills, and the Placement Examination in Music Theory and Aural Skills. Candidates with deficiencies will meet with their major advisor and other appropriate faculty to determine the best way to address the deficiencies. An entrance audition is required.
Collaborative Piano Concentration
For degree and program requirements, see:
Music M.M. – Collaborative Piano Concentration
Composition Concentration
For degree and program requirements, see:
Music M.M. – Music Composition Concentration
Conducting Concentration
This concentration is designed to assist the graduate candidate in developing advanced professional competencies in conducting, while pursuing specialized studies in the areas of choral, orchestral, and wind band. In addition to the Music M.M. requirements, an entrance audition is required.
Admission. Prospective conducting applicants should have had at least two years of experience in high school teaching or equivalent experience before applying for graduate studies. A personal audition is required.
Conducting applicants should write to the appropriate director for specific information concerning audition and interview procedures.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Music M.M. – Conducting Concentration
Instrumental Performance Concentration
Performance concentrations are available in flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, horn, trumpet, tenor trombone, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, violoncello, string bass, harp, keyboard, voice, and guitar.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Music M.M. – Instrumental Performance Concentration
Jazz Studies Concentration
The Master of Music degree program is designed to assist the graduate student in developing advanced professional competencies in jazz. The degree program seeks to broaden and deepen scholarly abilities and research and pedagogical techniques for use in the profession or for instruction in higher education.
Admission. In addition to meeting the admission requirements of the Graduate School, the student must take the Advisory Examinations in Music History and Literature, Jazz History, Jazz Theory, Music Theory and writing skills. Candidates with deficiencies will meet with their major advisor and other appropriate faculty to determine the best way to address the deficiencies. An entrance audition is required.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Music M.M. – Jazz Studies Concentration
Music Education Concentration
The Master of Music (Music Education Concentration) degree program is designed to develop and enrich professional understandings, skills, and musical/pedagogical competencies in the field of music education.
Incoming students must meet admission requirements of the Graduate School. Candidates must have completed an undergraduate degree in music or music education. Other candidates may be accepted upon petition to the Music Education Program.
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 School of Music director 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 M.M. – Music Education Concentration
Music History and Literature Concentration
In addition to the Music M.M. requirements above, students entering this area of concentration must have the equivalent of an undergraduate music major as outlined in this Catalog.
Students will be expected to demonstrate translational competency in German, French, or Latin as a prerequisite to candidacy.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Music M.M. – Music History and Literature Concentration
Music Theory Concentration
Admission: In addition to following current Graduate School and School of Music application procedures, prospective music theory graduate students should submit the following directly to the School of Music director in order to be considered for admission:
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Writing sample: 7–10 page paper, with research citations (any style) and preferably with musical examples, on a music theory- or music history-related topic exemplifying original, critical thought
Language Requirement. Students will be expected to demonstrate translational competency in German or French, or a different language if relevant to their course of study, before taking their comprehensive exams.
Keyboard Proficiency. Students must demonstrate competency in the following keyboard skills before taking their comprehensive exams:
- realize a figured bass and Roman numeral progression with acceptable voice-leading in keyboard style
- sight-read a Bach chorale harmonization
- perform a short, prepared, intermediate-level piece, such as a two-part Bach Invention, Beethoven Bagatelle, Schubert German Dance, etc.
Students must maintain a GPA of 3.2 in courses that are part of their degree plan.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Music M.M. – Music Theory Concentration
Vocal Performance Concentration
For degree and program requirements, see:
Music M.M. – Vocal Performance Concentration