MASTER OF MUSIC
CONCENTRATION IN THEORY AND COMPOSITION
(Plan I–with thesis)

Special Prerequisites: A student applying for the Master of Music Concentration in Theory and Composition must submit, with the application, a portfolio consisting of the following:

• For a composition emphasis, the portfolio should consist of several compositions. If these are for conventional acoustic media (string quartet, voice and piano, orchestra, band, chorus, solo piano, etc.), scores and recordings, if available, should be submitted. If the medeium is in digital form, a copy of the work and a short essay explaining your creative porcess for the piece should be submitted.
• For a theory emphasis, the portfolio should consist of two essays in academic format. At least one of the two should be on a theory or analysis topic, while the other may be historical in nature.
• If you are undecided whether your emphasis will be in theory or composition, then your portfolio should contain at least one composition/creative work and one essay (theory or analysis only).
  

PROGRAM OF STUDY (26 hrs. plus thesis)

(NOTE: Requirements are subject to change. In case of any discrepancy, degree requirements as they appear in the UNM 2007-2008 Catalog will prevail).

1. Required Courses (17 hrs.)

• APMS 501: Studio Instruction in the Principal Area of Concentration–Composition (2)
• MUS 525: Post-Tonal Theory* (3)
• MUS 527: Theory Pedagogy (3)
• MUS 531: Bibliography and Research (3)
• MUS 599: Master's Thesis (6)

As a culmination to study in Theory and Composition, the student must submit either a theoretical document or an original composition as a thesis (i.e., an original composition in any of the larger forms, such as a cantata, symphony or string quartet). The thesis shall be in addition to work done in Applied Music 501.

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2. Music Electives (9 hrs.)

Must be chosen from among the following courses:

• MUS 513: Medieval and Renaissance Music (3)
• MUS 514: Studies in Baroque Music (3)
• MUS 515: Studies in Classic and Romantic Music (3)
• MUS 516: Studies in Twentieth-Century Music (3)
• MUS 528: Music Styles Before 1750
• MUS 529: Techniques of Twentieth-Century Composition* (elective only for music theory emphasis) (3)
• MUS 537: Selected Topics in Music Literature (3)
• MUS 539: Selected Topics in Music Theory* (may be required for music theory emphasis) (3)

*Asterisked courses above fulfill elective/required course requirements pending advisement and approval by the theory and composition faculty.

3. Electives (6 hrs.)

Electives must be in Music, and it is recommended that these include 2 hours of applied piano. Graduate students are encouraged to enroll in Music 560 Ensemble Performance; 2 hours of ensemble credit will apply toward the degree. Two hours from MUS 505 or 506 are required unless the student has taken counterpoint as an undergraduate.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS & RESTRICTIONS:

1. A candidate for the Master of Music degree must have an undergraduate degree in music from an accredited college or equivalent proficiency. An applicant without a music degree will be required to take a proctored test before being admitted; he or she may have to do undergraduate work before becoming a graduate student.
2. Placement Exams: All entering graduate students in the Theory and Composition Concentration must take placement tests in music theory and music history. If the placement tests reveal deficiencies, appropriate coursework will be required. Information about the placement exams is available in the Department of Music Graduate Student Handbook and by contacting the Graduate Coordinator.
3. Piano Proficiency Exam: A student wishing to pursue a Concentration in Theory and Composition will also take a piano proficiency test. This exam must be completed by the end of the semester preceding graduation. Consult the Department of Music Graduate Student Handbook for further information on the content of this exam.
4. Final Comprehensive Examination. All students seeking the Master of Music are required to pass a final written and/or oral comprehensive examination.
5. Workshops. Unless otherwise stipulated, the maximum workshop credit allowed under Plan I (with thesis) is 5 hours.
6. Problems Courses. The maximum credit allowed for Graduate Problems is 6 hours. Enrollment in Graduate Problems requires the approval of both the Department Chair and the Department Graduate Committee. Consult the Department of Music Graduate Student Handbook regarding procedures in requesting approval for the Graduate Problems enrollment.
7. Instructors. No more than half of the degree program's minimum required coursework hours may be taken with a single faculty member.

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