Advising
Because the Graduate Music Entrance Examination is used to determine readiness for graduate study in music and to advise an appropriate plan of study, students are expected to complete University and departmental admission requirements prior to taking the first course in graduate music studies.
Prior to initial enrollment, the student will schedule an advisory conference with the coordinator of graduate studies in music. With this initial conference and subsequent advising sessions each semester, the graduate student in music will be adequately informed about their progress and planning toward degree completion.
Graduate Assistantships in Music
Graduate assistantships in music are available on a competitive basis to qualified graduate students who are admitted unconditionally to a master's degree program at Morehead State University. They are offered on a per semester basis for one academic year with consideration for renewal for a second academic year (excluding summer) pending available funding and provided that the graduate assistant receives a satisfactory evaluation each term of service, is continuously enrolled as a full-time student (enrolled in at least nine graduate credit hours but no more than 12) in courses at the 600-level, and maintains at least a 3.0 grade point average.
Graduate assistants are employed as either full-time assistants (20-hours per week for $5,000 per semester) or half-time assistants (10-hours per week for $2,500 per semester). In addition to the assigned work hours for full- or half-time assistants, graduate assistants are expected to assist with major departmental events and projects as needed and perform on the major instrument in service to department, as requested.
Program Competencies
The student pursuing the Master of Music program in Performance will demonstrate:
- A comprehensive understanding of music through active engagement in listening to, performing, analyzing, and creating music;
- Knowledge of the essential bibliographic resources and advanced competence in music research;
- An enlightened understanding of music learning theories and pedagogy;
- The ability to apply appropriate technologies to work in and about music;
- Advanced written and oral communicative skills;
- Advanced creative and evaluative skills;
- The ability to produce scholarly and/or creative works in music and/or music education;
- Professional competence in performance skills and interpretation;
- Advanced knowledge of performance practice relevant to the literature for the major instrument/voice; and
- Advanced pedagogical skills appropriate to the major instrument/voice.
Assessment
- Graduate jury and public recital (concentration in performance only).
- Comprehensive Capstone Exam that includes: (1) A final comprehensive written exam in music history and literature and music theory, and (2) A final research project and oral examination in the area of emphasis and specialization. Should the Comprehensive Capstone Exam assessment prove to be unsatisfactory, the student will be counseled by the principal graduate advisor and members of the examination committee and will be allowed to repeat those areas that were deemed to be deficient.
Program Requirements
Core Requirements
| MUST 665 | Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MUSH 600 | Graduate Music History Survey | 3 |
| MUSW 680 | Research Methods and Materials | 3 |
| MUST 690 | Studies in Musical Style | 3 |
| MUSH 695 | Seminar in Music History | 3 |
| | Core Electives | 0-6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
MUST 665, MUSH 600: As course topics change, may be repeated for credit as an elective.
Performance Requirements
| MUSP 600 | Private Applied | 6 |
| MUSP 670 | Private Applied Pedagogy and Performance Practice | 1 |
| MUSP 660 | Graduate Recital | 2 |
| MUSW 685 | Comprehensive Capstone Examination: Performance | 0 |
| | Additional Music Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
MUSP 660 Graduate Recital is to be taken as the final semester of private applied study.
MUSW 685 Comprehensive Capstone Examination in Performance is to be taken during the final semester of program study. A grade of "Pass" is required for this course to satisfy degree requirements. Consists of Master of Music program exit examination and comprehensive written and oral examinations for the concentration in performance (reviewed by committee of graduate music faculty).
Electives may be chosen from studies in music history and literature, music theory, analysis, composition, arranging, music education, pedagogy, conducting, applied music, ensembles related to performance area (three-credit hours maximum) and music business. If the diagnostic scores are high in the areas of music history and form and analysis, the hours for MUSH 600 Graduate Music History Survey and/or MUST 665 Form and Analysis can be added as elective hours. The Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music must approve electives.