Composition, M.M.

HEGIS Code: 1004.10          Inventory of Registered Program Code: 41188

Degree Requirements

The Master of Music Degree (M.M.), is offered in Composition, Music History, Performance, and Music Technology. It provides qualified students the opportunity to advance their study and research in the field of music.

The program is designed to meet the needs of professional musicians, audio recording engineers, multimedia specialists, and active professionals working in the music industry, music education, or a music related field.

Courses of study are flexible and individualized to assist students in reaching current and future goals. Students meet each semester with the Graduate Advisor to plan their academic program. Candidates for the degree have the opportunity to perform with an ensemble during each semester of study.

Students must satisfactorily complete 30 credits of approved graduate courses with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0, depending on their program. Fifteen (15) of these credits must be completed in residence in order to be eligible for the Master’s Degree in Composition, Performance, Music History, or Music Technology. Undergraduate courses (100-400 level) may not be counted for credit toward a Master’s Degree.

The graduate program leading to the Master of Music Degree in Composition, Performance, Music History, and Music Technology is planned for two semesters of full-time study. Many students, however, take two years or more to complete all requirements. Graduate courses are scheduled for the late afternoon or early evening for the convenience of working students.

Master in Music (M.M.) Degree in Composition

The Master of Music degree in Composition prepares students for a public recital of their original works. Composition and arranging courses provide them the opportunities to compose and arrange in different mediums adding to their personal portfolio. While students strive to gain technical competency, they are encouraged to work toward a definite personal aesthetic that is translatable in sound.

Transfer Credit

Students who have taken graduate work at another institution may transfer up to fifteen (15) credits towards the Master of Music degree if the course work was taken within three years preceding matriculation at Five Towns College. The number of credits and type of course work transferred must be approved by the Graduate Academic Standards Committee and the College reserves the right to not accept transfer credits. Students planning to take graduate courses for transfer credit at other institutions must have advance approval in writing from the Academic Affairs Office.

Admissions Standards

All candidates for admission into the M.M. degree must submit the following:

• A completed Application.
• Official transcripts documenting the successful completion of an appropriate bachelor’s degree with a least 36 credits of applied music courses and a G.P.A. of 2.75.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• A personal statement.
• Audition/Interview
• Evidence of English Fluency – TOEFL total score of 80 or higher.

Admission

Working knowledge of harmony, musical notation, and instrumentation is essential for this degree. Acceptance into the program will be based upon the interview, audition, and evidence of creative talent demonstrated in a portfolio of two original compositions and at least one arrangement that include both the scores and recordings.

Audition Requirement

Candidates are expected to perform a musical selection in the style of music that best represents their interest and musical ability.

The College will provide guitar and bass amps, drum set, and vibraphone.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination gives graduate music students an opportunity to demonstrate intellectual mastery and fluency in music theory, music history, and their area of specialty. The comprehensive exam consists of two parts: a written exam (2 hours) and an oral exam (30-45 minutes) tailored to the student’s program and area of emphasis. A passing grade will allow the student to continue on the path towards graduation, while a failing grade will require the student to re-take portions of the exam at the discretion of the committee.

Recitals/Projects

The Master of Music Program requires performance and composition majors to study with a member of the college faculty while matriculated for a degree, and present a Graduate Recital at the end of their studies with accompanying program notes. 

Plan of Study

In conjunction with their advisor, students are responsible for selecting the courses to complete a Plan of Study that identifies course work needed to fulfill degree requirements.

Graduation Requirements

Candidates for the Master’s Degree must complete all requirements within five years of the date of matriculation.

1. Satisfactory completion of thirty (30) credits of course work that are designed to have the student acquire knowledge, expertise, and research skills in the field.
2. Passing the comprehensive exam.
3. A minimum of 15 credits at the College.
4. A minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0.
5. A research project or recital approved by the Graduate Advisor.

If continuous matriculation has not been maintained, a reevaluation of credentials will be required.

Recommended Sequence of Courses