Prerequisites and Entrance Requirements
Acceptance as a graduate student by the Departments of Music is required.
The applicant must have extensive performance and teaching experience after receiving a master's degree from an accredited institution in vocal performance.
The applicant must submit the following to the advisory committee:
- two letters of recommendation (including one from a professional colleague, not teacher of the applicant) attesting to the applicant's past and potential ability as a performer;
- programs and critical reviews, if available;
- completed repertoire and professional experience record, obtainable at: academics/incoming-current-music-students/index
Foreign language prerequisites include two semesters of undergraduate or master's level study in each of the following languages: Italian, French, and German, with a grade of B or better, taken at an accredited college or university as approved by the adviser and dean. In lieu of taking undergraduate courses, students who place into Italian 103, French 103, or German 103 on the university's Modern Language Test will be considered to have satisfied the prerequisite requirement in the given language(s).
The applicant must successfully complete the following entrance requirements:
- a public recital of a program of 60 minutes duration selected by the adviser from works on the applicant's repertoire and professional experience record, to include works of contrasting styles and demonstrating proficiency in at least two languages in addition to English;
- written examinations (two hours each): a. music history placement examination b. music theory placement examination.
The applicant is responsible for the overall quality of the performance on all recitals required for the degree. Entrance recitals and placement and entrance examinations are given during the first and second semester registration periods. An interview with the committee takes place after the examinations are completed.
Program of Study
Based on the results of the entrance examinations, the adviser, in conference with the student, will arrange a program of study of 62 to 72 hours beyond the master's degree. The courses to be completed as part of the degree requirements will be communicated to the student by the adviser. The repertoire is to be selected in conjunction with the applied music instructor and with the approval of the adviser. All degree recitals are to include appropriate program notes and translations to be approved by the applied music instructor and the adviser. Each vocal performance major is expected to audition for all opera productions and actively participate as assigned by the vocal division. This may entail specific roles or participation in opera chorus as needed.
A final 0-credit public recital (MUS 997A w/ classes; MUS 997B w/o classes) of approximately 60 minutes' duration, proposed by the candidate with committee approval, is the final comprehensive examination. The program content of this recital will be communicated to the candidate 90 days in advance of the performance. To be prepared by the candidate without the aid of a teacher or coach, this recital should demonstrate high professional standards of performance.
Minor in Latin American Music
The advisory committee, in conference with the student, will arrange a program of study of 62 to 72 semester hours beyond the master's degree, which will include at least 12 semester hours of Latin American music electives. A significant portion of the repertoire for applied instruction and of recital programs must consist of music by Latin American composers.
Minor in Musicology
The advisory committee, in conference with the student, will arrange a program of study of 62 to 72 semester hours beyond the master's degree, which will include at least 12 semester hours of musicology courses beyond the minimum number of hours already required for the degree. Three of those semester hours must be Research Methodology (MUS 731), unless the student has taken a similar course for the master's degree. At the conclusion of coursework, the student will take a written, four-hour minor comprehensive examination (based on four musicology courses selected by the student).