This concentration is designed for the instrumentalist who is admitted by audition to the Institute of Chamber Music at UW-Milwaukee. The major focus of the Institute of Chamber Music is to provide professional training experiences in the performance of chamber repertoire through well-matched chamber ensembles from duos through large chamber ensembles. The student who successfully completes 24 specified credits and the recital requirement receives a Performer’s Certificate from the Institute; the student who successfully completes 33 specified credits and the other degree requirements receives a Master of Music with a concentration in Chamber Music Performance.
While prospective students are not required to submit Graduate Record Examination scores, they are strongly advised to take these tests before or early in their graduate work if they wish to be considered for a UWM Distinguished Graduate Student Fellowship or if they plan to continue their graduate work after completing a master’s degree at UWM.
Diagnostic examinations in both music history and music theory are required of all entering and transferring graduate students before their first semester of study at UWM. Exceptions will be granted in extenuating circumstances. In no case will students be allowed to proceed beyond the first year of graduate study without having taken the diagnostic exams. These examinations assist the faculty in determining whether the student may proceed with required graduate courses, or whether they first need to remove deficiencies.
Applicants exhibiting deficiencies in music history will be required to enroll in Graduate Music History (MUSIC 704), and those exhibiting deficiencies in music theory will be required to enroll in Graduate Theory Foundations (MUSIC 703); these courses must be passed with a minimum grade of “B” or better. Additionally, other areas of deficiency may require further review. Graduate Music History may count toward the degree as an elective. Credits earned in making up deficiencies in music theory do not count toward the degree. The following courses are recommended to fulfill the graduate theory elective requirement: MUSIC 680, MUSIC 731, MUSIC 744.
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines vary by program, please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars.
Admission
Applicant proposing concentration in Music Performance or Collaborative Piano must demonstrate outstanding performance skills. An on-site audition is required; in extreme cases, recorded examples of an applicant’s performance may be accepted in lieu of an in-person audition. Applicant should contact faculty in the appropriate performance area to inquire about specific audition repertoire and procedures.
Applicant proposing voice studies must demonstrate undergraduate study or other proficiency in two foreign languages. A voice diagnostic exam will be given at the audition in the areas of diction, literature, pedagogy and related vocal subjects to determine proficiency.
Diagnostic examinations in both music history and music theory are required of all entering and transferring graduate students before their first semester of study at UWM. Exceptions will be granted in extenuating circumstances. In no case will students be allowed to proceed beyond the first year of graduate study without having taken the diagnostic exams. These examinations assist the faculty in determining whether the student may proceed with required graduate courses, or whether they first need to remove deficiencies.
In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, those seeking admission to the Master of Music degree program must submit the following to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Music:
- A Graduate Music Application (available upon request from the Department of Music, Dr. Timothy Noonan tpnoonan@uwm.edu, 414-229-2286
). - A one-page resume of the applicant’s performance experience and extracurricular activities.
- A one-page statement addressing the applicant’s reasons for wishing to pursue a degree program at UWM, the applicant’s career goals, and what he or she intends to do with a UWM degree.
- Three letters of recommendation.
While prospective students are not required to submit Graduate Record Examination scores, they are strongly advised to take these tests before or early in their graduate work if they wish to be considered for a UWM Distinguished Graduate Student Fellowship or if they plan to continue their graduate work after completing a master’s degree at UWM.
Credits and Courses
An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements plus these departmental requirements to be considered for admission to the program:
- Undergraduate music course background must include adequate preparation in music theory demonstrated through satisfactory completion of the following or equivalent courses:
Course List Code Title Credits MUSIC 127 Materials of Theory I 2 MUSIC 128 Materials of Theory II 3 MUSIC 225 Materials of Theory III 3 MUSIC 123 Aural Theory I 1 MUSIC 124 Aural Theory II 1 MUSIC 226 Aural Theory III 1 MUSIC 230 Form Analysis 3 MUSIC 421 Materials of Theory IV 3 - Preparation in music history and literature must be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a two-semester survey course in development of music from earliest times to the present plus one semester of more specialized music history.
Applicants exhibiting deficiencies in music history will be required to enroll in MUSIC 704, and those exhibiting deficiencies in music theory will be required to enroll in MUSIC 703; these courses must be passed with a minimum grade of “B” or better. Additionally, other areas of deficiency may require further review. Graduate Music History may count toward the degree as an elective. Credits earned in making up deficiencies in music theory do not count toward the degree. The following courses are recommended to fulfill the graduate theory elective requirement: MUSIC 680, MUSIC 731, MUSIC 744.
Minimum degree requirement is 33 credits. Each student follows an integrated curriculum in which all subjects are related and no course is optional.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Requirements | ||
| MUSIC 710 | Graduate Studies in Music 1 | 3 |
| MUSIC 711 | Graduate Seminar in Music History: 1 | 3 |
| MUSIC XXX | Graduate Theory Elective 1 | 3 |
| Select the following for 1 credit each for 4 semesters: | 4 | |
| Chamber Music Master Class | ||
| Select the following for 2 credit each for 4 semesters: | 8 | |
| Chamber Music Coaching | ||
| Group Recital Requirement 2 | ||
| Select the following for 1 credit each for 4 semesters: | 4 | |
| Instrumental Master Class | ||
| Select the following for 2 credit each for 4 semesters: | 8 | |
MUSPERF 8XX | Performance (Instrument Lessons) | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
- 1
Not required in Performer’s Certificate.
- 2
Met at end of program.
Additional Requirements
Students in the Institute of Chamber Music are admitted for a two-year program of study. Students are either part of an existing chamber group before entrance or, when admitted, assigned to a group. If the first-year group does not continue for a second year, the student must re-audition for membership in a new or reconstituted group that is acceptable to the faculty in order to continue for a second year of study.
At the end of the first year, each student’s performance is judged by the Director of the Institute in consultation with the members of the ICM advisory committee. If a student does not meet the required performance level, the student is prevented from continuing in the Institute for a second year. The student may, if acceptable to the Department graduate faculty, choose to follow another graduate program in the Department.
The student who successfully completes 24 specified credits and the recital requirement receives a Performer’s Certificate from the Institute; the student who successfully completes 33 specified credits and the other degree requirements receives a Master of Music with a concentration in Chamber Music Performance
Thesis Recital
The recital should be given no sooner than the final semester of coursework. The student ensemble must present a program which has been approved by the Graduate Committee and by the Director of the Institute of Chamber Music. This requirement applies both to candidates for the MM in Chamber Music Performance and to the student working toward the Performer’s Certificate.
Comprehensive Examination
Comprehensive examinations in both music history and music theory will be required of each student in the MM in Chamber Music Performance concentration. This requirement normally follows successful completion of a recital requirement. Comprehensives are not required of students seeking the Performer’s Certificate.
Time Limit
The student must complete all degree or certificate requirements within four years of initial enrollment.