This concentration is designed primarily for the student with an undergraduate degree in music education or performance who wishes to pursue advanced training in Conducting: Choral Emphasis plus related studies in music performance and allied areas. An entrance audition/interview is required; specific audition repertoire and procedures are available on the Peck School of the Arts Apply page.
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
A student must successfully pass an audition which demonstrates an advanced level of conducting skill to qualify for admission to the program. Students may also have to pass other audition(s) in performance area(s), depending on their focus.
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 they intend 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 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.
Choral Conducting students will take the UWM Basic Diction MUS ED 249 Final Exam upon entrance into the MM degree program. If deficiencies are found, students will take MUS ED 249 as a prerequisite course that will not count toward earned degree credits.
Minimum degree requirement is 31 graduate credits, 29 of which must be in specified music areas, 2 of which may be in one of the other areas or in a related field.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Requirements | ||
| MUSIC 710 | Graduate Studies in Music | 3 |
| MUSIC 711 | Graduate Seminar in Music History: | 3 |
| MUSIC XXX | Graduate Theory Elective | 3 |
| MUSIC 732 | Score Reading | 3 |
| MUSIC 990 | Research of Thesis (Public Performance) | 3 |
| Conducting | ||
| MUSIC 769 | Graduate Choral Conducting I | 2 |
| MUSIC 770 | Graduate Choral Conducting II | 2 |
| MUSIC 771 | Graduate Choral Conducting III | 2 |
| Literature | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| The Wind Band: Its History and Literature | ||
| Choral Literature | ||
| Advanced Independent Work (Orchestral Literature) | ||
| Performance 1 | ||
| 1 credit each for 2 semesters: | 2 | |
MUSIC XXX | Private Lessons | |
| Ensemble 2 | ||
| 1 credit each for 3 semesters | 3 | |
MUSIC XXX | Ensemble | |
| Electives | ||
| General | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
- 1
Students in the MM Choral Conducting emphasis must take MUSPERF 911 to satisfy the Performance requirement, and must take MUSIC 444 (previously 446).
- 2
Ensemble will be assigned upon audition.
The program must also include MUSIC 314, if not previously completed.
Additional Requirements
Thesis (Public Performance)
The student must present a recital demonstrating conducting abilities. Performance of literature from a variety of style periods, including a twentieth-century composition by an American composer, should be included. The proposed program must be approved by the Graduate Committee before the recital may be scheduled. Candidates must also prepare a written document, following all procedures as dictated by the Graduate Committee, in consultation with their main advisor. (The student should consult with the primary faculty advisor for individual area guidelines.)
Comprehensive Examination
The student must pass final comprehensive examinations in both music history and music theory. This requirement normally follows successful completion of the thesis requirement.
Time Limit
The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.