This concentration is designed for practicing music educators who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in both music and music pedagogy. An undergraduate degree in music education is required with two years teaching experience in a school setting. The program is intended to build on the student’s understanding of teaching pedagogy in any area of music education (general, choral or instrumental), strengthen the philosophical underpinnings of that teaching, bring to light opportunities for action research within a school setting, and provide additional areas of exploration including applied instrumental or vocal study, conducting technique, music theory and music history.
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 must have an undergraduate degree in music education with certification and teaching experience, except by special permission.
Applicant should contact faculty in the Music Education area to inquire about other entrance requirements.
An audition is required only if the applicant plans to take performance lessons at the 700 level, or if an audition is required for acceptance into an emphasis program (instrumental conducting or choral conducting).
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.
Minimum degree requirement is 30 graduate credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Requirements | ||
| MUS ED 710 | Research in Music Education | 3 |
| MUSIC 711 | Graduate Seminar in Music History: | 3 |
| MUSIC XXX | Graduate Theory Elective | 3 |
| MUS ED 777 | Foundations of Music Education | 3 |
| MUS ED 778 | Recent Developments in Music Education | 3 |
| MUS ED 990 | Thesis or Final Project | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Music Education | 7 | |
| Music Performance, Conducting, Theory, Music History, or related areas | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Additional Requirements
Thesis or Final Project
A formal written thesis, lecture/recital, composition with pedagogical intent and analysis, major annotated bibliography, curriculum synthesis, or other type of music education project is required. The student must submit a written proposal to the major advisor to be approved by the Graduate Committee prior to registration.
Examination in the Major
The student must pass a final written examination in music and music education. This exam will reflect the nature of the student’s program of studies. Further questions concerning the exam should be directed toward the student’s major advisor.
Time Limit
The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.