This concentration is designed for the music student who wishes to concentrate primarily on performance on a string instrument. 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
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.
A student must successfully pass an audition at an advanced level of performance to qualify for admission to the program.
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 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 32 graduate credits, 28 of which must be in specified music areas, 2 of which must be Music electives, and 2 of which may be in another area 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 990 | Research of Thesis | 3 |
| Performance | ||
| MUSPERF 7XX | Performance Credits | 12 |
| Advanced Performance Repertoire | ||
| MUSIC 755 | Advanced Instrumental Repertoire I: Strings | 2 |
| Select the following for 1 credit each for 2 semesters: | 2 | |
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Electives | ||
| Music | 2 | |
| General | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
The program must also include 3 credits in MUSIC 314, if not previously completed.
Additional Requirements
Recital
The recital should be given no sooner than the final semester of coursework. The student must present a recital which shows his or her capabilities with various styles including repertoire selected from diverse historical and/or international origins. Programs will comprise a full-length recital. Instrumental recitals include solo/concerto style works and collaborative chamber works. The recital program should be chosen in consultation with the applied teacher with whom the student intends to prepare the recital. The proposed program must be approved by the Graduate Committee, and the student must present a satisfactory recital audition before the recital may be scheduled.
Comprehensive Examination
The student must pass final comprehensive examinations in both music history and music theory. This requirement normally follows successful completion of the recital requirement.
Ensemble Participation
The student of violin, viola, violoncello, or contrabass is required to participate in Symphony Orchestra each semester in which the student is registered for music performance in the major instrument. Two of these semesters (2 credits) fulfill the Orchestra requirement for the degree. A maximum of 2 additional semesters (2 credits) of Orchestra may be applied toward the master’s degree. All other students, vocal as well as instrumental (except those with keyboard or guitar concentrations), are required to be enrolled in an approved performing organization each semester in which the student is registered for music performance instruction in the major instrument.
Time Limit
The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.