This concentration is designed for the student who wishes to concentrate primarily on the pedagogy of their string instrument; some coursework is integrated into the UWM String Academy pre-college programming on Saturdays. 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 should contact faculty in the appropriate string and String Pedagogy areas to inquire about audition and additional entrance requirements.
A student must successfully pass an audition at a satisfactory level of performance 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 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 34 graduate credits, all of which must be in specified music areas.
| 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 991 | Recital And Lecture Demonstration | 1 |
| Performance | ||
| Select one of the following (1 credit each for 2 semesters): | 2 | |
MUSPERF 541 | ||
MUSPERF 542 | ||
MUSPERF 543 | ||
| MUSPERF 7XX | String Instruments Violin/Viola/Cello (2 cr each for 4 semesters) | 8 |
| Select the following for 1 credit each for 2 semesters: | 2 | |
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| MUSIC 755 | Advanced Instrumental Repertoire I: Strings | 2 |
| MUSIC 756 | Advanced Instrumental Repertoire II: Strings | 2 |
| Pedagogy | ||
| MUSIC 718 | Violin and Viola Pedagogy Level I | 2 |
| or MUSIC 722 | Cello Pedagogy Level I | |
| MUSIC 719 | Violin and Viola Pedagogy Level II | 2 |
| or MUSIC 723 | Cello Pedagogy Level II | |
| Select one of the following: | 2 | |
| Violin Pedagogy Level III | ||
| Viola Pedagogy Level III | ||
| Cello Pedagogy Level III | ||
| MUSIC 829 | Seminar: Historical Perspectives On Violin, Viola And Cello Pedagogy | 2 |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
Additional Requirements
Recital and Lecture Demonstration
The recital and lecture demonstration may be given at any time before the completion of the degree program.
The recital consists of two parts:
- A performance of a minimum of 30-45 minutes of music that has been approved by the major teacher
- A lecture totaling approximately 30 minutes to be given before, during, or after the recital, in which the candidate discusses one or more pieces to be performed on the recital program, with emphasis on pedagogical values of the piece(s), the difficulties, and how they are overcome
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 is required to participate in an approved performing organization each semester in which the student is registered for music performance instruction in the major instrument; in two of these semesters the student must be enrolled in Symphony Orchestra for credit (see Performance Credits above).
Time Limit
The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.