This concentration is designed for the person possessing creative talent in acquiring and utilizing the techniques and craft of musical composition through theory, literature and analysis. We foster development in instrumental, vocal, and electro-acoustic composition, with an emphasis on contemporary and experimental techniques. Interested students should preferably have experience in computer notation, MIDI applications, theory, literature, and analysis.
Specific application requirements 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 preferably have experience in computer notation, MIDI applications, theory, literature, and analysis.
Applicant must submit a portfolio of original compositions, which could include CD / DVD / computer software files / MIDI programs and must include at least one excerpt and one complete composition in conventional notation.
Applicant also could include one or both of the following:
- Analytical research papers or presentations submitted or presented at regional or national theory, composition, or computer music conferences.
- Computer-assisted analysis or presentations in such areas as Schenkerian analysis, spectromorphology in acoustic, electronic, or acoustmatic theory.
Applicant should possess keyboard proficiency of a level permitting the candidate to sight-read music of moderate difficulty and performance capability of compositions at the level of an early Beethoven sonata or Bach’s Two-part Inventions.
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 32 graduate credits, including:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Requirements | ||
| MUSIC 710 | Graduate Studies in Music | 3 |
| MUSIC 711 | Graduate Seminar in Music History: | 3 |
| MUSIC 731 | Contemporary Composition Techniques | 3 |
| MUSIC 744 | Graduate Theory Seminar | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Studio Techniques | ||
| Interactive Electronic Music | ||
| Advanced Electronic Music and Sound Art: | ||
| MUSIC 990 | Research of Thesis | 3 |
| Composition Requirement | ||
| Select the following for 2 credits each for 4 semesters: | 8 | |
| Advanced Composition | ||
| Electives | ||
| Music Theory | 3 | |
| Music | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
Recommended Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSIC 327 | Studio Techniques | 3 |
| MUSIC 328 | Interactive Electronic Music | 3 |
| MUSIC 420 | Advanced Electronic Music and Sound Art: | 3 |
| MUSIC 421 | Materials of Theory IV | 3 |
| MUSIC 680 | Special Studies in Music: | 1-3 |
Electives must be chosen in accordance with the needs of the individual candidate and with the advice and consent of the advisor or major professor.
Additional Requirements
Thesis
The candidate for the Master of Music degree must complete one of the following:
- A composition of significant breadth will serve as the thesis for the MM in Music Theory and Composition. It may be for large or chamber ensemble with or without electronic component or for the electronic medium alone. Completion of the thesis must include its public performance. If the thesis composition is written for a large university ensemble (orchestra, wind ensemble, choir) a hearing of a single rehearsal of the entire composition will suffice.
- A research project which shall be either a paper or a theoretical program evidencing both a capacity for research and originality in creative analysis or computer composition application evidencing both research capabilities and analytical insight.
Comprehensive Examination
The student must pass final comprehensive examinations in both music history and music theory.
Time Limit
The student must complete all degree requirements within seven years of initial enrollment.