The School of Music offers training toward two specific master's degrees: Master of Music and Master of Music Education. Major subjects in the Master of Music curriculum are music performance, music history, or theory/composition. The Master of Music Education program allows an applied music minor in an instrument, voice, or conducting. The music history and theory divisions offer basic instruction of all students at the undergraduate level as well as advanced study for those wishing to pursue graduate work in these fields.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the following specific requirements must be met:

• To be admitted to the Graduate Division of the School of Music, the applicant should possess a baccalaureate degree in the area (or an equivalent one) to be pursued in advanced studies.
• Applicants must meet the specific entrance requirements established by the major department.
• Applicants are required to take entrance examinations in music history, literature, and theory. Students may be required to take, without credit, courses in which they are deficient as indicated by the examination results.
• All full-time students are required to enroll in Bibliography and Research Methods (MUS 607), within their first two semesters of graduate work. Part-time students must enroll in MUS 607 before registering for more than ten (10) hours of graduate work.
• Graduate applicants to the School of Music must submit GRE scores with the application form.

The School of Music provides each student with guidelines to assist in preparation for the entrance exams and a copy of the Handbook for Graduate Music Students. Students are expected to read the School of Music handbook and the University Graduate Catalogue and to follow regulations and procedures regarding their specific degree program at the University of Louisville. In particular, students are advised to observe the request for submitting GRE scores for admission to the Graduate School. Graduate study in music begins with the preparation for the entrance examinations in Music History and Music Theory and concludes with the graduate oral exam that is taken when all requirements have been met.

General Information

In addition to the general degree requirements described in the General Information section of the Graduate Catalog, the following degree requirements must be met:

• The student shall obtain permission from the Graduate Division Committee to begin work at the graduate level.
• All students must qualify for non-conditional status no later than the end of the second semester of full-time residence, or before eighteen (18) semester hours have been completed.

1. proof that all deficiencies in music history, literature and theory have been removed,
2. an academic record with a minimum of nine (9) hours of graduate credit with a grade point average of 3.0,
3. an inclusive program of studies fulfilling the requirements of a master’s curriculum, approved by the major professor and the departmental chairperson;
4. in the case of a program requiring a master’s thesis or professional paper, a proposed topic for the thesis or paper and a proposed membership for a reading committee to provide guidance during the writing of the thesis or paper. [See bullet seven (7) below]

• As per the Graduate School requirements, at least half of the required credits for the master’s degree must be at the 600 level, excluding thesis, internships, or practicums.

• In order to be in good standing, graduate students must have a cumulative 3.0 grade point average. A student must be in good standing in order to graduate. No more than six (6) hours with any "C" or "C+" grade will be accepted toward a degree, and no grade below a "B-" will be accepted in a major subject. A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on probation by the Graduate School. Students are ordinarily not permitted to continue on probation for more than one semester.
• The School of Music does not accept transfer grades below a “B”. No credit is transferred for applied music. Advanced standing for applied music may be awarded at a jury. Music history and theory credits will be evaluated for transfer by the Director of Graduate Studies and the respective faculty. Ensemble credits appropriate to the new degree program may be considered for transfer, but not to exceed one per semester.
• Degree candidates in performance are required to give apublic recital, normally during the candidate’s final semester of study. Preparation and presentation of the recital shall follow the guidelines in the Handbook for Graduate Students.
• Degree candidates in music history or theory and composition are required to submit a thesis or major composition for evaluation by the reading committee. The M.M. Thesis in music composition takes the form of a musical score. Apart from considerations such as page size and layout, composition theses conform to the guidelines issued by the Graduate School. The deadline for formal approval of M.M. composition theses is the last day of classes in the semester in which the degree is expected to be conferred. Approval signatures of all members of the thesis committee are required prior to the final graduate oral examination.
• All students are required to pass an oral examination given by the Graduate Committee before the end of the semester in which the degree is to be granted. It may cover all areas of endeavor undertaken by the student in his graduate program or believed essential to the student’s background.
• A candidate who fails the oral examination at the end of a semester may not be given a second one before the regular time for such an examination at the end of the next semester or summer session. A candidate who fails in the second oral examination shall not be granted the degree of M.M. or M.M.E. from this university.
• In comparing degree programs, please note that among universities, many times ensembles are required, but without credit. Our required ensembles are included in the number of required degree hours.
• Part-time students (with the exception of those in M.M.E. degree programs) must participate in one ensemble for each 18 hours of course work completed. If part-time study precludes completing ensemble degree requirements, other course work may be substituted.
• Transfer of more than 6 hours from a degree program of an accredited institution in which a degree has been previously earned will only be granted on recommendation of the student’s division and approval of the Director of Graduate Studies in consultation with the Graduate Committee. The request will be considered provided that the additional hours have not been earned by extension and that the University of Louisville minimum residency requirements have been met as stated in the Graduate Catalogue.
• Transfer of graduate hours within the University of Louisville toward a graduate degree in music may be requested with the restriction that the minimum residency requirement be maintained in compliance with the Graduate Catalogue.
• Hours earned beyond the minimum in any one curricular area apply only to that area and cannot be divided in order to satisfy a requirement in another area.

Prerequisites

1. Bachelor of Music degree or equivalent.
2. Demonstration, by examination, of skills and capacities in the following fields:
   • written, aural, and keyboard harmony;
   • melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation;
   • elementary counterpoint; and
   • history and literature of music, and analytic understanding of musical forms and genres.
3. Audition in major field, demonstrating a level equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor of Music in Performance degree. Students intending to major in voice must have a reading knowledge of one foreign language and satisfactory diction in two others.
4. Students in the Concentration in Jazz must demonstrate a level of competency in improvisation, jazz keyboard, jazz theory, and jazz history. Remedial courses are in place to assist students who do not meet these requirements.
5. GRE scores.

  Core Curriculum

• Music History Review (MUS 500) * 0
• Music Theory Review (MUS 400) * 0
• Bibliography and Research Methods (MUS 607) 3
• Music History Seminar (500 or 600 level) 3
• Music Theory (500 or 600 level)** 4
• Applied Study (600 level)*** 8
• Graduate Recital (MUS 697)**** 0…………….18

Other Requirements

All students must pass an oral examination after all course work is completed.

Notes:  

* These courses may be satisfied by passing the entrance examinations in these areas.

** For students in the Concentration in Jazz, Jazz Theory (MUS 539-02) is recommended.

*** The applied course numbers for the degree concentrations are as follows: Choral Conducting: MUS 601, 602, 659, 660 (Students may substitute additional semesters of MUS 659, 660 for MUS 601, 602 at the discretion of the Director of Choral Activities.) Orchestral/Wind Conducting/Piano Pedagogy: MUS 601, 602, 611, 612. Jazz Performance: MUS 605, 606, 615, 616 (Students whose focus is jazz composition/arranging may substitute 4 hours of jazz arranging.) Instrumental/Organ/ Piano/Vocal Performance: MUS 603, 604.

**** Taken concurrently with final semester of applied study.

Concentration in Choral Conducting

• Additional Applied Study (MUS 611)* 2
• Choral Literature I & II (MUS 530, 531) 4
• Instrumental Conducting and Score Reading (MUS 559) 2
• Ensemble (one per semester) 4
• Music Electives** 6………18
• Total………………….36

  Notes:

* Must be taken in the semester of the graduate degree recital.

** May include such courses as pedagogy, literature, the student’s principal applied instrument, instrumental conducting, or a maximum of 2 additional ensemble credits.

Concentration in Orchestral Conducting

•  Seminar in Conducting-Instrumental (MUS 659,

      660) 4

• Seminar in Conducting-Choral (MUS 659, 660) 4
• Orchestral Literature I & II (MUS 686, 687) 4
• Ensemble (two semesters of major ensemble) 2
• Music Electives * 4………….18
• Total………………….….36

Note:

* To be chosen from courses in music theory, literature, the student’s principal applied instrument, or a maximum of 2 additional ensemble credits.

Concentration in Wind Conducting

• Seminar in Conducting-Instrumental (MUS 659, 660) 4
• Instrumental Conducting and Score Reading (MUS 559) 2
• Band Literature (MUS 561) 2
• Ensemble (one per semester) 4
• Music Electives * 6………….18
• Total……………………..36

 Note:

* To be chosen from pedagogy, literature, the student’s principal applied instrument, a maximum of 2 semesters of functional applied study, or a maximum of 2 additional ensemble credits.

Concentration in Instrumental Music

• Additional Applied Study (MUS 613, 614) 8
• Ensemble* 4
• Music Electives** 6……….18
• Total…………………..36

Note:

* In comparing degree programs, please note that among universities, many times ensembles are required, but without credit. Our required ensembles are included in the number of required degree hours.

** Students are encouraged to choose courses in literature or pedagogy; up to 2 additional ensemble credits are acceptable.

Other Requirements

Students are expected to present a public recital that comprises no less than sixty (60) minutes of music and follows the guidelines governing public recitals.

Concentration in Jazz Performance

• Advanced Jazz Improvisation (MUS 655) 2
• Standard Jazz Repertoire (MUS 539-03) 2
• Jazz Style and Analysis (MUS 539-01) 2
• Jazz Combo (one per semester) 2
• Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Repertory Ensemble (one per semester)* 4
• Concentration Electives to be selected from: 4

        Jazz Applied (MUS 605, 606)
        (Applied Study on a jazz instrument is recommended)
        Music Industry I & II (MUS 535, 536) 
        Computers and Music I & II (MUS 553, 554) 
        Independent Study (MUS 690) 
        Special Topics: Summer Jazz Workshop (MUS 691)

• Music Electives** 2
  Concentration Total….18
• Total……………………..36

Notes:

* A student may substitute two additional Jazz Combo courses for one of the Jazz Ensemble courses.

** Students are encouraged to choose courses in pedagogy or literature; applied study on a jazz instrument or in a secondary is acceptable; additional ensembles will not meet this requirement.

  Concentration in Organ Performance

• Additional Applied Study (MUS 613-614) 8
• Ensemble 2
• Major Subject and Music Electives* 8……….18
• Total…………………………..36

Note:

*Must include Organ Literature and Church Music Literature; additional Applied Organ or Ensemble will not meet this requirement. Applied study in a secondary area is acceptable.

Other Requirements

Students are expected to present a public recital that comprises no less than sixty (60) minutes of music and follows the guidelines governing public recitals.

Concentration in Piano Pedagogy  

• Piano Pedagogy (MUS 671, 672, 673, 674) 8
• Piano Literature (MUS 561, 562) 4
• Ensemble * 2
• Music Electives** 4…………18
• Total………………...…..36

  Notes:

* At least three semesters of ensemble to be chosen from Piano Ensemble or New Music Ensemble.

** Additional Applied Piano or Ensemble will not meet this requirement; applied study in a secondary area is acceptable.

 Other Requirements

Students are expected to present a public recital that comprises no less than sixty (60) minutes of music and follows the guidelines governing public recitals.  

Concentration in Piano Performance

• Additional Applied Study (MUS 613, 614) 8
• Piano Literature (MUS 561, 562) 4
• Piano Pedagogy (500 or 600 level) 2
• Ensemble * 2
• Music Electives ** 2…………18
• Total…………………….36

 Notes:

* At least three semesters of ensemble to be chosen from Piano Ensemble or New Music Ensemble.

** Additional Applied Piano or Ensemble will not meet this requirement; applied study in a secondary area is acceptable.

Other Requirements

Students are expected to present a public recital that comprises no less than sixty (60) minutes of music and follows the guidelines governing public recitals.

Concentration in Vocal Performance

•  Additional Applied Study (MUS 613, 614) 8
• Vocal Literature (MUS 561, 562) 4
• Vocal Pedagogy (MUS 571) 2
• Ensemble * 2
• Music Electives** 2…………18
• Total……………………..36

 Notes:

* Suggested ensembles include Opera Theatre and New Music Ensemble.

** Additional Applied Voice or Ensemble will not meet this requirement; applied study in a secondary area is acceptable.

Other Requirements

Students are expected to present a public recital that comprises no less than sixty (60) minutes of music and follows the guidelines governing public recitals.

Robert Amchin
Professor
Division Head-Music Education and Music Therapy
Distinguished Teaching Professor

Jack Ashworth
Professor
Director of Early Music Ensemble
Distinguished Teaching Professor

Jean Christensen
Professor
Director of Graduate Studies
Division Head-Music History

Anne Marie de Zeeuw
Professor
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Area Coordinator-Music Theory
Distinguished Teaching Professor

Christopher Doane
Professor
Dean

Donn Everette Graham
Professor

Brenda Kee
Professor
Area Coordinator-Keyboard

Herbert Koerselman
Professor

John LaBarbera
Professor   

Naomi Oliphant
Professor
Associate Dean
Distinguished Teaching Professor

Steve Rouse
Professor
Division Head-Music Theory and Composition

Marc Satterwhite
Professor

Frederick Speck
Professor
Director of Bands

Edith Davis Tidwell
Professor
Area Coordinator-Voice
Distinguished Teaching Professor

Michael Tracy
Professor
Division Head-Jazz Studies   

Michael Tunnell
Professor
Distinguished Teaching Professor

Barbara Wheeler
Professor
Director of Music Therapy
University Scholar

Greg Byrne
Associate Professor

Kent Hatteberg
Associate Professor
Director of Choral Activities
University Scholar

Bruce Heim
Associate Professor
University Scholar

John Jones
Associate Professor
Division Head-Applied Studies   

Kimcherie Lloyd
Associate Professor
Division Head-Ensembles and Conducting
Director of Orchestral Studies and Opera

Seow-Chin Ong
Associate Professor

J. Patrick Rafferty
Associate Professor

Brett Shuster
Associate Professor

Dallas Tidwell
Associate Professor

Gerald Tolson
Associate Professor   

Paul York
Associate Professor

John Gibson
Assistant Professor

Julia Shinnick
Assistant Professor

Krista Wallace-Boaz
Assistant Professor   

Daniel Weeks
Assistant Professor
University Scholar

Jerry W. Ball
Professor Emeritus

Doris Owen Bickel
Professor Emeritus

Paul R. Brink
Professor Emeritus

Melvin Dickinson
Professor Emeritus

Francis Fuge
Professor Emeritus

Karl-Werner Guempel
Professor Emeritus

Lee Luvisi
Professor Emeritus   

Daniel McAninch
Professor Emeritus

Peter McHugh
Professor Emeritus

Acton Ostling
Professor Emeritus

Richard Spalding
Professor Emeritus

Robert Weaver
Professor Emeritus