Music | Master of Professional Studies (Music Performance)
The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Performance Studies1 is intended for students who wish to further their music training in performance. The degree is available online and on campus. To be considered for the program, all applicants must:
- have a bachelors degree in Music - this is required of all students who are accepted into the program
- have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on the last 60 undergraduate hours
- provide a personal statement
- provide two letters of recommendation from those who can speak to your musical and academic promise
- submit a video audition: recording should be a live performance of at least three different styles/genres of standard literature in the performance area (i.e. sonata, concerto, suite, aria, character piece, etc.). Recording should be made within the last 12 months and performer should be fully visible.
- voice applicants should have completed undergraduate coursework in diction that includes English, Italian, German, and French. Modern language coursework may be required (will not count towards degree requirements) based on competencies.
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Please note: Not all music schools accept the MPS as an appropriate degree for entrance into a DMA program in performance, but there are schools that do.
Program Summary
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| MUS 663 | Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS 684 | Literature (focus in primary performance medium) | 3 |
| MUS 876 | Principles of Research | 3 |
| Concentration Core | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 18 | |
| Instrumental/Vocal (non-piano) | ||
MUS 8XX | Applied Lessons (3 semesters) | |
MUS 6XX | Major Ensemble in Primary Medium (3 semesters) | |
Electives | ||
| Piano | ||
MUS 8XX | Applied Lessons (3 semesters) | |
| Piano Techniques and Materials | ||
| Collaborative Piano Class | ||
| Jazz | ||
MUS 8XX | Applied Lessons (3 semesters) | |
MUS 6XX | Ensemble (3 semesters) | |
| Graduate Jazz History | ||
Electives | ||
| Project | ||
| MUS 862 | Graduate Recital | 3 |
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Note: Ensembles are not available online. To fulfill this requirement, students should be member of an ensemble or transfer graduate-level ensemble credits another institution.
Note: For online students, the graduate recital is required to be a public recital that is video recorded with audience and performer visible. If an accompanist/band/collaborative pianist or other musicians are required for the recital, it is the responsibility of the student to secure and pay for services and ensure the performance is of an acceptable level.
Graduate School Graduation Requirements
All Graduate degrees1 require:
- Maintain a C or higher in all coursework.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. (Refer to program)
- A minimum of 30-75 hours of Graduate course work. (Refer to program)
- Comprehensive Examination or equivalent assessment is required. (Master of Liberal Studies requires a Comprehensive Examination and Concentration Exam)
- Degree completion within 8 years.
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Refer to degree program for any additional requirements.
Note for MLS and MPS degree concentrations:
Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) programs are administratively housed within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences but are listed in the catalog within the academic unit related to the relevant concentration area for ease in navigation.
Master of Professional Studies (MPS) programs are administratively housed within the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences but are listed in the catalog within the academic unit related to the relevant concentration area for ease in navigation.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| MUS 684G | Literature | 3 |
| MUS 876 | Principles of Research | 3 |
| Directed Choices | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUS 663G | Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS 679G | Topics in Music | 3 |
| Directed Choices | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUS 679G | Topics in Music | 3 |
| Directed Choices | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUS 862 | Graduate Recital | 3 |
| Directed Choices | 3 | |
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment | ||
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.
To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.
The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.