Degree Title: Master of Music

Program Name and Number: Music Theory - MM5184

Responsible Department/Unit: School of Music

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: [Fall | Spring]

Program Mission:  The graduate program in Music Theory is intended for those students whose interest in music theory leads them to desire to teach and perform research at the college or university level. The program is designed to prepare students for further work at the Ph.D. level in the field.

Program Learning Objectives: During the course of study the student will:

• demonstrate teaching ability in the classroom in college-level undergraduate theory, including the two-year core of theory and aural skills typical of most B. Mus. programs.
• demonstrate and be able to apply a thorough knowledge of tonal theory in coursework, seminars, and in teaching.
• be able to analyze and discuss, using a variety of analytical methods, the formal, harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic structures of representative examples from the repertoire of the 17^th through 19^th centuries.
• demonstrate and be able to apply a thorough knowledge of post-tonal theory in coursework, seminars, and in teaching.
• be able to analyze and discuss, using a variety of analytical techniques, the formal, harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, timbral, and aesthetic techniques and issues contained in representative examples of 20^th- or 21^st century music.
• be able to write examples of harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic techniques drawn from the 17^th through the 19^th centuries.
• be able to write examples of representative pitch structures and rhythmic and formal techniques pertaining to post-tonal music of the 20^th and 21^st centuries.
• demonstrate a working knowledge of counterpoint of the 16^th and 18^th centuries (covered in the entrance interview or in later remedial work).
• demonstrate a level of keyboard facility sufficient to perform brief examples of common-practice period literature in the classroom and realize figured basses at a reasonable tempo (covered in the entrance interview or in later remedial work).

Program Overview: The Theory major at the Master’s level consists of a minimum of 30 hours of coursework including a core of 17 credit hours in the major including the thesis, ten hours of electives in Music History & Literature, and a minimum of one hour of Composition, with a minimum of 2 hours free electives.  It can be completed within one academic year, but it is recommended that students allow two full years.

Opportunities for Graduates: The master’s in Music Theory is required for most Ph.D programs in the field.  The Ph.D. is now a minimum requirement for entry into college-level teaching.

Link to Program: http://www.ohio.edu/finearts/music/upload/ghb-14-15-6-16-14.pdf

Graduation Requirements: The graduation requirements for the Master of Music in Music Theory are:

• 17 cr. Hrs. of Music Theory Core, including:
  • MUS 5020 Intro to Schenkerian Analysis (4.0 Hours)
  • MUS 5030 Post-tonal Analysis (4.0 Hours)
  • MUS 5040 Theory Pedagogy (4.0 Hours)
  • MUS 6100 Theory Seminar (2.0 Hours)
  • MUS 6950 Thesis (3.0 Hours)
• 10 cr. Hrs. of Music History & Literature, including:
  • MUS 6200 Hist/Theory Seminar (2.0 Hours)
  • MUS 6310, 6320, 6330, or 6340 (choose two) (8.0 Hours)
• 1 to 3 cr. Hrs. of Composition:
  • MUS 5080 or 5090 (1.0-3.0 Hours)
• 2 to 3 cr. Hrs. of electives
• Pass the Oral Examination requirement of the School of Music
• Complete the Thesis requirement: This program requires a thesis, subject to the requirements of the Graduate College, the College of Fine Arts, and the School of Music
• Qualifying Exam Requirement: No.
• Comprehensive Exam Requirement: All Students in a Master of Music degree program in the School of Music must take an Oral Examination prior to graduation.  Details are contained in the Graduate Handbook of the School of Music, which is subject to annual revision.
• Foreign Language Requirement: The Master of Music degree in Music Theory requires reading proficiency in either German or French.  This is determined by a translation examination given by the Theory program prior to graduation.
• Expected Time to Degree (with full time enrollment): The degree may be completed in one academic year, but it is recommended that students enrolled in the program take two years.
• Additional Admission Requirements: The candidate must schedule a personal interview with members of the music theory faculty, during which the candidate will be asked to 1) demonstrate functional keyboard facility sufficient to perform examples in chorale texture and brief examples from the literature at an intermediate skill level; and 2) demonstrate an ability to sight sing and identify chords, intervals, and take melodic and harmonic dictation. Additionally, an essay of approximately 1200 words, preferably including music analysis, is required.

Culminating Experience: Students culminating experience will be to complete either a thesis or a clinical project.

Admission Requirements: Admittance to the program requires a sample essay, preferably on a music analysis topic, and a personal interview including a demonstration of aural and keyboard proficiency.