Music, Collaborative Piano Specialization, M.M.
Chris Combest, Program Director
(615) 898-2476
chris.combest@mtsu.edu
The School of Music offers a Master of Music degree with specializations in collaborative piano, conducting, jazz studies, music composition, music education, musicology, and performance.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Music degree program requires
- an earned bachelor's degree in music from an accredited university or college;
- an acceptable grade point average in all college work taken (at least 3.00).
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicant must
- submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- submit three letters of recommendation.
Additionally, those seeking a specialization in collaborative piano must complete an audition. Applicants who do not pass the audition may be allowed, at the discretion of the faculty, to be admitted as non-degree seeking for one semester and must register for MUAP 5020 - Private Instruction. They must re-audition at the end of their first semester of study. Students who do not pass the audition on their second attempt will not be admitted to the program.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Music degree in Music with a specialization in collaborative music requires completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours.
Candidates must
- complete the curriculum with 70 percent of the total degree hours at the 6000 level (see Curriculum section below for specifics);
- successfully complete both written and oral comprehensive examinations no earlier than the student's last semester of study. Comprehensive examinations may be repeated once.
Additionally, those with a specialization in collaborative piano must establish proficiencies before graduation in music history, music theory,* and foreign language. The foreign language proficiency for collaborative piano includes translation skills (in two of Italian, French, German) and diction skills and IPA in Italian, French, and German.
*NOTE: Diagnostic examinations in music theory, music history, and diction will be scheduled during the first week of the first semester of study. Students who do not pass the diagnostic examinations should consult with the graduate coordinator to plan how to meet the requirements. Additional courses may be required to satisfy these proficiency requirements.
Curriculum: Music, Collaborative Piano
The following illustrates the coursework requirements.
Core Courses (9 hours)
MUS 6620 - Bibliography and Research
3credit hours
Survey of bibliography and problems and methods of research. Analysis and evaluation of research in the arts.
MUS 6630 - Music Seminar
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MUS 6620. Study and research of a topic in music determined by the instructor.
MUTH 6050 - Analytical Techniques
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 5010 or permission of instructor. Skills and procedures of musical analysis as they apply to all periods through analysis of representative compositions. Evaluation of work from all standpoints: craftsmanship, expression, and stylistic correctness.
Specialization Courses (12 hours)
MUAP 6682 - Private Instruction Piano
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of undergraduate recital. Consult graduate coordinator as to performance area availability. One-hour private lesson per week in the selected performance field. In-depth study of stylistic, technical, and musical problems in music performance and exploration of advanced repertoire in the applied area.
MUAP 6692 - Private Instruction Piano
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of undergraduate recital. Consult graduate coordinator as to performance area availability. One-hour private lesson per week in the selected performance field. In-depth study of stylistic, technical, and musical problems in music performance and exploration of advanced repertoire in the applied area.
MUAP 6670 - Graduate Recital
3 credit hours
MUAP 6670(two semesters, 6 credit hours total)
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title:MUAP 6670
(two semesters, 6 credit hours total)
MUAP 6670 - Graduate Recital
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Completion of MUAP 6682 for the collaborative piano specializations; MUS 6030, MUS 6060, and MUAP 6709 for the conducting specialization; the appropriate courses from among MUAP 6681-MUAP 6688, MUAP 6691-MUAP 6698, and MUAP 6701-MUAP 6708 for the jazz studies and performance specializations; MUAP 6140, MUAP 6150, and MUAP 6160 for the music composition and music composition for contemporary media specializations; and permission of the appropriate music faculty in all specializations. One-hour private lesson per week in the selected performance field and recital preparation until recital completed. Those specializing in collaborative piano may take course three times.
NOTE: The vocal and instrumental repertoire may be split between the two recitals in any combination, as long as the final result is approximately 50 percent in each area.
Guided Electives (9 hours)
MUHL 5710 - Vocal Literature
3credit hours
Basic repertory of Italian airs, German lieder, French art song, and solo vocal works of nationalistic schools, as well as English and American song literature.
MUHL 5770 - Opera Literature
3credit hours
A study of major operatic works and styles. Focuses on composers, librettists, and performers as well as the vocal, musical, and dramatic resources necessary for performance. Listening and analysis of select pieces will be included in student projects.
MUHL 5780 - Chamber Music for Keyboard
3credit hours
A study of chamber music written for the piano. Emphasis will be placed on music written during the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. Listening and analysis of select pieces will be included in student projects.
Proficiency Courses Determined by Placement Examination (0-14 hours)
Either or both of these courses may be required based on the results of the student's diagnostic examinations in music history and music theory:
MUTH 5010 - Theory Survey
3credit hours
A review of musicianship skills and knowledge of musical theory to the degree necessary for the candidate to pursue work at the graduate level. Does not count toward the M.M. in Music. S/U grading.
MUHL 5070 - Music History Survey
1 to 3 credit hours
(3 credit hours)(3 credit hours required)
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title:(3 credit hours)
(3 credit hours required)
MUHL 5070 - Music History Survey
1 to 3credit hours
Review of music in history and culture to degree necessary for candidate to pursue work on graduate level. Does not count toward the M.M. in Music. May count toward satisfying proficiencies for the Master of Music. S/U grading.
Additional Study
In addition, the equivalent of one year of foreign language study in two of Italian, German, and French must be demonstrated. To satisfy this proficiency, up to four of the following courses may be required:
- ITAL 1010 - Elementary Italian I 3 credit hours
- ITAL 1020 - Elementary Italian II 3 credit hours
- GERM 1010 - Elementary German I 3 credit hours
- GERM 1020 - Elementary German II 3 credit hours
- FREN 1010 - Elementary French I 3 credit hours
- FREN 1020 - Elementary French II 3 credit hours
Furthermore, based on the student's diagnostic examination in diction, up to four of the following courses may be required:
- MUPD 2180 - Diction for Singers I 2 credit hours
- MUPD 2190 - Diction for Singers II 2 credit hours
- MUPD 2200 - Diction for Singers III 2 credit hours
- MUPD 2210 - Diction for Singers IV 2 credit hours
