This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ysu.edu.

Program Director

Dr. Ewelina Boczkowska
Bliss Hall 3025
(330) 941-1833
eboczkowska@ysu.edu

Program Description

The Dana School of Music offers the Master of Music degree in Performance (vocal, instrumental, conducting), History and Literature, Theory and Composition, Music Education, and Jazz Studies.  Our students work closely with faculty who are alumni of prestigious national and international doctoral programs and are accomplished performers, composers, recording artists, and active scholars. This ensures an individualized graduate education. In turn, alumni of our graduate programs pursue doctoral studies and careers as performers, composers, and educators at all levels. 

Successful completion of 30 semester hours and all requirements specific to each degree.

Upon admission and before the start of the first semester of graduate study, each student must take a diagnostic examination in music history and music theory. Students who score at least 70% on the theory diagnostic exam will test out of the remedial 6921 Graduate Analysis I. The history diagnostic test is intended to assess students’ critical reading, thinking, and writing in advance of 6977 and 6960. Failure to take the diagnostic examinations will result in the addition of 6921 Graduate Analysis I and one music history elective within the degree. 

Students in Performance, Music History and Literature, Music Theory and Composition, and Music Education will take core courses in Philosophies of Music (6977), Graduate Analysis II (6922), and Research in Music (6960). 

In performance degrees, students will also take applied lessons, ensembles, and two seminar electives. Performance degrees will culminate in a recital of 50 minutes of music. Candidates in Voice Performance are expected to be proficient in two foreign languages or else take two semesters each of two different languages (Italian, French, or German). 

In Jazz Studies, students will take core courses in Jazz Theory (6935), Jazz Composition (6936), Jazz History (6946), and Research in Music (6960). Students will also take applied lessons on an instrument and in composition as well as small and large ensembles. The degree requires two 50-minute recitals.

In Music History and Literature and Music Theory and Composition degrees, students will take seminar electives as well as Thesis I (6990) and Thesis II (6991). A thesis and an oral defense of the thesis are required. Music Education degree students may elect either the thesis or a significant research project. Thesis students who have completed all requirements but have not defended the thesis are required to register for one hour of 6991, if they expect to receive advisor or committee assistance or utilize University services (e.g., library, computer, parking, and so forth).

Students must maintain a minimum grade-point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) to remain in “good standing.” Any course grade of D or F must be repeated and passed with a grade of A or B and no more than 6 semester hours of coursework with a grade of C may count toward the minimum graduation hour requirements.

COURSE TITLE S.H.
Core Requirements9
Graduate Analysis 2
Philosophies of Music
Research in Music
Applied Lessons12
Seminar Electives6
Ensembles3
Total Semester Hours30
COURSE TITLE S.H.
MUTC 6921Graduate Analysis 13
Applied Lessons
Applied lessons are offered on: Bassoon (BASS), Baritone Horn (BHFN), Cello (CELL), Clarinet (CLAR), Flute (FLUT), French Horn (FHRN), Guitar (GUIT), Oboe (OBOE), Organ (ORGN), Percussion (PERC), Piano (PIAN), Saxophone (SAX), String Bass (SBSS), Trombone (TROM), Trumpet (TRUM), Tuba, Viola (VIOL), Violin (VION), Voice (VOIC), as well as in Conducting (COND).
6901
6902
6905
6906
Seminar Electives
Theory Seminar
Pedagogy of Theory
Jazz Theory
Jazz Composition
Seminar in Musicology
Selected Topics in Music Literature
Selected Topics in Jazz History
Seminar in Symphonic Literature
Independent Projects in Music
Ensembles
Dana Chorale
University Chorus
Concert Band
Wind Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Percussion Ensemble
String Ensemble
Men's Chorus
Dana Opera Ensemble
Contemporary Ensemble
Women's Chorus
Early Music Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
MUEN 0017
Horn Choir
Trombone Ensemble
Tuba Ensemble
MUEN 0021
Trumpet Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble
Composer's Ensemble
Gospel Choir
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Winds
Guitar Ensemble
Jazz Combo
Chamber Music
Saxophone Quartet
Piano Chamber

Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and work critically with historical information (MUHL). Assessment: MUHL course-based project
  2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of specialized knowledge of at least one aspect of Music Theory (MUTC). Assessment: Final exam in 6922 Graduate Analysis II
  3. Students will demonstrate the ability to write in a scholarly manner about their area of specialization within music. Assessment: Final Project in 6960 Research in Music
  4. Students will demonstrate proficiency in their applied area. Assessment: Second year RECITAL of 50 minutes of music.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to graduate study in the Master of Music degree must present a baccalaureate degree in music from an accredited college or university. Admission requires a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale). 

Auditions are required for all performance degrees.