Program Director

Dr. Joseph Carucci

Bliss Hall 3010

jwcarucci@ysu.edu 

330) 941-1439 

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 Philosophies of Music and 6960 Research in Music. 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 will take core courses in Philosophies of Music (6977), Graduate Analysis II (6922), and Research in Music (6960), 15 s.h. of seminar electives (at least 6 s.h. in MUHL), as well as Thesis I (6990) and Thesis II (6991). A thesis and an oral defense of the thesis are required. 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.

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 MUTC 6922 Graduate Analysis II

3. Students will demonstrate the ability to write in a scholarly manner about their area of specialization within music. Assessment: Project MUHL 6960 Research in Music

4. Students will demonstrate research skills and techniques through the creation of an original scholarly project. Assessment: Thesis

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). 

Evidence of analytical activities or the sound files and scores for three original compositions are required for entry to Music Theory and Composition degree.