Overview
Program Director
Dr. Joseph Carucci
Bliss Hall 3010
jwcarucci@ysu.edu
330) 941-1439
Program Description
The Master’s of Music (MM) in Theory and Composition provides advanced individualized instruction that focuses on the professional development and unique career goals of each student. Students develop advanced competencies in their degree major as well as critical skills such as consistent work ethic and the ability to work independently. Master’s students in music work closely with a world-class faculty of performers, scholars and artists, holding advanced academic degrees from some of the finest schools of music in the world, such as: Juilliard, Cleveland Institute of Music, New England Conservatory, University of Southern California, Indiana University, Florida State University, University of Texas, University of Michigan, and the Cincinnati Conservatory. The intensive applied curriculum provides students with skills they will use throughout their careers. Graduates may have their music performed in films, commercials, video-games, educational settings, and on stage by professional orchestras, various community ensembles, and commercial bands. The options are endless for a Dana MM in Composition graduate.
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.
Degree Requirements
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.
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements 1 | 9 | |
| Graduate Analysis 2 | ||
| Philosophies of Music | ||
| Research in Music | ||
| Seminar electives | 15 | |
| Thesis | 6 | |
| Thesis 1 (Composition Thesis will culminate in a composition or a body of compositions, accompanied by explanatory notes and a performance and/or recording.) | ||
| Thesis 2 (Composition Thesis will culminate in a composition or a body of compositions, accompanied by explanatory notes and a performance and/or recording.) | ||
| Total Semester Hours | 30 | |
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Analysis 1 | ||
| Seminar electives | ||
| MUTC 6913 | Pedagogy of Theory (Students in the theory emphasis should take MUSIC 6913 Pedagogy of Theory) | 3 |
| MUTC 6935 | Jazz Theory | 3 |
| MUTC 6936 | Jazz Composition | 3 |
| MUTC 6903 | Advanced Composition | 3 |
| MCMP 6903 | Advanced Composition (Applied composition lessons may be substituted for two elective seminars in the first year of study.) | 3 |
| MCMP 6904 | Advanced Composition (Applied composition lessons may be substituted for two elective seminars in the first year of study.) | 3 |
| MUHL 6943 | Seminar in Musicology | 3 |
| MUHL 6946 | Selected Topics in Jazz History | 3 |
| MUED 6992 | Independent Projects in Music | 1-4 |
| Theory Seminar | ||
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
MUTC 5821 Composition for Minors 2 s.h.
Composition in two- and three-part forms, and other compositions of small scope, such as variation and sonatina. Works are composed both for piano alone, and in combination with other instruments or voice. May be repeated by composition majors to meet requirements for freshman and sophomore composition for majors.
Prereq.: MUTC 2632 with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of instructor for composition majors.
MUTC 5822 Composition for Minors 2 s.h.
Composition in two- and three-part forms, and other compositions of small scope, such as variation and sonatina. Works are composed both for piano alone, and in combination with other instruments or voice. May be repeated by composition majors to meet requirements for freshman and sophomore composition for majors.
Prereq.: MUTC 2632 with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of instructor for composition majors.
MUTC 5828 Music Technology 3 s.h.
An exploration of the use of computers and technology in music. Applications related to composition, performance, analysis, teaching, and research.
Prereq.: MUTC 2632 with grade of "C" or better or permission of instructor.
MUTC 5830 Materials of 20th Century Music 3 s.h.
Study of the various elements of 20th century compositions, including melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and form.
Prereq.: MUTC 2632 with a grade of "C" or better.
MUTC 5831 Modal Counterpoint 3 s.h.
Sixteenth century contrapuntal style including introduction of species technique; analysis of liturgical and secular repertoire; writing of imitative counterpoint with stylistic rhythms and cadences.
Prereq.: MUTC 2632 with a grade of "C" or better.
MUTC 5832 Tonal Counterpoint 3 s.h.
Contrapuntal style of baroque music including an analysis of examples in imitative and invertible counterpoint; writing two- and three-part inventions and three- and four-part fugal expositions.
Prereq.: MUTC 2632 with a grade of "C" or better.
MUTC 5833 Theory Seminar 3 s.h.
Topics in music theory not covered in regular upper-division offerings. May be repeated once with different topic.
Prereq.: MUTC 2632 with a grade of "C" or better.
MUTC 5834 Electronic Music 3 s.h.
Techniques of analog and digital synthesis including tape composition, musique concrete; advanced MIDI applications such as sequencing and sampling; and digital audio editing. Composition in electronic and mixed media.
Prereq.: For composition majors, COMP 1502 or equivalent; for non-composition majors, MUTC 2632 with a grade of "C" or better; for non-majors, permission of instructor.
MUTC 5840 Instrumentation 3 s.h.
Ranges, transposition, technical characteristics, and tonal features of the instruments. Scoring for large and small ensembles which are available as laboratory reading groups.
Prereq.: MUTC 2632 with a grade of "C" or better.
MUTC 6903 Advanced Composition 3 s.h.
Individual instruction in the composition of larger forms for chorus, orchestra, or chamber ensembles.
Prereq.: Permission of Instructor.
MUTC 6904 Advanced Composition 3 s.h.
Individual instruction in the composition of larger forms for chorus, orchestra, or chamber ensembles.
Prereq.: Permission of instructor.
MUTC 6913 Pedagogy of Theory 3 s.h.
The study and critical analysis of methods for teaching harmony, sightsinging, and ear training.
MUTC 6916 Fugue 3 s.h.
Analysis of the fugal style used in 17th-century trio sonatas and in both volumes of The Well-Tempered Clavier by J. S. Bach; writing three to four voice fugues employing imitative and invertible counterpoint.
MUTC 6921 Graduate Analysis 1 3 s.h.
Foundational graduate study of musical analysis. Includes basic techniques of harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic analysis applied to a selection of music literature from the seventeenth century through the present time.
MUTC 6922 Graduate Analysis 2 3 s.h.
Continuing graduate study of musical analysis. Includes advanced techniques of harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic analysis applied to a selection of music literature from the seventeenth century through the present time.
Prereq.: MUTC 6921 with a grade of "B" or higher or 70% or higher on graduate entrance exam or instructor's permission.
MUTC 6930 Baroque Music Styles 3 s.h.
Stylistic and structural analysis of compositions from the Baroque Era.
MUTC 6931 Classic Music Styles 3 s.h.
Stylistic and structural analysis of compositions from the Classic Era.
MUTC 6932 Romantic Music Styles 3 s.h.
Stylistic and structural analysis of compositions from the Romantic Era.
MUTC 6933 Twentieth-Century Music Styles 3 s.h.
Stylistic and structural analysis of compositions from the 20th century.
MUTC 6935 Jazz Theory 3 s.h.
This course examines the process of jazz improvisation and undertakes a critical evaluation of the existing modes of analyzing improvisation. Students will learn to differentiate between pedagogical, speculative, and analytical theory and to apply appropriate analytical techniques according to the musical context. Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical listening and reading skills.
MUTC 6936 Jazz Composition 3 s.h.
Students will study the styles of leading jazz composers and arrangers in the process of developing their craft and their own style. Assignments will include a portfolio of compositions and analysis of compositions by Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, and others.