Music - Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs in Music
The University of Texas at Arlington Department of Music features intensive programs in Music Education, Music Performance, Conducting, Jazz Studies, Jazz Composition, and Music Theory as well as a Performance Certificate in all instruments, conducting, and voice types. Located in the heart of a culturally vibrant metropolitan area, UT Arlington is perfectly situated to help students realize their educational and career goals. Large enough to offer a broad range of opportunities, but small enough to value you as an individual, we're sure you'll find UT Arlington the right place to study your craft.
Fellowships
Fellowships, when available, will be awarded on a competitive basis. The Graduate Advisor should be notified of your interest in these fellowships at the time of your application. Nominees for the Graduate School Master’s Fellowship in Music will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Candidates must be new students entering in the fall semester, with a minimum of 9 hours of enrollment in both long semesters to retain their fellowships.
- The minimum undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.00, as calculated by the Graduate School, plus a GPA of 3.0 for any graduate credit hours.
- Transcript of a completed bachelor’s degree in music from an accredited institution (or its demonstrated equivalent).
- Three letters of recommendation
Master of Music in Music Education
Admission Requirements
The Department of Music has the following requirements for entry into the Master of Music in Music Education degree program.
Unconditional Admission
Requirements for unconditional admission into the program are:
- Three letters of recommendation speaking to the student’s potential for success from references familiar with the student’s academic background.
- Philosophy of Music Education (no more than 2 pages-typed).
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work as calculated by Graduate Admissions.
- Bachelor’s degree in music or its demonstrated equivalent.
- Submitted application to the Department of Music (see the departmental website for more information).
Probationary Status
A student showing a deficiency in any of the above criteria and showing promise for successful graduate study may still be admitted on a probationary basis upon the recommendation of the Graduate Studies Committee. The conditions of the probation will be outlined in the letter of admission. (The Music Department does not have the authority to lower University TOEFL score requirements for any student.)
Provisional Admission
An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but who other wise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission.
Denied Admission
An applicant can be denied admission based on the recommendation of the Graduate Studies Committee. Applicants may reapply for admission if the deficiencies in credentials that led to denial are remedied.
Deferred Admission
A deferred decision may be granted when a file is incomplete or when a denied decision is not appropriate.
TOEFL Requirement
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by earning a total score of at least 79 on the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language examination (TOEFL iBT).
Those who do not meet the English proficiency requirement must satisfactorily complete courses in the ESOL area, as approved by the program and the Graduate Admissions.
Degree Requirements
The program is designed for the student who has a Bachelor’s degree in music. A minimum of 30 semester hours is required if the student chooses to write a thesis. If the student chooses not to write a thesis, a minimum of 36 semester hours is required. Advisory examinations in music history and written theory may be administered to all students prior to enrollment or during their first semester as a degree-seeking student.
Non-Thesis Option
Coursework for the program includes:
| Required Courses | ||
| MUSI 5301 | FORM AND STYLE ANALYSIS | 3 |
| MUSI 5308 | MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS | 3 |
| MUSI 5351 | PHILOSOPHY, HISTORY, AND CURRICULUAR TRENDS IN MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| MUSI 5352 | PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| MUSI 5363 | RESEARCH IN MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| MUSI 5353 | PROJECT IN MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| MUSI 5364 | ASSESSMENT IN MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| MUSI 5357 | CURRENT TRENDS IN MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| Three (3) hours of Music Education electives should be chosen from the following: | 3 | |
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC PEDAGOGY | ||
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC LITERATURE | ||
| REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES | ||
| ADVANCED DICTION FOR SINGERS | ||
| ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSICIANS | ||
| EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC | ||
| MEANING & REPRESENTATION IN MUSIC | ||
| Nine (9) hours of free choice electives may be selected from ensembles, private instruction, music history, music theory, jazz studies and repeated special topics courses. Up to six (6) hours of graduate credit from other disciplines may be considered if relevant to the degree, subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Committee. No more than two (2) semester hours of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree. | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Thesis Option
Coursework for the program includes:
| Required Courses | ||
| MUSI 5301 | FORM AND STYLE ANALYSIS | 3 |
| MUSI 5308 | MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS | 3 |
| MUSI 5351 | PHILOSOPHY, HISTORY, AND CURRICULUAR TRENDS IN MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| MUSI 5352 | PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| MUSI 5363 | RESEARCH IN MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| THESIS (*) | ||
| MUSI 5698 | THESIS | 6 |
| Three (3) hours of Music Education electives should chosen from the following: | 3 | |
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC PEDAGOGY | ||
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC LITERATURE | ||
| REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES | ||
| ADVANCED DICTION FOR SINGERS | ||
| ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSICIANS | ||
| EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC | ||
| ASSESSMENT IN MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| MEANING & REPRESENTATION IN MUSIC | ||
| CURRENT TRENDS IN MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| Six (6) hours of free choice electives may be selected from ensembles, private instruction, music history, music theory, jazz studies and repeated special topics courses. Up to six (6) hours of graduate credit from other disciplines may be considered if relevant to the degree, subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Committee. No more than two (2) semester hours of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree. | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
*Students who write a thesis will work closely with one or more members of the graduate faculty from the Department of Music on a research project in a specialized area of interest within the music education field. The student must register for MUSI 5398 when in consultation over the thesis with the advisor or supervisory committee. Students will receive a grade of R (Research in Progress), F (Fail), or W (Withdrawn). These hours do not count towards the degree hours.
Master of Music
Admission Requirements
The Department of Music has the following requirements for entry into the Master of Music degree program.
Unconditional Admission
- Bachelor’s degree in music or its demonstrated equivalent (such as a music conservatory degree).
- Three letters of recommendation are required, speaking to the student’s potential for success from references familiar with the student’s academic background.
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work as calculated by the Graduate Admissions.
- Submitted application to the Department of Music (see the departmental website for more information).
All admission criteria will be considered equally. Students meeting all the criteria, plus any track-specific requirements, will be granted unconditional admission.
Probationary Status
A student showing a deficiency in any of the above criteria and showing promise for successful graduate study may still be admitted on a probationary basis upon the recommendation of the Graduate Studies Committee. The conditions of the probation will be outlined in the letter of admission. (The Music Department does not have the authority to lower University TOEFL score requirements for any student.)
Provisional Admission
An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but who otherwise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission.
Denied Admission
An applicant can be denied admission based on the recommendation of the Graduate Studies Committee. Applicants may reapply for admission if the deficiencies in credentials that led to denial are remedied.
Deferred Admission
A deferred decision may be granted when a file is incomplete or when a denied decision is not appropriate.
Tracks are offered in Music Performance, Jazz Studies, Jazz Composition, Music Theory, and Conducting. The program is designed for the student who has a Bachelor’s degree in music.
TOEFL Requirement
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by earning a total score of at least 79 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based examination (TOEFL iBT).
Those who do not meet the English proficiency requirement must satisfactorily complete courses in the ESOL area, as approved by the program and Graduate Admissions.
Advisory examinations in music history and written theory may be administered to all students prior to enrollment or during their first semester as a degree-seeking student.
Music Performance Track (Instrumental and Vocal)
In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants for the Music Performance Track must perform the following:
- Applicants must audition (in person or by submitting a tape or video link) with repertoire of at least college senior recital level. A repertoire list must be submitted for evaluation at the time of the audition. For further information, contact the Graduate Advisor.
Coursework for the program includes:
| Required Courses | ||
| MUSI 5301 | FORM AND STYLE ANALYSIS | 3 |
| MUSI 5308 | MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS | 3 |
| MUSI 5354 | SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC LITERATURE | 3 |
| 4 semesters of Applied Study (MUSI 53XX) with the last semester including a full length public performance/recital, which may serve as a thesis. | 12 | |
| 4 semesters of a Major Ensemble (MUSI 51XX) (For Keyboard Players only-4 semesters of either Major Ensemble 51XX OR Keyboard Accompaniment MUSI 5190) | 4 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select 9 credit hours from the following depending on your major: | 9 | |
Instrumental | ||
Prescribed Electives (choose 9 credit hours) | ||
| DIGITAL MUSIC TECHNOLOGY | ||
| CHAMBER MUSIC (maximum of 3 repeats) | ||
| MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS (may be counted once as an elective if core requirement is met and the course is taken with a different emphasis) | ||
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC PEDAGOGY | ||
| PHILOSOPHY, HISTORY, AND CURRICULUAR TRENDS IN MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES | ||
| MEANING & REPRESENTATION IN MUSIC | ||
| 20TH CENTURY FORM & TECHNIQUE | ||
| HISTORY OF MUSIC THEORY | ||
| FORMAL-FUNCTION THEORY | ||
| POST-TONAL ANALYSIS | ||
| LINEAR ANALYSIS | ||
| ADVANCED SONATA THEORY | ||
Voice | ||
Prescribed Electives (choose 9 credit hours) | ||
| VOCAL COACHING | ||
| ADVANCED DICTION FOR SINGERS | ||
| MUSIC THEATRE/OPERA LAB | ||
| DIGITAL MUSIC TECHNOLOGY | ||
| HISTORY OF MUSIC THEORY | ||
| MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS (may be counted once as an elective if core requirement is met and the course is taken with a different emphasis) | ||
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC PEDAGOGY | ||
| PHILOSOPHY, HISTORY, AND CURRICULUAR TRENDS IN MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES | ||
| MEANING & REPRESENTATION IN MUSIC | ||
| FORMAL-FUNCTION THEORY | ||
| POST-TONAL ANALYSIS | ||
| ADVANCED SONATA THEORY | ||
| 20TH CENTURY FORM & TECHNIQUE | ||
| LINEAR ANALYSIS | ||
| Total Hours | 34 | |
Jazz Studies Track
In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants for the Jazz Studies Track must perform the following:
- Applicants must audition (in person or by submitting a tape or video link) with repertoire of at least college senior recital level. A repertoire list must be submitted for evaluation at the time of the audition. For further information, contact the Graduate Advisor.
Coursework for the program includes:
| Required Courses | ||
| MUSI 5301 | FORM AND STYLE ANALYSIS | 3 |
| MUSI 5308 | MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS | 3 |
| MUSI 5354 | SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC LITERATURE | 3 |
| 4 semesters of Applied Study (MUSI 53XX) with the last semester including a full length public performance/recital, which may serve as a thesis. | 12 | |
| 4 semesters of a Major Ensemble (MUSI 51XX) (For Keyboard Players only-4 semesters of either Major Ensemble 51XX OR Keyboard Accompaniment MUSI 5190) | 4 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select 9 credit hours from the following: | 9 | |
| DIGITAL MUSIC TECHNOLOGY | ||
| JAZZ COMBO | ||
| CHAMBER MUSIC (maximum of 3 repeats) | ||
| HISTORY OF MUSIC THEORY | ||
| MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS (may be counted once as an elective if core requirement is met and the course is taken with a different emphasis) | ||
| FORMAL-FUNCTION THEORY | ||
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC PEDAGOGY | ||
| PHILOSOPHY, HISTORY, AND CURRICULUAR TRENDS IN MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES | ||
| ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSICIANS | ||
| MEANING & REPRESENTATION IN MUSIC | ||
| JAZZ STYLE AND ANALYSIS | ||
| 20TH CENTURY FORM & TECHNIQUE | ||
| POST-TONAL ANALYSIS | ||
| LINEAR ANALYSIS | ||
| ADVANCED SONATA THEORY | ||
| Total Hours | 34 | |
Conducting Track (Orchestral, Vocal, Wind)
In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants for the Conducting Track must perform the following:
- Applicants must audition (in person or by submitting a tape or video link). For further information, contact the Graduate Advisor.
Coursework for the program includes:
| Required Courses | ||
| MUSI 5301 | FORM AND STYLE ANALYSIS | 3 |
| MUSI 5308 | MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS | 3 |
| MUSI 5354 | SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC LITERATURE | 3 |
| 4 semesters of Applied Study (MUSI 53XX) with the last semester including a full length public performance/recital, which may serve as a thesis. | 12 | |
| 4 semesters of a Major Ensemble (MUSI 51XX) | 4 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select 9 credit hours from the following: | 9 | |
| DIGITAL MUSIC TECHNOLOGY | ||
| CHAMBER MUSIC (maximum of 3 repeats) | ||
| MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS (may be counted once as an elective if core requirement is met and the course is taken with a different emphasis) | ||
| FORMAL-FUNCTION THEORY | ||
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC PEDAGOGY | ||
| PHILOSOPHY, HISTORY, AND CURRICULUAR TRENDS IN MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES | ||
| ADVANCED DICTION FOR SINGERS | ||
| MEANING & REPRESENTATION IN MUSIC | ||
| HISTORY OF MUSIC THEORY | ||
| 20TH CENTURY FORM & TECHNIQUE | ||
| POST-TONAL ANALYSIS | ||
| LINEAR ANALYSIS | ||
| ADVANCED SONATA THEORY | ||
| Total Hours | 34 | |
Jazz Composition Track
In addition, to the general admission requirements, applicants for the Jazz Composition Track must submit the following:
- A portfolio of works, to include at least two (2) but not more than four (4) scores and recordings representing the applicant’s best work. At least two of these should be in the jazz genre. Live recordings are preferred; MIDI recordings are discouraged but will be accepted as a last resort. At least one of the works should be scored for a large jazz ensemble (ten or more performers). Links to both scores and audio files housed online for the included pieces (via SoundCloud, DropBox, etc.) should be sent in an email to the graduate advisor. Please do not attach the files in the email.
- A performance audition is also required on your primary jazz instrument. Applicants should prepare two jazz pieces in contrasting styles and tempos, with at least one jazz standard included. A pianist will be available to accompany you, or you may arrange for your own accompaniment (such as a play-along recording). Stereo equipment may be provided but only upon advance notice by the applicant.
Coursework for the program includes:
| Required Courses | ||
| MUSI 5308 | MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS | 3 |
| MUSI 5366 | JAZZ STYLE AND ANALYSIS | 3 |
| MUSI 5362 | INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH IN MUSIC | 3 |
| MUSI 5355 | REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES | 3 |
| 4 semesters of Applied Study (MUSI 5348) with the last semester including a full length public performance/recital, which may serve as a thesis. | 12 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select 6 credit hours from the following: | 6 | |
| DIGITAL MUSIC TECHNOLOGY | ||
| TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGY IN FILM COMPOSITION | ||
| CHAMBER MUSIC (maximum of 3 repeats) | ||
| MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS (may be counted once as an elective if core requirement is met and the course is taken with a different emphasis) | ||
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC PEDAGOGY | ||
| ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSICIANS (MUSI 53XX (Applied lessons on a Jazz Instrument)) | ||
| MEANING & REPRESENTATION IN MUSIC | ||
| 20TH CENTURY FORM & TECHNIQUE | ||
MUSI 53XX (Applied lessons on a Jazz Instrument) | ||
| Choose 3 credit hours from the following (may be repeated): | 3 | |
| JAZZ ORCHESTRA | ||
| JAZZ ENSEMBLE | ||
| JAZZ COMBO | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
Music Theory Track
In addition, to the general admission requirements, applicants for the Music Theory Track must submit the following:
- Samples of writing (minimum 2; at least 1 should have substantial analytical content).
- Statement of purpose (max. 250 words).
- Applicants must take Theory and History Proficiency exams upon admission. Students needing remedial work will be required to enroll in MUSI 5301 FORM AND STYLE ANALYSIS and/or MUSI 5354 SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC LITERATURE, as appropriate.*
* Piano Proficiency exam will be administered before, and as a condition of, graduation from the Masters program. Students are encouraged to enroll in Keyboard lessons as appropriate to prepare for these.
Coursework for the program includes:
| Required Courses | ||
| MUSI 5150 | PEDAGOGY IN MUSIC THEORY | 1 |
| MUSI 5308 | MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS | 3 |
| MUSI 5362 | INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH IN MUSIC | 3 |
| MUSI 5390 | LINEAR ANALYSIS | 3 |
| MUSI 5698 | THESIS | 6 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 6 credit hours from the following: | 6 | |
| HISTORY OF MUSIC THEORY | ||
| MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS (may be counted once as an elective if core requirement is met and the course is taken with a different emphasis) | ||
| PRIVATE LESSONS IN COMPOSITION | ||
| ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSICIANS (MUSI 53XX (Applied lessons on a Jazz Instrument)) | ||
| MEANING & REPRESENTATION IN MUSIC | ||
| Choose 9 credit hours from the following: | 9 | |
| THEORY & COMPOSITION SPECIAL TOPICS | ||
| ADVANCED COUNTERPOINT | ||
| FORMAL-FUNCTION THEORY | ||
| 20TH CENTURY FORM & TECHNIQUE | ||
| POST-TONAL ANALYSIS | ||
| ADVANCED SONATA THEORY | ||
| Choose 3 credit hours from the following (may be repeated): | 3 | |
MUSI 51XX or 52XX (Applied Lessons) | ||
MUSI 51XX (Major Ensemble) | ||
| CHAMBER MUSIC | ||
| Total Hours | 34 | |
Final Master’s Examination
A final program examination is required of all Master of Music degree candidates. A final Master’s examination may result in:
- An unconditional pass with a recommendation to the Graduate Dean that the candidate be certified to receive the degree.
- A conditional pass with the requirement that additional conditions be met, which may include further work on the thesis or thesis substitute, additional coursework with a minimum specified grade point average or both (in all cases the final master’s examination must be repeated within a specified period).
- Failure, with permission to be re-examined within a specified period; or
- Failure, with recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies that the candidate be dismissed from the program. The Music Department limits to 2 the number of times the examination can be taken.
Admission Requirements
Certificate Admission Requirements
Students wishing to enroll only in the certificate program but not a graduate degree program may apply for admission to UT Arlington as a special student (non-degree seeking). Admission requires an undergraduate degree in music or its demonstrated equivalent and would be contingent upon an audition for a minimum of two faculty members. Students in this certificate program who later seek graduate degrees at UT Arlington may apply 12 hours of certificate coursework within six years of completion and award of the certificate, if they meet the admission requirements for the graduate degree and receive approval from the appropriate Graduate Studies Committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies. Admission as a special student in no way guarantees subsequent unconditional admission into a graduate program or into the Graduate School.
TOEFL Requirement
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by earning a total score of at least 79 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT).
Certificate in Performance
The Certificate in Performance requires 15 hours of coursework, including 4 semesters of lessons with the last semester including a full-length recital, and three semesters of a Major Ensemble or a combination of a Major Ensemble or Keyboard Accompaniment (for Keyboard Players only). It is currently available for all instruments and voice types:
| Applied Study: | ||
| 4 semesters of Applied Study (MUSI 53XX) with the last semester including a full length recital | 12 | |
| AND | ||
| 3 semesters of a Major Ensemble (MUSI 51XX) (For Keyboard Players only-3 semesters of either a Major Ensemble 51XX OR Keyboard Accompaniment MUSI 5190) | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |