Office of the Registrar - Eastman School of Music

Registrar HomeEastman School HomeUniversity of Rochester

Graduate Research Curricula (MA, Ph.D.)

07.01 General Information - MA and PhD degrees

Activity in the division of Graduate Research Studies is governed by the Graduate Research Committee, a faculty committee comprising representatives from all departments with majors in the master of arts and doctor of philosophy degree programs, chaired by the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies. It will be noted that graduate work in composition or music education may also be undertaken within the division of Graduate Professional Studies, although the respective programs will reveal differences in emphasis and course content.

Some of the majors within the master of arts and doctor of philosophy degree programs require a thesis or dissertation. Full command of written English is assumed for students admitted to these programs and is required before students are permitted to begin these projects.

[back to top]

07.01.01 Grading and Credit for Graduate Research Degrees

No courses graded on a pass/fail basis will be accepted for a PhD or MA student's program of study except for the following: dissertation, master's thesis, and continuation of enrollment registrations. All other courses must be taken for a letter grade.

[back to top]

07.02 The Master of Arts Degree

Candidates for the Master of Arts degree may major in Music Composition, Music Education, Musicology, Ethnomusicology, Music Theory, or Pedagogy of Music Theory. The basic residence requirement for the Master of Arts degree is one year of full-time study or its equivalent (for Musicology majors, two years). Students holding a graduate award (who normally take no more than 24 credits during a year) or those who find it necessary to take part-time employment should plan to devote at least two years to the master's degree program. Graduate award holders majoring in Pedagogy of Music Theory can complete their programs in one year of full-time residence plus one summer session. No assurance can be given that the requirements for any program can be completed in one academic year or through summers-only enrollments. The exception to this general rule is the Master of Arts in Music Education Summers-Only program which may be completed through consecutive summer enrollment.

Requirements for the Master of Arts degree are expected to be completed within five years after the work is begun. Students who do not finish their program within five years may petition the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies for an extension of time. Such extension, if granted, will be of limited duration.

All students in the Master of Arts degree program are encouraged to avail themselves of the School's applied music instruction. The area and extent of such study will be determined in consultation with the advisor. Students majoring in Musicology and Music Theory are expected to cultivate a proficiency on a keyboard instrument, even if their principal instrument is not the piano, organ, or harpsichord.

[back to top]

07.02.01 List of Majors - MA

The following majors are offered within the master of arts degree program:

  • composition,
  • music education,
  • musicology,
  • ethnomusicology,
  • music theory
  • pedagogy of music theory

[back to top]

07.02.02 Residency & Time Limit - MA

The basic residence requirement for the master of arts degree is one year of full-time study or its equivalent (for musicology majors, two years). Students holding a graduate award (who normally take no more than 24 credits during a year) or those who find it necessary to take part-time employment should plan to devote at least two years to the master's degree program. Graduate award holders majoring in pedagogy of music theory can complete their programs in one year of full-time residence plus one summer session. No assurance can be given that the requirements for any program can be completed in one academic year or through summers-only enrollments. The exception to this general rule is the master of arts in music education "summers-only" program which may be completed through consecutive summer enrollment.

Requirements for the master of arts degree are expected to be completed within five years after the work is begun. Students who do not finish their program within five years may petition the Graduate Research Committee for an extension of time. Such extension, if granted, will be of limited duration. The request, in the form of a letter, should be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office. Please refer to the graduate calendar for submission deadlines.

[back to top]

07.02.03 Applied Music Study - MA

All students in the master of arts degree program are encouraged to avail themselves of the School's applied music instruction. The area and extent of such study will be determined in consultation with the advisor. Students majoring in musicology and music theory are expected to cultivate a proficiency on a keyboard instrument, even if their principal instrument is not the piano, organ, or harpsichord.

[back to top]

07.02.04 MA - Major in Composition

Prerequisites:

  • Composition: a minimum of 18 semester hours or its equivalent in undergraduate courses.
  • Theory: 12 semester hours in lower division courses.
  • Counterpoint and Orchestration: 12 semester hours in upper division courses.
  • Before admission to the graduate division, the student should have written at least one work in one of the larger forms.
Course Credits
CMP 401, 402 (Advanced Composition) 6
CMP 491, 492 (Composition Symposium) 2
CMP 421, 422 (Advanced Computer Music Techniques) 6
CMP 495 (MA Thesis)

There are two components of this thesis: 1.) an extended composition for an ensemble of at least four performers and 2.) an essay-analysis of a work written during the past thirty years. The complete thesis will be reviewed by a committee of faculty who will evaluate the work. The committee's approval of the thesis is a necessary prerequisite to degree conferral.

6
CMP 412 (Compositional Practice ca. 1925-1955) 3
Electives: chosen in consultation with the advisor depending on the background, needs, and special interests of the student. Electives can include 3 hours of CMP 590 (Seminar in Composition). At least 9 hours of elective study must be in areas other than composition and applied study. 9-12
Total credits 32-35

Changes in effect fall 2006. Approved by Graduate Research Committee May 2, 2006.

[back to top]

07.02.05 MA - Major in Music Education

MA - Major in Music Education (with Professional Certification)

Prerequisites: Academic scholarship and a breadth of musical and general educational preparation are expected. Interest and ability in writing are highly desirable. The student can expect to complete the credits in the major field and either a Field Project (action research) or thesis.

Thesis Option Field Project Option
Course Credits Course Credits
MUE 402
Measurement and Evaluation
3 MUE 402
Measurement and Evaluation
3
MUE 403
Introduction to Research
3 MUE 403
Introduction to Research
3
MUE 501
History and Philosophy of
Music Education Seminar
3 MUE 501
History and Philosophy of
Music Education Seminar
3
MUE 502
Curriculum Seminar
3 MUE 502
Curriculum Seminar
3
MUE 465
Instrumental Techniques OR
CND 423
Choral Conducting OR
CND 424
Choral Techniques
3

2
MUE 471
Teaching Internship
2
Electives in Music Theory, Composition, or Orchestration 3-4 Electives in Music Theory, Composition, or Orchestration 3-4
Electives in Music Education 3-4 Unspecified Electives
(no more than 6 credits of applied study and no more than 2 credits of ensemble)
7-9
Unspecified Electives (total of 10 elective credits required) 2-3
MUE 495
MA Thesis1
8 MUE 473
Field Project2
4
Total credits 30 Total credits 31-33
  1. Master of Arts degree students majoring in Music Education may apply to the Music Education faculty for permission to write a thesis as part of their degree program. Such application is made after the student has completed at least two 400-level (or higher) music education courses, one of which must be MUE 413 (Introduction to Research). Those granted permission to write a thesis will, after its completion, defend it in an oral examination by the departmental faculty. Students not writing a thesis must pass a comprehensive written and oral examination during the final semester of study.
  2. For further information on MUE 473 Field Project, please see: MA_MUE_field_project.pdf

M.A. MUE Summers-Only Program

Summers-only study is available for students admitted to the Master of Arts in Music Education program. Normally, a Summers-Only student has full-time employment as a music teacher and completes the majority of coursework for the degree during consecutive summer sessions. For those music teachers employed in the Rochester area, a limited number of courses may be completed during the Fall and Spring semesters.

For complete details please see: MUE_summers_only.pdf

[back to top]

07.02.05.01 MA - Major in Music Education (with Initial-Professional Certification)

Prerequisite

Completion of an undergraduate degree in music (Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, or equivalent) is necessary for matriculation. In rare cases where the undergraduate degree was obtained in another field, the transcript must show the equivalent of 40 hours of music content area study in applied music lessons, ensemble participation, music theory and aural skills, music history, and keyboard.

Requirements:

Course Credits
Pedagogical-Content Courses
MUE 402 (Measurement and Evaluation) 3
MUE 403 (Introduction to Research) 3
MUE 501 (History and Philosophy of Music Education) 3
MUE 502 (Curriculum Seminar) 3
Other
Electives in Music Theory, Orchestration, and/or Composition 3-4
Electives (no more than 6 credits of applied study and no more than 2 credits of ensemble) 6
Pedagogical Core (see below) 17-18
Final Project

MUE 473 (Field Project in Music Education)

MA_MUE_field_project.pdf

4
Total credits 42-44

Pedagogical Core: Instrumental Music Emphasis

Course Credits
MUE 411 (Early Childhood Music Education)

OR

MUE 412 (Elementary General Music Methods)

OR

MUE 413 (Secondary General Music Methods)

2
MUE 419 (Secondary Instrumental Rehearsals: Winds/Perc)

OR

MUE 420 (Secondary Instrumental Rehearsals: Strings)

2
MUE 465 (Instrumental Techniques: Winds/Percussion) 3
MUE 466 (Instrumental Techniques: Strings) 3
ED 447 (Disability in Schools) 3
MUE 472 (Internship for Certification) 4
Total credits 17

Pedagogical Core: Vocal Music Emphasis

Course Credits
MUE 412 (Elementary General Music Methods) 2
MUE 413 (Secondary General Music Methods) 2
MUE 414 (Elementary and Middle School Choral Methods) 2
MUE 415 (High School Choral Music) 2
MUE 465 (Instrumental Techniques: Winds/Percussion)

OR

MUE 466 (Instrumental Techniques: Strings)

3
ED 447 (Disability in Schools) 3
MUE 472 (Internship for Certification) 4
Total credits 18

Pedagogical Core: General Music Emphasis

Course Credits
MUE 411 (Early Childhood Music Education) 2
MUE 412 (Elementary General Music Methods) 2
MUE 413 (Secondary General Music Methods) 2
MUE 414 (Elementary and Middle School Choral Methods) 2
MUE 465 (Instrumental Techniques: Winds/Percussion)

OR

MUE 466 (Instrumental Techniques: Strings)

3
ED 447 (Disability in Schools) 3
MUE 472 (Internship for Certification) 4
Total credits 18

[back to top]

07.02.06 MA - Major in Musicology

Recommended previous education:

  • History of Music: a minimum of 10 semester hours, including four hours in upper division courses.
  • Theory: 18 semester hours, including six hours in upper division courses.
  • Languages: 12 semester hours in French or German.

An M.A. degree is awarded after 30 credits of coursework have been successfully completed, including the two Introduction courses, one Theory course, four Musicology seminars, and one foreign language examination.

[back to top]

07.02.07 MA - Major in Ethnomusicology

Placement exams: In addition to the Western music history and theory entrance exams taken by all incoming graduate students at the Eastman School (see Placement Exams and Remediation), ethnomusicology majors will also take a special exam demonstrating their knowledge of and experience with world music traditions.

Prerequisite: A prerequisite for entrance to this program is at least one undergraduate course in world music.

The MA Degree in ethnomusicology will require a 4-semester sequence of courses to equal 35 credits:

Course Credits
MUY 501 (Introduction to Musicology) 4
MUY 502 (Introduction to Ethnomusicology) 4
ETH 480 (Approaches to Ethnography) 3
ENS 215-216 (World Music Ensembles)--Gamelan or Mbira 4
ETH 495 (MA Thesis) 4
Elective in Theory or other music topic 3
Additional Electives: Course numbers must be at the 200-level or above, taken from a variety of courses offered at Eastman and/or the River Campus according to the student's interests. Students may also enroll in other World Music ensembles for elective credit (to a maximum of two credits) and/or take an ETH independent study. Electives may include up to six credits of applied music study. One language based on student's research interests is recommended. 13
Foreign Language Exam: in a language appropriate to the student's area of study.
Comprehensive Oral Exam: The comprehensive exam is taken after the thesis proposal has been submitted and approved by a committee consisting of three professors who are familiar with the student's work. The examination will be structured in two parts: part one will focus on the student's course work; part two will include questions pertaining to the thesis. The degree will be awarded when the exam is completed satisfactorily and the thesis has been approved by all members of the committee. (rev. 2/7/07)
Total Credits 35

[back to top]

07.02.08 MA - Major in Music Theory

The M.A. in music theory is awarded after satisfying the foreign language requirement and after completing 30 credits in the course of study for the Ph.D. in music theory

[back to top]

07.02.09 MA - Major in Pedagogy of Music Theory

This degree is intended either for those who wish to focus on a teaching career in music theory (with emphasis in pedagogy, aural and keyboard skills, composition, and cognition), or other graduate students who may wish to complete a dual-degree program in Performance & Literature (MM or DMA) and Music Theory.

Course Credits
TH 521 or 421 (Pedagogy)1 3 or 4
TH 423 (Multimedia Programming) 3
TH 451 or 452 (Modal or Tonal Counterpoint) 3
TH 471 and 472 (Apprenticeship in Pedagogy)2 3
TH 475 or 476 (Keyboard Skills) 3
TH 480 (Advanced Harmony and Composition) 4
TH 511 (Analysis of Tonal Music)3 4
Applied music or Electives: A minimum of three credits of which must be taken outside of music theory and a minimum of three credits of which must be taken in music theory. 7-9
Total Credits 30
  1. Theory 521 is recommended; the pedagogy course requirement may be fulfilled by TH 421 for dual degree candidates.
  2. Work for the degree culminates in a teaching recital, as part of TH 472.
  3. The tonal analysis course requirement may be fulfilled by TH 400 (Analytical Techniques) or TH 401 (Topics in Tonal Analysis-3 cr.) by dual degree candidates.

[back to top]

07.03 The Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded primarily for completion of scholarly research satisfactorily described in a dissertation or for outstanding creative work in the field of composition. It is assumed that recipients of this degree are not only well versed in the subject matter and techniques of a specific discipline, but have demonstrated breadth of interest and originality of outlook which indicate real promise of success in research or composition, as well as mastery of the teaching of their discipline.

All work leading to the degree is subject to the regulations and standards for scholarly work established by the Council on Graduate Studies of the University of Rochester.

The amount of background knowledge and degree of technical skill required for entrance to a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree may be expected to vary both with the field of concentration and with the objectives of the candidate. Each candidate is personally responsible for ensuring that he or she satisfies not only the general requirements but also any specific requirements which may be imposed by departments or divisions.

Admission to graduate work in any department must be approved by the chair of that department and by the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies of the Eastman School of Music. In cases where the department feels that the student's undergraduate background is insufficient, the student will be required to undertake the necessary undergraduate courses in preparation for work in the department.

Doctor of Philosophy students in musicology or music theory may be admitted having earned only a bachelor's degree. Those majoring in composition or music education usually will have earned a master's degree at Eastman or elsewhere before being admitted to the Ph.D. program.

[back to top]

07.03.01 List of Majors - PhD

The doctor of philosophy degree is awarded in the following fields of concentration:

  • composition
  • music education
  • musicology
  • music theory

[back to top]

07.03.02 Residency & Time Limit - PhD

The curriculum for the Doctor of Philosophy degree normally will require 90 credits beyond the bachelor's degree or 60 credits beyond an acceptable master's degree. Work toward the degree is best carried out on a full-time basis, but limited part-time study is permitted. At least one of the years of doctoral study must be in full-time residence, that is, two consecutive semesters exclusively devoted to graduate work. During this period the student will complete at least 24 credits, unless he or she is performing the duties of an assistant who may take as few as 18 credits but not more than 24 credits.

Work leading to the Ph.D. degree is expected to be completed within seven years following the bachelor's degree or six years following the master's degree. Candidates unable to complete their work within these time limits may petition the associate dean of graduate studies for an extension of time. Such extension, if granted, will be of limited duration.

See (Special Enrollments) section and the (Continuation of Graduate Enrollment form).

[back to top]

07.03.03 Foreign Language Requirements - PhD

Students enrolled in the doctor of philosophy degree programs in composition, music theory or musicology at the Eastman School of Music are required to demonstrate their comprehension of languages other than English. Specific foreign language requirements for these majors are outlined with the requirements for each of these majors in the following sections. There is no foreign language requirement for the doctor of philosophy degree in music education.

Proficiency in French or German (or other languages approved by the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies well in advance) is demonstrated by successful completion of examinations administered at Eastman three times each year: on the first Friday of the fall and spring term and in mid-July. Ph.D. students must satisfy all foreign language requirements before they may present themselves for the qualifying examinations.

Students are urged to take one foreign language examination at the beginning of the first semester of enrollment and to fulfill all language requirements as soon as possible, since a number of graduate-level courses require reading knowledge of a foreign language.

Revised by Graduate Research Committee 2/8/06

Foreign Language Requirements for the Ph.D. in Composition

Composition majors have a general requirement of one foreign language, to be selected in consultation with the advisor. Composition students also must either demonstrate proficiency in a second foreign language or must submit to the composition faculty a documented research project with application in the area of computer language or electronic music. The project shall be developed under the guidance of the director of the Eastman Computer Music Center.

Ph.D. students in Composition take foreign language examinations that are administered by the Graduate Office. Two passages, one on a general topic and one on a musical topic, must be translated, both within a 4-hour period of time. These examinations are graded by collegiate faculty who teach foreign languages at Eastman.

Ph.D. students in Composition may take the language examination twice before being required to enroll in a language course. Students requiring remediation will be placed in appropriate courses by their program advisors in consultation with the foreign language examiners. If students pass the second semester of a sophomore-level language course with a B+ or higher, their language requirement is fulfilled. Credit earned in these courses is not applicable to graduate degree requirements.

Foreign Language Requirements for the Ph.D. in Music Theory

For the Ph.D. in music theory, a reading knowledge of two foreign languages is usually required. In all cases, German is required. The second language should be chosen with the student's planned area of research in mind. In rare cases, a student's dissertation committee may petition the Theory Department to require fewer or more languages.

Ph.D. students in Music Theory take foreign language examinations that are administered by the Graduate Office. Two passages, one on a general topic and one on a musical topic, must be translated, both within a 4-hour period of time. These examinations are graded by collegiate faculty who teach foreign languages at Eastman.

Ph.D. students in Music Theory may take the language examination twice before being required to enroll in a language course. Students requiring remediation will be placed in appropriate courses by their program advisors in consultation with the foreign language examiners. If students pass the second semester of a sophomore-level language course with a B+ or higher, their language requirement is fulfilled. Credit earned in these courses is not applicable to graduate degree requirements.

PhD students in Music Theory should plan to take their first language examination during the first semester of matriculation. Theory majors must demonstrate proficiency in one language before the third semester of enrollment, and in the other before the fifth semester of enrollment.

Foreign Language Requirements for the Ph.D. in Musicology

Students admitted to the musicology major in the Doctor of Philosophy program are required to demonstrate proficiency in understanding written musicological (or musicology-related) texts in German and one other language. The second language will normally be French, Italian or some other language that is of particular value to the student's likely research area. They are required to pass an exam administered by the Musicology Department, whether or not they take coursework to prepare for this exam. The first foreign language should be satisfied upon entrance to the program; the second should be completed before the beginning of the second year.

[back to top]

07.03.04 Transcripts

All Ph.D. students MUST send the Registrar's Office an OFFICIAL, FINAL transcript from each institution from which the student has received a degree (Bachelor's and Master's) prior to the doctorate.

[back to top]

07.03.05 Program of Study - PhD

A program of study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree is prepared by the student in consultation with the advisor. This must be done at least four months before the qualifying examination may be taken. This program must include the following:

  1. a list of those courses for which the student will receive graduate credit; and
  2. the specific foreign languages in which the student must show competence.

The program of study must first be approved by the chair of the department or his or her representative and then by the graduate research committee. Examples of programs of study and deadlines for submission to the graduate research committee are available in the graduate office. This program will constitute the formal requirements which must be met by the student before completion of work for the degree. Changes in programs must be made following the same procedure as for new programs.

Typical partial course requirements in the various major fields are listed in the sections that follow (section 07.03.08 through 07.03.11). In all cases additional course work will be required according to the needs and interests of the individual student.

[back to top]

07.03.06 Candidacy & Qualifying Exam - PhD

No student is considered a candidate for the doctor of philosophy degree until he or she has:

  1. Met the language requirements,
  2. Passed the qualifying examination, and
  3. Demonstrated to the advisors and the Graduate Research Committee that he or she has a broad and competent command of the chosen major and minor fields and is fully prepared to undertake the writing of a dissertation.

The oral qualifying examination may be preceded by one or more written or oral examinations; it must be passed at least six months before the final examination may be taken. For example, a student who wishes to have their degree conferred at May commencement must pass their qualifying examination not later than October 1 of the previous fall. A committee consisting of at least four members of the graduate faculty will conduct the qualifying examination.

If a student fails the qualifying examination, she or he may not retake it until five calendar months have elapsed. The exam may only be taken a third time with the permission of the Graduate Research Committee.

[back to top]

07.03.07 Dissertation & Final Examination - PhD

A dissertation is required of each candidate for the doctor of philosophy degree. Ordinarily, the dissertation must be written in residence. In any case, it must be written under the supervision of the candidate's advisor and must be approved by the department chair and examining committee before the candidate submits one bound, final copy to the Graduate Studies Office by the final copy deadline. See the graduate calendar for deadlines.

The regulations set forth by the University Dean of Graduate Studies state that the dissertation must be an original critical or synthetic treatment of a fitting subject, an original contribution to creative art, or a report on independent research formulated in a manner worthy of publication. It is up to the student and his/her advisor to ensure that the dissertation follows these important criteria. If the dissertation work is based on the research of others, those individuals must be properly acknowledged in the preface of the document.

Please refer to the manual published by the University Dean of Graduate Studies titled The Preparation of Doctoral Theses, which is available from the University Dean of Graduate Studies website (www.rochester.edu/gradstudies) under the 'Publications' heading. The intent of this manual is to aid the student in meeting the required standards of organization, appearance and format for a doctoral dissertation at the University of Rochester.

Beginning fall 2007, the University of Rochester through ProQuest/UMI will offer some new dissertation publishing options to students including traditional publishing and open access of dissertation. The open access publishing options will make a student's dissertation accessible to the world on the Web. ProQuest/UMI information and forms are available through www.il.proquest.com and through the Graduate Studies Office. Also, beginning Fall 2007, the University Dean of Graduate Studies Office will require, in addition to the two unbound paper copies submitted after passing the final oral examination, one complete copy of the dissertation in digital/electronic format along with a completed UR Research Authorization form. This form will be given to the student at the conclusion of the final oral examination.

The final oral examination for the doctor of philosophy degree must be taken at the University of Rochester. A candidate may present himself or herself for this examination only after receiving permission of the advisors.

The final oral examination shall be taken after completion of all other requirements for the degree, but not earlier than six months after the qualifying examination. The final oral examination may be open, at least in part, to all members of the University community. It shall include the subject covered by the dissertation and the special field in which the dissertation is written, with particular attention to the recent and significant developments in that field. This examination may also include other fields of study if specifically recommended by the qualifying examining committee.

PhD-granting departments may invite the candidate to present a public lecture, followed by a private dissertation defense with the examination committee.

The committee for the final examination for the doctor of philosophy degree is appointed by the University Dean of Graduate Studies on the advice of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. The University Dean or his or her representative will be chair and have a vote.

A vote of approval of the final oral examining committee must be unanimous, but in the case of a single dissenting vote the issue may be presented for decision to the University Council on Graduate Studies.

Definitions of Dissertation Copy Terms:

  • Fair copy - a copy of the dissertations in final-draft form. It must be typed and easily readable by the reading committee.
  • Final copy - a copy which incorporates all corrections from the reading committee.
  • Permanent copy - copies which incorporate any additional corrections or changes required as a result of the final examination.

Dissertation or Thesis Work during Summer Session

Graduate students who plan to register for thesis or dissertation credits during the summer session are requested to do so by May 15th; otherwise, no assurance can be given that the time of an advisor will be available. Doctoral students who have completed all courses and credit requirements and who will be working on their dissertation with an advisor during the summer session must register for ESM 999 (Continuation of Graduate Enrollment).

[back to top]

07.03.08 PhD - Major in Composition

Note: students who entered this degree program prior to fall 2006 have the option of completing either the degree requirements which were in effect were in effect when they entered the program, or the following curriculum approved by the Graduate Research Committee May 2006.

The requirements for the PhD in the field of composition include the successful completion of the following courses or their equivalents:

Requirement Credit
Composition

CMP 401, 402, 501, 502 (Advanced Composition I-IV)

12
CMP 421-422 (Advanced Computer Music Techniques I-II)

6
Doctoral Seminars

  • CMP 590 Research Seminar - take once or twice (3-6 credits)
  • MHS/MUY 590-level seminars1 - take two or three (6-9 credits)
12
CMP 595 (PhD Dissertation Project) See: (Dissertation & Final Examination) 8-12
Electives1

10-16
Remedial courses - If required by placement exams. These courses do not count toward total credits for the degree. See (Remedial Courses - DMA) and (Placement Examinations and Remediation) for further information. -
Total Credits 60

1A total of at least 20 credit hours must be taken in areas other than composition and applied study.

Foreign Language Requirements for the PhD in Composition

Composition majors have a general requirement of one foreign language, to be selected in consultation with the advisor. Composition students also must either demonstrate proficiency in a second foreign language or must submit to the composition faculty a documented research project with application in the area of computer language or electronic music. The project shall be developed under the guidance of the director of the Eastman Computer Music Center.

PhD students in composition take foreign language examinations that are administered by the Graduate Office. Two passages, one on a general topic and one on a musical topic, must be translated, both within a 4-hour period of time. Collegiate faculty members who teach foreign languages at Eastman grade these examinations.

PhD students in composition may take the language examination twice before being required to enroll in a language course. Students requiring remediation will be placed in appropriate courses by their program advisors in consultation with the foreign language examiners. If students pass the second semester of a sophomore-level language course with a B+ or higher, their language requirement is fulfilled. Credit earned in these courses is not applicable to graduate degree requirements.

Dissertation

The dissertation in the field of composition is to be written under the guidance of an assigned advisor, and includes two components:

  1. An extended work for orchestra, chorus, or large chamber ensemble
  2. A research paper dealing with some historical, theoretical, or analytical aspect of music.

Both the composition department faculty and the Graduate Research Committee must approve the subject for the research paper. The student must provide two copies of composition scores for placement in the library. See Dissertation & Final Examination

[back to top]

07.03.09 PhD - Major in Music Education

Each program of study for a PhD in Music Education is individually planned with the PhD advisor, based on coursework previously completed in the master's degree. PhD student should expect to complete the following:

Requirement Credit
MUE 402 (Measurement and Evaluation) 3
MUE 413 (Introduction to Research) 3
MUE 501 (History and Philosophy of Music Education) 3
MUE 502 (Curriculum Seminar) 3
MUE 595 (PhD Dissertation Project) 16
Music Theory

Two courses in theory are required. Both must be numbered TH 401 and/or above.

6-8

Research

Two courses in research methods are required through the University of Rochester's Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development, one in quantitative methods and one in qualitative methods. Courses must be selected in consultation with the PhD advisor.

6

MHS 590/MUY 590

Two courses in music history and/or musicology at the 590-level are required.

If placement tests indicate that 400-level study is required, the 400-level course(s) may be counted toward the degree as open electives only; they will not satisfy the music history requirement.

6

Electives

May include MUE 590 independent studies or research

14
Remedial courses - If required by placement exams. These courses do not count toward total credits for the degree. See (Remedial Courses - DMA) and (Placement Examinations and Remediation) for further information. -
Total Credits 60-62

There is no foreign language requirement for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Music Education. However, if the student's research topic includes source material in a foreign language, competency in that language will be expected. A minor field of study is also not required for music education majors.

Dissertation

The dissertation for the music education major must constitute an original contribution to the field and should exhibit on the part of the candidate evidence of outstanding ability in research and independent thinking, synthesis, and compelling organization of material. See Dissertation & Final Examination

[back to top]

07.03.10 PhD - Major in Musicology

The requirements for the MA/PhD in the field of musicology include:

Requirement Credit
MUY 501 (Introduction to Musicology) 4
MUY 502 (Introduction to Ethnomusicology) 4
Theory - one doctoral theory course (TH 401 or above) 3-4
Musicology Seminars1 - minimum of 8 courses (500-level or above) 32
MUY 593 (Directed Study I) 4
MUY 594 (Directed Study II) 4
Electives2 20-21
ESM 595 (Ph.D. Dissertation Project) 18
Remedial courses - If required by placement exams. These courses do not count toward total credits for the degree. See (Remedial Courses - DMA) and (Placement Examinations and Remediation) for further information. -
Total Credits 90

1 Students must take a minimum of eight musicology seminars, but may choose them freely---none is named as a specific requirement, and none is a prerequisite to any other.

2 Electives may include additional musicology seminars, theory courses, courses at the River Campus (history, art history, philosophy, literature, etc.), and applied music courses (studio lessons, composition lessons, chamber music, etc.). Credit for applied music courses is limited to 6 credits on the masters and 6 credits on the doctorate. Remedial courses and language courses do not count toward the elective requirement.

Foreign Language Requirements for the PhD in Musicology

Students admitted to the musicology major in the doctor of philosophy program are required to demonstrate proficiency in understanding written musicological (or musicology-related) texts in German and either French or Italian. A student whose field of specialization requires a different language may petition the department to substitute it in place of French or Italian. They are required to pass an exam administered by the musicology department, whether or not they take coursework to prepare for this exam. Proficiency in one language is required upon entry to the program; proficiency in the other is required by the beginning of the second year. Revised by Graduate Research Committee 2/8/06

General Qualifying Exam

The general qualifying exam in musicology is a written exam taken early in the fall term following the first two years of coursework. This exam is designed to test for broad knowledge of musical style and musicological issues and literature. The exam is prepared by a small committee (chaired by someone other than the department chair), drawing upon a fund of questions and musical excerpts submitted by all musicology faculty members. The exam is read and evaluated by the entire musicology faculty. Students who fail all or part of the general qualifying exam are permitted to take the relevant part a second time, early in the second semester of the third year.

Dissertation

The dissertation for the musicology major must constitute an original contribution to the field and should exhibit on the part of the candidate evidence of outstanding ability in research and independent thinking, synthesis, and compelling organization of material.

The dissertation proposal is shaped in close collaboration with a dissertation committee, normally consisting of an advisor, one or two other members of the musicology faculty, and one professor from outside the department, either at Eastman or in the College. This committee then continues to work with the student throughout the writing process as resources and readers. See Dissertation & Final Examination

Timeline for the MA/PhD in Musicology:

  • Year 1: The first foreign language requirement should be satisfied upon entrance to the program; the second should be completed before the beginning of the second year.
  • Year 2: Students should submit their program of study to the Graduate Research Committee during their third semester of study. At the end of the second year, all musicology students present a portfolio of three research papers and take a Qualifying Exam.
  • Year 3: Early in the first semester of the third year, the student takes the PhD general qualifying exam. During this semester, the student also enrolls for MUY 593 Directed Study I, normally with a professor who is particularly able to help her/him prepare the eventual dissertation proposal. The student continues to develop the proposal in the spring of year 3 while enrolled in MUY 594 Directed Study II under the aegis of the professor who is most likely to become the dissertation advisor. The Special Field Exam will also be completed at the end of the third year.
  • Year 4: The dissertation proposal should be completed before the beginning of the fourth year. The dissertation proposal is shaped in close collaboration with a dissertation committee, normally consisting of an advisor, one or two other members of the musicology faculty, and one professor from outside the department, either at Eastman or in the College. This committee then continues to work with the student throughout the writing process as resources and readers.
Updated 11/20/07.

[back to top]

07.03.11 PhD - Major in Music Theory

The MA/PhD program in music theory includes a series of introductory courses covering the broad range of research in music theory; these lead to more focused pro-seminars, and then to seminars and finally independent studies. The student thereby gradually obtains the skills necessary to carry out independent research, which is the goal of the MA/PhD. The department strongly encourages individual research initiatives, especially those that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.

The requirements for the PhD in the field of music theory include the successful completion of the following:

For students entering with a bachelor's degree:


Requirement

Credits

Core Courses
(To be taken during first two years of study)

TH 441 (Computer Applications in Music Research)

3

TH 511 (Introduction to the Theory and Analysis of Tonal Music)

4

TH 513 (Introduction to the Theory and Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music)

4

TH 521 (Pedagogy of Music Theory)

4

TH 523 (What is Music Theory?)

4

TH 524 (Introduction to the History of Music Theory)

4

Courses Outside Theory Department

  • One MHS or MUY course taken in first two years (3-4 credits)
  • Additional elective coursework outside of theory dept. (5-7 credits)

9-10

Additional Electives

See recommendations and restrictions below

39-40

Dissertation

TH 595 (PhD Dissertation Project)

18

TOTAL CREDITS

90

For students entering with a 30-credit master's degree:


Requirement

Credits

Core Courses2
(To be taken during first two years of study)

TH 441 (Computer Applications in Music Research)

3

TH 511 (Introduction to the Theory and Analysis of Tonal Music)

4

TH 513 (Introduction to the Theory and Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music)

4

TH 521 (Pedagogy of Music Theory)

4

TH 523 (What is Music Theory?)

4

TH 524 (Introduction to the History of Music Theory)

4

Courses Outside Theory Department

  • One MHS or MUY course taken in first two years (3-4 credits)
  • Additional elective coursework outside of theory dept. (minimum of 5-7 credits.) These courses may include non-theory courses taken during the master's degree.

9-10

Additional Electives

See recommendations and restrictions below

9-10

Dissertation

TH 595 (PhD Dissertation Project)

18

TOTAL CREDITS

60

1If a student enters this program with a previous master's degree in theory, 30 transfer credits are normally accepted. (In some cases up to 6 additional credits for graduate theory courses taken above the 30-credit master's may be granted.) If a student enters this program with a master's degree in some other area, transfer credit is normally accepted for graduate-level theory courses and one musicology course. See Graduate Transfer Credit.

2 If the student has already taken the equivalent of one (or more) of these core courses in a prior master's degree, it is possible that these courses may be waived.

The following course recommendations and restrictions apply to the category of additional electives:

  • TH 475 Intermediate Keyboard Skills / TH 476 Advanced Keyboard Skills or other courses related to pedagogy
  • TH 451 Modal Counterpoint
  • TH 452 Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint
  • TH 412 Acoustics
  • TH 480 Advanced Harmony and Composition
  • Courses pertaining to the student's performance interests
  • Department Proseminars
  • Seminars on special topics
  • TH 591 Theory Colloquium (maximum of 2 credits for students matriculating fall 2006 or later)
  • Up to 12 credit hours of applied music study (6 credits during the master's degree and 6 credits during the doctoral degree.) It is necessary to audition in order to be assigned an applied teacher; please contact the Office of Academic Affairs.

Note that any remedial course(s) required on the basis of placement exam results or language deficiency do not count toward the total required credits for the degree, and may not be used as elective credit.

Foreign Language Requirements for the PhD in Music Theory

For the PhD in music theory, a reading knowledge of two foreign languages is usually required. In all cases, German is required (Students must either pass the German exam on arrival or complete GER 112G at Eastman.) The second language should be chosen with the student's planned area of research in mind. In rare cases, a student's dissertation committee may petition the theory department to require fewer or more languages.

PhD students in music theory take foreign language examinations that are administered by the Graduate Studies Office. Two passages, one on a general topic and one on a musical topic, must be translated, both within a 4-hour period of time. Faculty members who teach foreign languages at Eastman will grade these examinations.

PhD students in music theory may take the language examination twice before being required to enroll in a language course. Students requiring remediation will be placed in appropriate courses by their program advisors in consultation with the foreign language examiners. If students pass the second semester of a sophomore-level language course with a B+ or higher, their language requirement is fulfilled. Credit earned in these courses is not applicable to graduate degree requirements.

PhD students in music theory should plan to take their first language examination during the first semester of matriculation. Theory majors must demonstrate proficiency in one language before the third semester of enrollment, and in the other before the fifth semester of enrollment.

Dissertation

The dissertation for the music theory major must constitute an original contribution to the field and should exhibit evidence of the student's outstanding ability in research and independent thinking, synthesis, and compelling organization of material. See Dissertation & Final Examination

Timeline for the MA/PhD in Music Theory

First Year

Coursework: The initial year of study consists of at least three of the six core courses. In addition to these courses, the student will take any remedial courses required, and/or select from among the first six items listed as recommended elective courses (above). It is recommended that students take at least one course each year outside the theory department; students are required to take one music history/musicology class within the first two years of study. One language requirement must also be completed during the first year. First Year Review: At the conclusion of the first year of study, the theory department will evaluate each student's record and progress. Those who do not meet the standards of the degree will be discouraged from continuing further in the program.

Second Year

Coursework: Students will complete the remaining courses from the six core courses (see requirements above). Upon consultation with their advisors and/or committees, students will also take a range of pro-seminars and seminars in music theory, as well as classes in other departments or from outside Eastman. Students entering with a master's degree will ordinarily have accrued 72 credits by the end of the second year (this total includes 30 credits from their previous master's degree), and may fill out their second semester with dissertation credits (TH 595 PhD Dissertation Project). The student will also prepare and submit their formal program of study during the second year, and fulfill the second language requirement. These students will also, in contact with their academic advisor, form a research committee.

Second Year Review - The Master's Exam: At the conclusion of the second year of study, all students take the master's exam (including those who entered the program already holding a master's degree). The exam committee will consist of either the student's research committee (for students entering with a masters) or a departmental committee (for students entering with a bachelor's degree) and a member of the musicology department.

The exam is designed to test musical skills and general knowledge, and consists of two parts: a prepared section of written work and an oral/skills section. For the prepared section, students will be given materials to complete over a weekend, such as counterpoint, harmony, or compositional exercises. For the oral/skills section, students will present their prepared materials, and also be required to perform skills and analysis, and to answer questions in a discussion format. In addition, historical issues will also be covered in the exam.

Following the exam, the student's committee (or a departmental committee) will review and evaluate the student's performance and decide on a pass or fail grade. Students who fail the exam will be permitted one retake no later than the spring semester of the third year. Students failing the exam twice will not be permitted to continue in the program.

Conferral of the MA:

Students who have satisfied the following requirements are eligible for the master of arts degree in music theory:

  • successful completion of the master's exam
  • completion at least 30 hours of credit
  • minimum B+ grade average
  • minimum of 9-10 credits of music courses taken outside the theory department
  • completion of the foreign language requirements

Students should confer with their advisor, who will confirm with the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in the awarding of the degree. If the requirements are not met, the master's degree may be conferred at a later point in the student's MA/PhD course of study. It is the student's responsibility to complete a Degree Application Form and submit it to the Registrar's Office.

Third and fourth years

Coursework: By the end of the second year, students will normally have accrued 42-48 hours of credit (if entering without a master's degree) consisting of the six core requirements and other recommended courses. During the third year, students will concentrate on specialized courses and independent studies directed toward the dissertation. Students entering with a bachelor's will, in consultation with the academic advisor, form a research committee. The remaining hours may consist of free electives or applied music study (up to 6 hours per degree). Students will also begin preparation for the theory PhD qualifying exam, and start writing the dissertation proposal. The research committee will guide the student's exam and dissertation activities.

[back to top]


News Room Calendars & Events Registrar:   - Academic Calendar   - Academic Policies   - Access Plus Institute for Music Leadership   - Arts Leadership Technology & Media Prod.   - Password Changes Find People Reserve a Room Excused Absence Request Professional Development Committee Funding Rehearsal Schedule Voyager Handbooks & Forms Bookstore Working at UR   - HRMS