3310 Music

Programs Offered:

  1. Master of Music
  2. Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching and Learning with Concentration in Music Education (in cooperation with the College of Education)

Office of Admissions and Enrollment
School of Music
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 4097
Atlanta, GA 30302-4097
404/413-5900
E-mail: somadmissions@gsu.edu
www.music.gsu.edu/

W. Dwight Coleman, Director
Steven A. Harper, Director of Graduate Studies

The mission of the School of Music is to provide a comprehensive, rigorous, and innovative academic program that is consistent with the urban context and mission of Georgia State University, and that serves the pursuit of artistic, professional, and scholarly excellence.

The School of Music offers a Master of Music degree that prepares students for careers in music and for further specialized study in music at the doctoral level. The graduate degree includes specializations in performance (keyboard instruments, orchestral instruments, and voice), composition, choral conducting, instrumental conducting, piano pedagogy, jazz studies, and music education. Complete descriptions of these programs may be obtained by contacting the Admissions and Enrollment Office of the School of Music In addition to courses and degree programs, the School of Music offers concerts, recitals, lectures, and workshops that are open to all students and to the community. The School of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

The School of Music is located in the historic Fairlie Poplar District in downtown Atlanta. The four buildings which comprise the Music Complex are all located in the same block. They are the Haas-Howell Building at 75 Poplar Street; the Rialto Center for the Performing Arts at 80 Forsyth Street, the Standard Building at 92 Luckie Street, and the Aderhold Learning Center. Some classes are held in the Art and Humanities Building at 10 Peachtree Center Avenue. Chamber music concerts and faculty and student recitals are presented in the Florence Kopleff Recital Hall in the Art and Humanities Building while large ensembles perform in the newly renovated Rialto Center Theater, a state-of-the-art performance venue seating 950. The administrative offices are on the fifth floor of the Haas-Howell Building.

A Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in music education is offered by the College of Education in conjunction with the School of Music of the College of Arts and Sciences. Students may contact the School of Music for further information on the Ph.D. program. General admission and program requirements are outlined in the College of Education chapter of this catalog.

Applicants may obtain additional information about the School of Music by contacting the Director of Graduate Studies at the addresses above.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Music has the following requirements:

  1. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree or concentration in music, or the equivalent.
  2. Applicants in music education and composition must submit GRE scores. Miller Analogies Test (MAT) may be substituted in music education.
  3. Applicants in some programs must audition and/or submit a portfolio (see below).
  4. Applicants are required to take placement examinations in music history and music theory before registering for coursework. Those applicants whose examination scores reveal deficiencies will be required to take appropriate additional coursework, which will not be applied to the graduate degree.

Degree Requirements

Master of Music (36 hours)

Concentration in Choral Conducting

Additional Admissions Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials: an audio or video recording of a recent choral concert; at least three printed programs of concerts or church services that have been performed within the last four years; a repertory list of choral music conducted and sung and of music performed in applied areas.

Degree Requirements

  1. Thirty-six hours of graduate-level courses.
    1. The following courses are required:
      • APVC 6000 Applied Voice (1) [two semesters]
      • Mus 6480 Choral Conducting (2)
      • Mus 6440 Vocal Pedagogy (2)
      • Mus 6640 Choral Literature  I (2)
      • Mus 6641 Choral Literature  II (2)
      • Mus 7080 Ensemble (1) [four semesters]
      • Mus 7220 Workshop Seminar in Choral Conducting and Performance (2) [four semesters]
      • Mus 7430 Choral Methods and Materials (3)
      • Mus 8000 Introduction to Graduate Studies (2)
      • Mus 8690 Choral Conducting Project (3)
      • Mus 8830 Renaissance Music (3) or Mus 8840 Baroque Music (3)
    2. One 8000-level course in music history (3)
    3. Mus 6450 or Mus 6460 (3)
  2. Comprehensive examination.

Concentration in Composition

Additional Admissions Requirements

Applicants must submit GRE scores, a portfolio of original music scores, and recordings of composed works.

Degree Requirements

  1. Thirty-six hours of graduate-level courses.
    1. The following courses are required:
      • APCP 8001 Applied Composition—Graduate 1 (3)
      • APCP 8002 Applied Composition—Graduate 2 (3)
      • APCP 8003 Applied Composition—Graduate 3 (3)
      • APCP 8004 Applied Composition—Graduate 4 (3)
      • Mus 6210 Composition Seminar (2), four semesters]
      • Mus 6460 Analysis of Post-Tonal Music (3)
      • Mus 6480 Choral Conducting (2) or Mus 6490 Instrumental Conducting (2)
      • Mus 8000 Introduction to Graduate Studies (2)
      • Mus 8870 Twentieth Century Music (3)
      • Mus 8890 Composition Recital (1)
      • Mus 8910 Final Project in Composition (3)
    2. Up to two credit hours of electives chosen from the following
      • Mus 6110 Orchestration and Instrumentation (3)
      • Mus 6450 Advanced Tonal Analysis (3)
      • Mus 6500 Historical Counterpoint (3)
      • Mus 6971 Survey of Electroacoustic Music (3) (Prerequisite: Mus 6730 or equivalent)
      • Mus 6980 Electroacoustic Music Composition (3)
      • Mus 6981 Computer Music (3) (Prerequisite: Mus 6030 or equivalent)
      • Mus 6982 Adv. Topics in Computer Music (3) (Prerequisite: Mus 6981 or equivalent)
  2. A piano proficiency examination to be taken after the second semester of enrollment or 20 hours of study.
  3. Mus 6760 or proficiency in keyboard harmony.
  4. Mus 6770 or proficiency in aural skills.
  5. Comprehensive examination.

Concentrations in Instrumental Conducting

Additional Admissions Requirements

Applicants must submit the following: a video of a rehearsal and an audiotape or videotape of one or more recent performances by an ensemble that they have conducted; a list of works that they have conducted in the past three years; a list of works performed on their major instrument at the undergraduate level; evidence of current employment as an instrumental conductor or access to an appropriate instrumental ensemble; applicants should expect to demonstrate their conducting and rehearsal techniques in a live performance with their own ensemble or a university ensemble.

Degree Requirements: Orchestral Track

  1. Thirty-six hours of graduate-level courses.
    1. The following courses are required:
      • APCD 8001 Applied Instrumental Conducting—Graduate 1(3)
      • APCD 8002 Applied Instrumental Conducting—Graduate 2 (3)
      • APCD 8003 Applied Instrumental Conducting—Graduate 3 (3)
      • Mus 6110 Orchestration and Instrumentation (3)
      • Mus 6940 Orchestral Literature (3)
      • Mus 7070 Orchestra (1) [two semesters]
      • Mus 8000 Introduction to Graduate Studies (2)
      • Mus 8970 Instrumental Conducting Project (3)
    2. One 8000-level course in music history (3)
    3. Mus 6450 or Mus 6460 (3)
    4. Eight credit hours of graduate-level electives in music
  2. Comprehensive examination.

Degree Requirements: Wind Band Track

  1. Thirty-six hours of graduate-level courses.
    1. The following courses are required:
      • APCD 8001 Applied Instrumental Conducting—Graduate 1(3)
      • APCD 8002 Applied Instrumental Conducting—Graduate 2 (3)
      • APCD 8003 Applied Instrumental Conducting—Graduate 3 (3)
      • APCD 8004 Applied Instrumental Conducting—Graduate 4 (3)
      • Mus 6770 Advanced Aural Skills (1)
      • Mus 7060 Wind Ensemble (1) [two semesters]
      • Mus 8000 Introduction to Graduate Studies (2)
      • Mus 8800 Wind Band Literature (3)
      • Mus 8970 Instrumental Conducting Project (3)
    2. One 8000-level course in music history (3)
    3. Mus 6450 or Mus 6460 (3)
    4. Seven credit hours of graduate-level electives in music
  2. Comprehensive examination.

Concentration in Jazz Studies

Additional Admissions Requirements

Admission to the concentration in jazz studies is based on examination of one or more of the following: original compositions, arrangements, scholarly papers, audition, and professional experience.

An audition is required. The applicant must have had prior experience in improvisation. At the audition the applicant must demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in the styles of swing, bebop, funk, and contemporary jazz.

Degree Requirements

  1. Thirty-six hours of graduate-level courses.
    1. The following courses are required:
      • APxx 7000 Applied Instruction (2) [four semesters]
      • Mus 6100 Jazz Combo Arranging (1)
      • Mus 6170 Arranging for Large Jazz Ensemble (1)
      • Mus 6792 Jazz Theory (2)
      • Mus 6850 Jazz Styles (2)
      • Mus 7081 Vocal Jazz (1) or Mus 7090 Jazz Band (1) [three semesters]
      • Mus 7160 Jazz Combo (.5) [four semesters]
      • Mus 8000 Introduction to Graduate Studies (2)
      • Mus 8220 Jazz Pedagogy (2)
      • Mus 8230 Jazz Program Administration (2)
    2. One 8000-level course in music history (3)
    3. Mus 6450 or Mus 6460 (3)
    4. One elective course in music education (3)
    5. Two credit hours of electives chosen from the following:
      • Mus 6730 Computer Applications in Music (2)
      • Mus 6750 Group Instruction in Jazz Piano (1)
      • Mus 6790 Advanced Jazz Improvisation I (1)
      • Mus 6791 Advanced Jazz Improvisation II (1)
  2. A final project consisting of a public performance.
  3. Comprehensive examination.

Concentration in Music Education

Additional Admissions Requirements

Each applicant should (1) have either a teaching certificate in music from the state of Georgia or an equivalent certificate, or be eligible to receive such certification, and (2) have concurrent or prior teaching experience of at least one year. Applicants to this concentration must submit acceptable scores from either the Graduate Record Examination or from the Miller Analogies Test.

Note: Courses Under a, b, c, d, and i require B or better.

Degree Requirements

  1. Thirty-six hours of graduate-level courses.
    The following courses are required:
    1. Select twelve hours from:
      • EPRS 7900 Methods of Research in Education (3)
      • EPSF 7120 Social and Cultural Foundations of Education (3)
      • EPY 7080 Psychology of Learning and the Learner (3)
      • Mus 7400 Foundations of Music Education (3)
      • Mus 7590 Seminar in Music Teaching and Learning (3)
      • Mus 8240 Research in Music Education (3)
      • Mus 8260 Curriculum and Assessment in Music Education (3)
    2. Select three hours from:
      • Mus 7200 Principles and Strategies of General Music Instruction (3)
      • Mus 7250 Music in the Education of Special Needs Children (3)
      • Mus 7430 Choral Methods and Techniques (3)
      • Mus 7560 Winds: Organization and Development of Instrumental Music (3)
      • Mus 7570 Strings: String Literature and Materials (3)
    3. Select three hours from:
      • Mus 7230 Special Topics in Music Education (3)
      • Mus 7700 Psychology of Music Learning (3)
      • Mus 8210 Arts, Education, and the Community (3)
      • Mus 8400 Contemporary Issues and Philosophies in Music Education (3)
      • Mus 8580 Leadership and Supervision of Music Education (3)
    4. Select three additional hours from:
      • Mus 7200 Principles and Strategies of General Music Instruction (3)
      • Mus 7230 Special Topics in Music Education (3)
      • Mus 7250 Music in the Education of Special Needs Children (3)
      • Mus 7430 Choral Methods and Techniques (3)
      • Mus 7560 Winds: Organization and Development of Instrumental Music (3)
      • Mus 7570 Strings: String Literature and Materials (3)
      • Mus 7700 Psychology of Music Learning (3)
      • Mus 8210 Arts, Education, and the Community (3)
      • Mus 8400 Contemporary Issues and Philosophies in Music Education (3)
      • Mus 8580 Leadership and Supervision of Music Education (3)
    5. One 8000-level course in music history (3)
    6. Mus 6450 or Mus 6460 (3)
    7. Mus 6730 Computer Applications in Music (2)
    8. One 6000-level elective course in music (3)
    9. Mus 7300 Directed Study in Music Education (3)
    10. Mus 8900 Non-thesis Research in Music (1)
  2. Comprehensive examination.

Concentrations in Performance

Additional Admissions Requirements

In order to be admitted to these concentrations, applicants must demonstrate outstanding performance ability in an audition before a faculty committee. Auditions should be arranged in accordance with the schedule available from the School of Music Admissions and Enrollment Office. Applicants for a concentration in performance should contact the School of Music for details concerning audition requirements and to obtain an audition appointment.

Degree Requirements: Orchestral Instrument

  1. Thirty-six hours of graduate-level courses.
    1. The following courses are required:
      • APxx 8001 Applied Music—Graduate 1 (3)
      • APxx 8002 Applied Music—Graduate 2 (3)
      • APxx 8003 Applied Music—Graduate 3 (3)
      • APxx 8004 Applied Music—Graduate 4 (3)
      • Mus 6010 Performance Laboratory (0) [four semesters]
      • Mus 6910 Chamber Literature (3) or Mus 6940 Orchestral Literature (3)
      • Mus 7060,7070 Large Ensembles (1) [four semesters]
      • Mus 7110-7150 Chamber Ensembles (0.5) [four semesters]
      • Mus 8000 Introduction to Graduate Studies (2)
      • Mus 8490 Chamber Recital (1)
      • Mus 8590 Solo Recital (1)
    2. One 8000-level course in music history (3)
    3. Mus 6450 or Mus 6460 (3)
    4. Five credit hours of graduate-level electives in music
  2. Comprehensive examination.

Degree Requirements: Organ

  1. Thirty-six hours of graduate-level courses.
    1. The following courses are required:
      • APOR 8001 Applied Organ—Graduate 1 (3)
      • APOR 8002 Applied Organ—Graduate 2 (3)
      • APOR 8003 Applied Organ—Graduate 3 (3)
      • APOR 8004 Applied Organ—Graduate 4 (3)
      • Mus 6010 Performance Laboratory (0) [four semesters]
      • Mus 6200 Service Playing & Church Music Skills (2)
      • Mus 6420 Organ Pedagogy (3)
      • Mus 6710 Organ Literature (3)
      • Mus 6760 Advanced Keyboard Harmony (1)
      • Mus 7080 Choral Ensemble (1) [two semesters]
      • Mus 8000 Introduction to Graduate Studies (2)
      • Mus 8490 Chamber or Ensemble Recital (1)
      • Mus 8500 Performance Seminar Keyboard Instruments (2)
      • Mus 8590 Solo Recital (1)
    2. One 8000-level course in music history (3)
    3. Mus 6450 or Mus 6460 (3)
    4. One elective hour
  2. Comprehensive examination.

Degree Requirements: Piano

  1. Thirty-six hours of graduate-level courses.
    1. The following courses are required:
      • APPF 8001 Applied Piano—Graduate 1 (3)
      • APPF 8002 Applied Piano—Graduate 2 (3)
      • APPF 8003 Applied Piano—Graduate 3 (3)
      • APPF 8004 Applied Piano—Graduate 4 (3)
      • Mus 6010 Performance Laboratory (0) [four semesters]
      • Mus 6410 Piano Pedagogy I (3) or MUS 6411 Piano Pedagogy II (3)
      • Mus 6530 Accompanying (1) [two semesters]
      • Mus 6610 Piano Literature (3)
      • Mus 8000 Introduction to Graduate Studies (2)
      • Mus 8490 Chamber or Ensemble Recital (1)
      • Mus 8500 Solo Performance Seminar (2)
      • Mus 8590 Solo Recital (1)
    2. One 8000-level course in music history (3)
    3. Mus 6450 or Mus 6460
    4. Two credit hours of graduate-level electives chosen from the following:
      • Mus 6500 Historical Counterpoint (3)
      • Mus 6620 Solo Song Literature I(3)
      • Mus 6680 The Piano: It's Historical Development, Construction and Technology (2)
      • Mus 6730 Computer Applications in Music (2)
      • Mus 6750 Group Instruction in Jazz Keyboard (1)
      • Mus 6792 Jazz Theory (2)
      • Mus 6910 Chamber Literature (3)
      • Mus 6940 Orchestral Literature (3)
      • Mus 8030 Pedagogy of Music Theory (3)
  2. A piano proficiency examination to be taken after the second semester of enrollment or 20 hours of study, or successful completion of Mus 6360 Advanced Keyboard Skills.
  3. Comprehensive examination.

Degree Requirements: Voice

  1. Thirty-six hours of graduate-level courses.
    1. The following courses are required:
      • APVC 8001 Applied Voice—Graduate 1 (3)
      • APVC 8002 Applied Voice—Graduate 2 (3)
      • APVC 8003 Applied Voice—Graduate 3 (3)
      • APVC 8004 Applied Voice—Graduate 4 (3)
      • Mus 6010 Performance Laboratory (0) [four semesters]
      • Mus 6620 Solo Song Lit I (2)
      • Mus 6621 Solo Song Lit II (2)
      • Mus 7080 Choral Ensemble (1) [two semesters]
      • Mus 8000 Introduction to Graduate Studies (2)
      • Mus 8590 Solo Recital (1)
      • Mus 8620 Opera Theatre Workshop (2-3) [two semesters]
      • Mus 8625 Opera Production (2)
    2. One 8000-level course in music history (3) or Mus 6660 Dramatic Music (3)
    3. Mus 6450 or Mus 6460 (3)
    4. Three credit hours of graduate-level electives in music
  2. Comprehensive examination.
  3. Proficiency in Italian, German, French, and English diction.

Concentration in Piano Pedagogy

Additional Admissions Requirements:

Applicants to this concentration are required to play an audition including works from four historical periods. All works must be performed from memory.

Degree Requirements:

  1. Thirty-six hours of graduate-level courses.
    1. The following courses are required:
      • APPF 8001 Applied Piano—Graduate 1 (3)
      • APPF 8002 Applied Piano—Graduate 2 (3)
      • APPF 8003 Applied Piano—Graduate 3 (3)
      • Mus 6010 Performance Laboratory (0) [three semesters]
      • Mus 6080 Practicum in Piano Pedagogy (2)
      • Mus 6410 Piano Pedagogy I (3)
      • Mus 6411 Piano Pedagogy II (3)
      • Mus 6530 Accompanying (1) [one semester]
      • Mus 6610 Piano Literature (3)
      • Mus 7970 Piano Pedagogy III (2)
      • Mus 8000 Introduction to Graduate Studies (2)
      • Mus 8420 Degree Recital (1)
      • Mus 8500 Performance Seminar Keyboard Instruments (2)
    2. One 8000-level course in music history (3)
    3. Mus 6450 or Mus 6460 (3)
    4. Two credit hours chosen from the following:
      • Mus 6360 Advanced Keyboard Skills
      • Mus 6500 Historical Counterpoint (3)
      • Mus 6620 Solo Song Literature I (3)
      • Mus 6680 The Piano: Historical Development, Construction and Technology (2)
      • Mus 6730 Computer Applications in Music (2)
      • Mus 6792 Jazz Theory (2)
      • Mus 6910 Chamber Music Literature (3)
      • Mus 6940 Orchestral Literature (3)
      • Mus 8830 Renaissance Music (3)
  2. Piano proficiency examination to be taken after the second semester of enrollment or 20 hours of study, or successful completion of Mus 6360 Advanced Keyboard Skills.
  3. Teaching in the Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program.
  4. Comprehensive examination.

Applied Music Levels

Applied music at the 6000 (1 credit), 7000 (2 credits), and 8000 (3 credits) levels is available for students who have been admitted to a degree program in the School of Music in Full or Special Graduate Status. Applied music levels carrying one, two, or three hours of credit are assigned to individuals by the School of Music, and lessons are arranged by the student and the assigned instructor. Students should consult the School of Music office for the appropriate course and computer number. The 6000 level is generally for secondary study or for students in programs that do not require applied music lessons. The 7000 level is a one-hour lesson per week for students in jazz studies or in piano pedagogy. The 8000 level is for a one-hour lesson in performance programs. There is an applied music fee of $150 per semester for a one-hour lesson and $75 per semester for a half-hour lesson.