Western Carolina University

The Master of Music (M.M.) degree is designed for those who wish to continue performance studies that were begun at the undergraduate level. The concentration in performance can encompass vocal or instrumental performance, or commercial and electronic music. This degree may lead to further graduate study, private teaching, or performance opportunities in a variety of occupations.

The M.M. program has been redesigned, effective Fall 2010.  Students enrolled before Fall 2010 may complete either the old program or the new program.

• Read the degree and electives requirements (catalog)
• Read catalog course descriptions (select prefix “MUS”)
• MM Checksheet, effective Fall 2010 (PDF)
• MM checksheet, prior to Fall 2010 (PDF)

Program Objectives

• Provide an opportunity for individual students to work closely with faculty on specific interests and career-related projects.
• Provide an in-depth study of musicianship based on historical, contextual, theoretical, and practical knowledge.
• Provide a post-baccalaureate experience that emphasizes the foundations and principles of music education at the elementary and/or secondary levels.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the M.M. program is a two-part process that requires both acceptance by the Graduate School and acceptance by the School of Music (by live audition).  Acceptance by the Graduate School does not guarantee acceptance by the School of Music, nor does acceptance by the School of Music guarantee admission by the Graduate School.

Graduation Requirements

• Completion of 36 semester hours of graduate-level courses, distributed as follows:
  • Performance studies: lessons, ensembles, and a recital (14 hours)
  • Studies in music history, literature, theory, and analysis (13 hours)
  • Electives of your choice, with up to 6 hours outside of music (9 hours)
• A full-length (50-minute) public recital
• Demonstration of Piano Proficiency
• Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examinations (both the written and oral components)
• Public presentation of a scholarly research project 
• No more than two courses with a grade lower than a B (3.0)

Please follow the links (above) to the appropriate M.M. Checksheet for details on the course work.  You should plan your graduate coursework, including the electives, with your academic advisor.  In most cases, your studio teacher will serve as your academic advisor. 

You may find it helpful to track your progress on these requirements using this convenient Graduation Checklist for the M.M. degree.