College of Fine and Performing Arts
Graduate Faculty
Bianco, Christopher, DMA, wind, ensemble, conducting.
Briggs, Roger D., PhD, composition, orchestra.
Donnellan, Grant, MMus, violin.
Feingold, David, MMus, guitar, Chair.
Friesen, John, DMA, cello, chamber music.
Gilliam, Jeffrey, MMus, piano, piano accompanying.
Guelker-Cone, Leslie, DMA, choral music, conducting.
Hamilton, Bruce, DMus, composition, theory/analysis, electro-acoustic music.
Jelaca-Jovanovic, Milica, DMA, piano, piano literature, piano pedagogy.
Rutschman, Carla, PhD, low brass, musicology, brass pedagogy.
Rutschman, Edward R., PhD, musicology, graduate program advisor, theory/ analysis, counterpoint.
Schwede, Walter, MMus, violin, chamber music.
Sommer, Lesley, DM, composition, theory/analysis.
Van Boer, Bertil H., PhD, musicology.
Zoro, Eugene S., MMus, clarinet, woodwind pedagogy, chamber music.
Program Advisor: Dr. Bertil Van Boer, Performing Arts Center 147, (360) 650-2282.
Introduction
The Master of Music degree consists of a core of courses which serve as a common foundation and a set of more specialized courses in one of five concentrations: composition, music history and literature, performance, conducting and music education. The degree may be used as a preparation for doctoral studies in music, or it may serve as a terminal degree. Minimum credits for each concentration is 45.
The composition concentration includes course work in composition, music history, and music theory as well as a thesis (original composition). Ensembles, studio instruction, and course work in conducting are also available.
The music history and literature concentration includes seminars in music history, work in notation, courses in music theory, performance with the Collegium Musicum, and a written thesis.
The performance concentration includes vocal or instrumental studio instruction, work with small and large ensembles, a recital to satisfy the thesis requirement, and course work in music history and music theory. Pianists may emphasize solo performance or accompanying. Studies in jazz areas are available.
The conducting concentration includes course work in conducting, music history, and music theory, and a conducting practicum to fulfill the thesis requirement. Ensembles and studio instruction are also available.
The music education concentration includes courses in music education, music history and music theory courses in the College of Education or the Department of Psychology. Ensembles and studio instruction are also available. The thesis can be a written project, a recital or a conducting practicum.
Goals
To prepare students for professional-level work in music, as performers (singers, instrumentalists or conductors), composers, scholars, educators, or in a combination of these areas.
Prerequisites and Examinations
Prerequisite for admission to the MMus program is a BMus degree or its equivalent.
Students in the Composition concentration must submit at least three original compositions for evaluation.
Students in the Performance concentration must audition before a faculty committee or submit tape recorded performance for evaluation. Vocal performers must demonstrate competence in German, French and Italian diction.
Students in the History and Literature concentration must demonstrate strength in that area by interview with appropriate faculty members. Applicants must demonstrate reading ability in French or German.
Students in the Conducting concentration must demonstrate ability and experience in conducting by interview with appropriate faculty members. In addition, they must prepare a curricular proposal for approval by an appropriate faculty committee. Choral conductors must demonstrate competence in vocal pedagogy and in German, French, Italian, and Latin diction.
Students in the Music Education concentration must prepare a curricular proposal for approval by an appropriate faculty committee, subject to final approval by the department.
Placement examinations in music theory and music history must be taken prior to beginning the program. Courses necessary to remove deficiencies are not credited toward the degree.
The Graduate Record Examination. The General Test is required. Scores should be sent to the WWU Graduate School along with other application materials.
