The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Music (Music Education) is awarded to students on the successful completion of coursework and thesis, project, and/or topic papers dealing with the practice of music and music education. The recipient of the M.A. degre e is deemed to be knowledgeable in the utilization of research knowledge relevant to music education, and curriculum and instruction in music.

Supervisory Committee

By the completion of 10 credits, the student should select a major professor from whom to seek guidance on his or her program of study, and one or two other members of the music faculty. This Supervisory Committee, particularly the Chair, will guide the student in the selection of courses and in the preparation for the thesis project or exam. It is the student’s responsibility to formalize this committee by informing the graduate advisor in the School of Music Advising Office. An official Graduate Scho ol form will be prepared and distributed to members of the Supervisory Committee for signatures indicating their acceptance.

Coursework

The courses listed on the guidesheet under the heading “Music Education Coursework” are designed to provide a comprehensive perspective of music and education. These keystone courses offer an understanding of the philosophical, psychological, and sociolo gical nature of teaching and learning music in the public schools, in teacher education in music at the collegiate level, and among preschool children and adults in the community at large. The courses in the major area guide the student in pursuit of the oretical issues, and in making connections to the practice of music instruction.

Coursework in Research

The Master of Arts student must develop the abilities to think critically about music instruction, to read with understanding the research articles of professional journals of research in music education, and to conduct formal educational or action resear ch in the teaching and learning of music. Mused 501 provides the opportunity for understanding the components of research, including the theory, design, and the procedures for interpretation of data collected in instructional settings. For those who cho ose to pursue the thesis option within the M.A. program, a basic statistics course is recommended (for example, EDPSY 490). The student should consult with the Chair of his or her Supervisory Committee to determine whether other courses may be necessary in preparation for the thesis.

Cognate Studies Coursework

Beyond the coursework taken in music instruction and learning, the student is expected to specialize in one or two areas within music (including conducting, ethnomusicology, music history, music theory, performance, music science, and music education/teac her education), and in a selected cognate area outside of music (such as anthropology, dance, drama, education, curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, linguistics, and special education). The selection of c ognate areas will reflect the student’s interests, needs, and future emphases in research and instruction, and is guided by the Chair of the Supervisory Committee.

Transfer of Course Credits (max. 6)

The student must consult with the Chair of the Supervisory Committee to determine which courses may transfer into the program.

Language

There is no foreign language requirement in the M.A. (or Ph.D). programs in Music Education, except in the choral conducting emphasis, which includes a translation and diction demonstration of French, Italian or German. The student should consult with th e Chair of the Supervisory Committee to determine whether some competence in a foreign language may strengthen his or her role as performer, conductor, teacher, and/or researcher.

Thesis and Exam Options

There are two alternatives for completing the Master of Arts in Music (Music Education) degree: (a) thesis, and (b) non-thesis/exam. The student should consult with the Chair of the Supervisory Committee for assistance in this choice and in the preparat ion of the document(s).

The thesis presents an opportunity to identify and focus on a problem which the student has observed, which can be described and substantiated, and for which there does not seem to be a solution. The thesis allows the student to identify possible explana tions for that problem, to select one explanation, and, in an examination of both existing research reports and as observed instance of the problem to describe and synthesize what is known that supports or refines that explanation. Thesis students are no t required to prepare a portfolio, but should review coursework related to the thesis for the defense. The Chair of the Supervisory Committee can assist in guiding this review.

Students may choose the Non-Thesis Option, in which they prepare a portfolio of papers and projects under the guidance of the Chair of the Supervisory Committee for review and examination by their Supervisory Committee. These papers and articles, along w ith the examination itself, are a natural outgrowth of coursework. Examples of papers are found within this handbook. Approved projects within the portfolio may fall into several categories: a recital, if the area of specialization is performance; a conc ert, if the specialization is instrumental or choral conducting; a review of literature (on topics such as music preference, pitch-matching, music reading) with implications for practice in music classrooms; an extended curricular project.

Examinations

All M.A. students are examined following the completion of requirements for the degree program. An M.A. thesis defense is an oral examination, to be scheduled on the completion of the thesis. This exam provides an opportunity for the demonstration of co mpetence in communicating the results of research and/or substance of the topics selected. Students who choose the Non-Thesis Option are scheduled for a written examination and (presuming successful completion of the written examination) an oral examinat ion. Because of the limited length of the exams, selected questions will be drawn from the contents of the portfolio. The portfolio provides a fund of carefully prepared content which you can utilize in future professional assignments.