Master of Arts in Music

The Master of Arts in Music degree consists of a common core curriculum that includes Applied Lessons, Music Theory and Music History along with a wide range of courses to support students' specific areas of interest..Morgan State University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Most classes are offered on weekdays after 4pm in the Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center to accomodate the schedules of working adults. Students have access to computer labs, a music library, secured practice rooms furnished with pianos, and a collection of musical scores available in the Earl Richardson Library. This 4 semester graduate program can be completed within 2 years.

Students may choose from the following concentrations

• Vocal
• Piano
• Instrumental
• Choral Conducting
• Sacred Music 
• Music Theory & Composition

Electives include additional courses in Applied Lessons, Ensemble, Pedagogy, Repertoire and other areas of study. This program allows students to develop the expertise to make independent and original contributions to the profession.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For unconditional admission, applicants must:

• Have earned a minimum undergraduate academic average of 3.0 in their major area of study
• Present a minimum of 49 semester hours in undergraduate music courses
• Hold a bachelor's degree in some area of music

All applicants must:

• Complete a formal audition before the graduate music faculty on campus to demonstrate proficiecy of requisite skills to be successful in the Masters Degree Program
• Pass two formal examinations to demonstrate general knowledge in music history and music theory
• Be interviewed by the Graduate Program Coordinator
• Meet the entrance requirements specified in the Handbook for Graduate Music Students, available at the Office of the Graduate Coordinator

DEGREE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1. At the beginning of their studies, all students will prepare a program of study in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator and submit a copy to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
2. Complete the Common Core Curriculum of 21 credit hours. Changes will be made only with departmental and Graduate School approval.
3. Pass the departmental comprehensive examination prior to graduation.
4. Obtain a minimum of 33 credit hours.

"We have a strong faculty in the areas of performance, theory, and composition. Morgan State University's location in a major city is important because it gives students the opportunity to hear professional musicians perform throughout Baltimore's bustling arts district and potentially interact with them."

- Dr. James Lee III, Professor of Theory and Composition

SAMPLE PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Vocal Concentration

• Common Core Curriculum: 21 credits
• Electives may include: MUSC 573 Opera Studio (3), MUSC 563 Repertoire Seminar (3), MUSC 538 Vocal Pedagogy (3), MUSC 540 Advanced Lyric Diction (3)
• Free Electives (3) 

Piano Concentration

• Common Core Curriculum: 21 credits
• Electives may include: MUSC 539 Applied Pedagogy (3), MUSC 544 The Art of Accompanying (3), MUSC 563 Repertoire Seminar (3), MUSC 540 Advanced Lyric Diction (3)
• Free Electives (6)

Choral Conducting Concentration

• Common Core Curriculum: 21 credits
• Electives may include: MUSC 512 Advanced Choral Literature (3), MUSC 546 Advanced Choral Arranging (3), MUSC 592 Seminar in Sacred Music (3), MUSC 598 Apprenticeship with church or choral group (3)
• Free Electives (12)

Instrumental Concentration

• Common Core Curriculum: 21 credits
• Electives may include: MUSC 516 Seminar in Instrumental Music (3), MUSC 539 Applied Pedagogy (3), MUSC 563 Repertoire Seminar (3), MUSC 569 Advanced Instrumental Conducting (3)
• Free Electives (9)

Sacred Music Concentration

• Common Core Curriculum: 21 credits
• Electives may include: MUSC 585 Contemporary Harmony (3) MUSA 521 Conducting (3), MUSC 569 Advanced Instrumental Conducting (3)
• Free Electives (9)

Music Theory and Composition Concentration

• Common Core Curriculum: 21 credits
• Electives may include: MUSC 585 Contemporary Harmony (3) MUSA 521 Conducting (3), MUSC 569 Advanced Instrumental Conducting (3)
• Free Electives (9)

View Course Descriptions and Suggested Curriculum Sequence

THESIS/DISSERTATION SUBMISSION PROCESS

This process is a several step process in which you will need to submit five forms to the School of Graduate Studies. Defense of your Thesis/Dissertation may be no later than two weeks prior to the deadline for submission to the School of Graduate Studies to be considered for the preferred graduation date (fall or spring).

Students who have received unconditional admission can be considered for graduate assistantships. Our graduate assistantship include opportunties to work in the music library and provide theory tutoring to undergraduate students, etc. Depending upon available resources and criteria for eligibility, graduate students may receive financial assistance in the form of tuition awards, graduate assistantships including teaching assistantships (TAs), research assistantships (RAs), fellowships, scholarships, work study and loans. Learn more about graduate funding.