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 National Association of Schools of Music.

Most classes are offered on weekdays after 4 pm in the Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center to accommodate 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 or Organ
• Instrumental
• Choral Conducting
• Musicology 
• 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

Common Core Curriculum 

All graduate students must complete a Core Curriculum of 21 credits. The classes for this core curriculum are:

• • MUSA XXX Applied Lessons - 9 Credits (3 semesters of 3 credit lessons)
  • MUSC 524 The History of Black Music - 3 Credits
  • MUSC 536 Form and Analysis - 3 Credits
  • MUSC 595 Research in Music - 3 Credits
  • MUSC 795 Recital Seminar - 3 Credits

Choral Conducting Concentration 12 credits

Choose four (4) courses from the following 

• • MUSC 538 - Vocal Pedagogy 3 Credits
  • MUSC 539 - Applied Pedagogy 3 Credits
  • MUSC 540 - Advanced Lyric Diction 3 Credits
  • MUSC 544 - The Art of Accompanying 3 Credits
  • MUSC 569 - Advanced Instrumental Conducting 3 Credits
  • MUSC 573 - Opera Studio 3 Credits
  • MUSC 585 - Contemporary Harmony 3 Credits
  • MUSC 592 - Seminar in Sacred Music 3 Credits

View Course Descriptions and Suggested Curriculum Sequence

FINAL PERFORMANCE OR PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

As a prerequisite to completing the Master of Arts in Music, all students need to pass the Graduate Comprehensive Exam. In addition, performance students will need to perform a recital. Conducting students will need to conduct works for a large ensemble on a final concert. Theory/Composition students will need to produce a concert of their original chamber music or compose a large ensemble work that will be premiered near the end of the semester in which they graduate. Musicology students will also perform in a recital or write a thesis. Any students who do not elect the performance option may also choose to write a Master’s Thesis.

The Master's Thesis process is a several-step process in which you must submit five forms to the School of Graduate Studies. Defense of your Thesis/Dissertation may be no later than two weeks before 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 includes opportunities to work in the music library, 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.