Graduate
USD offers the only Master's of Music degrees in the state with areas of specialization in Music Education, Music Performance, Music History, and the History of Musical Instruments, as well as a variety of degree completion options.
Music Education
Programs of study include Instrumental Music Education and Vocal/Choral Music Education. This program prepares students for an advanced level of K-12 teaching or for doctoral degree work in music education. Students choose between two cumulative options: the masters' thesis or the graduate music education project, which is applicable to the specific teaching area. Topics are chosen in consultation with the student's graduate committee/chair advisor.
The core for the Music Education Concentration includes: Music Bibliography, Music Theory, Music History and Literature, and Music Education.
Music Performance
Programs of study include Music Performance–Vocal, Music Performance–Instrumental: Brass, Keyboard, Woodwinds, Strings and Percussion. These programs are designed to increase expertise on a specific instrument, offering a strong grounding in music history, music theory and in the performance and pedagogy of the instrument. The degree prepares students to pursue a doctorate in performance or other educational or entrepreneurial endeavors.
The Performance Concentration includes 30 hours and a recital.
Music History
The Master of Music degree with Specialization in Music History is designed to increase knowledge of music in the western world from Classical Antiquity to the present. Students receive strong grounding in the six style periods in addition to an introduction to world music, preparing them to pursue a Ph.D. in music history or to teach music history.
A core of 18 credit hours is required in music literature taken from the Bibliography, Theory, and Music Literature areas. Reading proficiency in one foreign language is required.
If a student chooses to prepare a thesis in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements, the advisory committee must approve the topic for the paper. Students preparing a lecture/recital must submit a paper as part the lecture presentation. The advisory committee must approve the topic and format for the lecture/recital. The lecture/recital materials must be presented to the faculty advisory committee three weeks in advance of the public presentation.
Degree Completion
Students have seven years to complete their degree program following Graduate School guidelines. With a master's degree in music from The U., students have gone on to doctoral study at the nation's premier music schools, obtained teaching positions at university and community colleges, and procured jobs in a wide range of music related fields.
You can choose the traditional fall/spring semester option or can complete their degree exclusively through attending classes during the summer. For those students who attend during the fall/spring semesters, a variety of funding opportunities exist, including graduate teaching and research assistantships and performance fellowships.
Admissions
- All required materials must be received at the USD Graduate School at least six weeks prior to the start of the semester.
- All prospective students must have an on-campus interview with the appropriate faculty member in the area of interest, the Graduate Coordinator in Music Studies, and the Chair of the Department of Music prior to acceptance to the program.
- Students interested in the Master of Music degree with specialization in the History of Musical Instruments must meet with the Director of the National Music Museum, the Graduate Coordinator in Music Studies, and the Chair of the Department of Music prior to acceptance to the program. These face-to-face meetings must be set up through the Graduate Coordinator in Music Studies.
Auditions
Students must audition for entry into the program. See our audition requirements.
Courses
See our Graduate Courses page for specific course information.
Helpful Links
- Department of Music graduate handbook
- Rawlins Graduate Music Fellowship
- graduate assistantship information and application
- Graduate School information and application
- our brochure
Please feel free to contact us to discuss degree programs, courses of study, course offerings, application procedures and assistantship opportunities.
Dr. Richard Rognstad
Professor of Music
Graduate Coordinator in Music Studies
