Music - MA

The MA program in music offers students an opportunity to grow as musicians by refining their skills as scholars, teachers and performers. The department encourages its’ graduate students to take courses both of a broad scope and of a detailed nature. Performance students are permitted to take private lessons for up to 12 credits with a Hunter College faculty member or one of the instructors who serve as performance associates on the faculty (see http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/music/grad-students/courseinfo/lessons for details). Students may also study with an outside teacher of their choice, pending approval by the department. The Cutler Scholarships in Orchestral Performance offers new opportunities for MA students who qualify to be leaders in the orchestral and chamber music programs.

The Department of Music offers courses of study leading to the MA degree, with concentrations in composition, ethnomusicology, musicology, music theory, and performance. Modifications to these programs may be made in consultation with the graduate adviser.

For admissions requirements, see http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/music/gradstudents/admissions/ma-music.

Requirements for the Degree

The following programs are required for students concentrating in composition, ethnomusicology, music history, music theory, and performance. Modifications to these programs may be made in consultation with the graduate adviser.

Foreign Language

The candidate must demonstrate a reading knowledge of a foreign language, preferably French, German, or Italian. The foreign-language examination must be passed before a student may proceed beyond 18 credits.

Proficiency Examination

Students admitted to the program must take a proficiency examination during the first two semesters of matriculation in order to remain in the program. This examination will test competence in music theory, music history and literature, and applied skills. Deficiencies revealed by the proficiency examination must be made up by studying the relevant subject matter and passing a reexamination. The proficiency examination requirement must be fulfilled before a student may proceed beyond 18 credits.

Thesis or Final Project

A final project consisting of a thesis, a public recital, or another approved piece of work (such as a research project in music education, a lecture-recital, or an internship plus a written report) is required of each student. This project may receive 0-3 credits, depending on the nature and scope of the work involved. A written proposal must be approved by the music department before a student may begin work on the project. Approval of the completed project requires the agreement of two faculty members.