MASTER OF MUSIC
Dr. Edward Rutschman, Graduate Music Advisor
PAC 147; (360) 650-3889; Edward.Rutschman@wwu.edu
Basic Requirements for All Concentrations
Music 541, 542, 543, 544 [select three] (12)
Music 532 and 533 (6)
Music 690 Thesis (6)
All students admitted to graduate study must register for at least one course in the area of basic requirements during each quarter of enrollment until those requirements are fulfilled.
Requirements and Electives for Each Concentration
Composition Concentration
Music 534 (12)
Electives (5)
History and Literature Concentration
Music 443 [select two] (6)
Music 441 (3)
Music 540 [for three quarters] (6)
Music 550 (3)
Performance Concentration
Elect one of the following courses in each of three quarters:
Music 474, 475, 478, 481, 483, 540 (6)
Music 511, 512, 513, 514 or 515 (9)
Electives (2)
Conducting Concentration (Choral Conducting, Orchestral Conducting, Band Conducting)
Conducting Studies (9-17)
Music 501, 502 and approved 400-level and/or 500-level course(s)
Basic Musicianship (0-9)
Courses to be selected from the following (any not selected under Basic Requirements): Music 541, 542, 543, 544, 550, 531, 534 and approved 400-level and/or 500-level course(s)
Applied Music (0-9)
Music 511-515 and/or approved 411-418 course(s)
Ensemble (0-9)
Approved 400-level and/or 500-level ensemble course(s)
Music Education Concentration (Instrumental Music Supervision, Choral Music Supervision, Choral Conducting, Orchestral Conducting, Band Conducting)
Professional Understandings/Techniques (6-9)
Music 501, 502 or any approved 400-level course(s)
Basic Musicianship (3-9)
Courses to be selected from the following: (any not elected under Basic Requirements) Music 531, 534, 541, 542, 543, 544, 550, or any approved 400-level course(s)
Applied Music (0-9)
Music 511-515, or approved 411-418
Ensemble (0-9)
Approved 400-level or 500-level ensemble course(s)
Guided electives in professional education in education or psychology (3-9)
Prerequisites and Examinations
Prerequisite for admission to the M.Mus. program is an undergraduate major in music or its equivalent.
Students in the Composition concentration must submit at least three original compositions for evaluation.
Students in the Performance concentration must audition before a faculty committee or submit tape recorded performance for evaluation. Vocal performers must demonstrate competence in German, French and Italian diction.
Students in the History and Literature concentration must demonstrate strength in that area by interview with appropriate faculty members.
Students in the Conducting concentration must demonstrate ability and experience in conducting by interview with appropriate faculty members. In addition, they must prepare a curricular proposal for approval by an appropriate faculty committee.
Students in the Music Education concentration must prepare a curricular proposal for approval by an appropriate faculty committee, subject to final approval by the department.
Placement examinations in music theory and music history must be taken prior to beginning the program. Courses necessary to remove deficiencies are not credited toward the degree.
The Graduate Record Examination. The General Test is required. Scores should be sent to the WWU Graduate School along with other application materials. The Subject Test is required as a condition for advancement to candidacy for the Master of Music degree.
Students in history and literature concentration must pass a reading examination in French or German.
Candidates for the Master of Music degree must successfully complete a comprehensive oral examination covering all course work taken for the degree, as well as material related to the thesis.
Graduate Courses
501 INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING AND REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES (3)
Advanced work in conducting band and orchestra music; baton technique, interpretation, score preparation and rehearsal techniques. Repeatable for credit.
502 CHORAL CONDUCTING AND LITERATURE (3)
Successful techniques in developing and conducting choral groups, score analysis of outstanding choral works; laboratory experience in conducting. Repeatable for credit.
503 INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE STUDY OF MUSIC (4)
Sources and availability of music, recordings and literature about music throughout its entire history. Techniques of research bibliography and formal writing about music. Students are expected to prepare and defend a formal written project.
511 INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION ADVANCED ORGAN (3-4)
Prereq: permission of the department. In addition to regularly scheduled private lessons, students are expected to participate in organ class performances and to hold a church organist position throughout their residence for the degree. Repeatable for credit.
512 INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION ADVANCED PIANO (3-4)
Prereq: permission of the department. In addition to regularly scheduled private lessons, a public performance is expected each quarter. Repeatable for credit.
513 INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION ADVANCED STRINGS (3-4)
Prereq: permission of the department. In addition to regularly scheduled private lessons, a public performance of a significant work is expected. The performance will be approved and evaluated by a faculty committee. Repeatable for credit.
514 INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION ADVANCED ORCHESTRAL WINDS AND PERCUSSION (3-4)
Prereq: permission of the department. In addition to regularly scheduled private lessons, a public performance of a significant work is expected. The performance will be approved and evaluated by a faculty committee. Repeatable for credit.
515 INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION ADVANCED VOICE (3-4)
Prereq: permission of the department. In addition to regularly scheduled private lessons, a public performance is expected each quarter. Repeatable for credit.
531 ARRANGING (3)
Practical techniques in arranging and composing for large and small ensembles. Summer only.
532 ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: 20TH-CENTURY MUSICAL PRACTICES (3)
Analysis of works by various composers who have generated the major trends of 20th-century music.
533 ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: 19TH-CENTURY MUSICAL STYLES AND PRACTICES (3)
Analysis of works by various composers who generated the major trends of 19th-century music.
534 COMPOSITION (4)
Prereq: Music 431. Composition, rehearsal and public performance of original works. Repeatable for credit.
540 ADVANCED COLLEGIUM MUSICUM (2)
Editing, coaching and performance of early music (before 1800) for chamber ensembles (vocal and instrumental). Students are expected to prepare stylistically suited performing editions, coach these works and participate in their public performance. (Only 6 credits applicable toward M.Mus. degree.) Repeatable for credit.
541-544 HISTORY/ANALYSIS (4 ea)
An in-depth study of a particular segment of music from the period with historical perspective, analysis of representative works, and bibliography and research techniques appropriate to the subject.
541 MUSIC FROM 900-1600
542 MUSIC FROM 1600-1800
543 MUSIC FROM 1775-1900
544 MUSIC FROM 1900 TO PRESENT
550 SEMINAR IN THE HISTORY OF MUSIC (3)
Prereq: permission of instructor. Detailed study of a particular period or phase of the history of music designed to give students a first-hand acquaintance with one special area of musical literature and with musicological method.
555 ADVANCED BIRCH BAY BAND MUSIC WORKSHOP (2)
A reading workshop in materials and literature for school music band teachers. Participants are expected to prepare scores and conduct the ensemble. Course not applicable to M.Mus. degree. Offered summers only. Repeatable for credit.
556 ADVANCED BIRCH BAY ORCHESTRA MUSIC WORKSHOP (2)
A reading workshop in materials and literature for school orchestra music teachers. Participants are expected to prepare scores and conduct the ensemble. Course not applicable to M.Mus. degree. Offered summers only. Repeatable for credit.
690 THESIS (1-6)
Students in the composition concentration of the M.Mus. degree program may meet the thesis requirement by submitting a major original composition; students in the performance concentration may meet the thesis requirement by presenting a full-length public recital; students in the music education concentration selecting the conducting practicum for their thesis requirement will carry out a practical and/or creative conducting project, field study or investigation, or rehearsal/conducting series culminating in a public performance. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 credits.