Music
2015-2016

Admission | Courses | Program | Requirements | Certificate |  Profile

Director of the School of Music:  Bart Shanklin
Assistant Director of the School of Music: Moisés Molina
Graduate Committee Chairperson: Brian Locke
Office:  Browne Hall 122
Telephone: (309) 298-1544 Fax: (309) 298-1968
E-mail: music@wiu.edu
Website:  wiu.edu/music
Location of Program Offering: Macomb

Graduate Faculty
Professors

  • Matt Bean, D.M., Indiana University
  • Bruce C. Briney, D.M.A., Northwestern University
  • James Caldwell, D.M., Northwestern University
  • John Cooper, Ph.D., New York University
  • Michael B. Ericson, M.M., Indiana University
  • Michael Fansler, Ed.D., University of Illinois
  • Randall E. Faust, D.M.A., University of Iowa
  • Moisés Molina, D.M., Florida State University
  • Paul Paccione, Ph.D., University of Iowa
  • James Romig, Ph.D., Rutgers University
  • Bart Shanklin, D.M.A., Arizona State University
  • James Stegall, D.M.A., University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • Tammie Walker, D.M.A., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign

Associate Professors

  • Jeffrey Brown, D.M.A., Eastman School of Music
  • Richard Cangro, Ph.D., University of Hartford
  • Jennifer D. Jones, Ph.D., Florida State University
  • Brian Locke, Ph.D., State University of New York-Stony Brook
  • Michael Stryker, D.M.A., Eastman School of Music

Associate Graduate Faculty
Professors

  • Eric Ginsberg, M.M, Juilliard School
  • Douglas Huff, D.M.A., University of Iowa
  • Richard Kurasz, D.M.A., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
  • Christine Lapka, Ed.D., University of Illinois
  • John W. Vana, M.M., University of Michigan

Associate Professors

  • Terry Chasteen, M.M., Indiana University
  • Richard Hughey, D.M.A., University of Arizona
  • Mary Kay Karn, M.M., Rice University
  • Julieta Mihai, D.M.A., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
  • John Mindeman, M.M., American Conservatory of Music
  • Kevin Nichols, D.M.A., University of Iowa
  • Glen Solomonson, Ph.D., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
  • István Szabó, D.M.A., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
  • James Thompson, M.M., University of Louisville

Assistant Professors

  • Courtney Blankenship, M.A., Indiana University-Bloomington
  • Eileen Garwood, Ph.D., Temple University
  • Anita Hardeman, Ph.D., University of Western Ontario
  • John McMurtery, D.M.A., The Julliard School
  • Brad Pierson, D.M.A., University of Washington
  • Penny Shumate, D.M.A., Louisiana State University
  • Matt Thomas, Ph.D., Florida State University

 Program Description

The School of Music offers work leading to the Master of Music degree. Students may specialize in music education, performance, piano pedagogy, conducting, music composition, musicology, and jazz studies. The School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Course work may be completed in one year, but the degree in most circumstances will require two years for completion because of the recital and/or thesis requirements. Students who wish to pursue the performance specializations (pedagogy, conducting, composition, musicology, and jazz) must be in residence during the regular term.

Before students are admitted to candidacy, a committee of four faculty members must be chosen by each in consultation with the graduate advisor. The committee must have one member in each of the areas to be addressed by the comprehensive examination.

All degree candidates will be given written comprehensive final exams (MUS 603) in music research, music history, music theory, and their area of specialization. The comprehensive exam is scheduled by the graduate advisor. Core courses must be completed before the comprehensive exam can be taken.

The thesis (MUS 601) will be directed by a faculty member from the student’s area of specialization. A thesis advisory committee will be chosen by the student in consultation with the graduate advisor and thesis director.

A graduate recital (MUS 602) must be approved by the applied teacher. A pre-recital hearing must be passed before a recital is performed. Conducting recitals must be approved by members of the conducting faculty. Procedures to schedule recitals and pre-recital hearings are outlined in the Departmental Graduate Handbook.

 Admission Requirements

All students must meet the general admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies. Students majoring in music must have an earned bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a major in music from an accredited institution. The School of Music may request an acceptable score on the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination. The undergraduate major is subject to approval by the Graduate Committee.

All students seeking admission into the graduate music program are required to submit evidence of ability and special interest in their chosen area of specialization.

Music Education: In addition to an audition on a principal performance medium, students specializing in music education must fulfill one of the following:

a) from those applicants whose major performance area includes conducting, the submission of a recorded sample of the applicant’s choral and/or instrumental school-ensemble performances;

b) the visitation and evaluation, by members of the music education faculty, of the applicant in his/her current teaching position;

c) an interview before the coordinator of the music education area and one other music education faculty member.

Note: Students who have received a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Western Illinois University will not be required to re-audition for the Master of Music in Music Education.

Performance: An audition before members of the music faculty in the applicant’s major performance area is required.

Piano Pedagogy: An audition before the applied piano faculty is required. Applicants must submit a writing sample as evidence of research ability.

Choral and Instrumental Conducting: Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae addressing musical training/conducting experience and providing a repertory list of recently conducted works. The on-campus audition will consist of an interview with the conducting faculty as well as a brief conducting audition with one of the major ensembles. In special cases and only with the permission of the conducting faculty, a video/DVD may be submitted in lieu of the on-campus audition.

Music Composition: Students may give evidence of ability and special interest by submitting scores of original composition.

Musicology: Students must give evidence of ability and special interest by submitting research papers. Proficiency in German, French, or other research language will be determined with a proficiency exam upon arrival. Students who have received a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Western Illinois University will not be required to re-audition for the Master of Music in Musicology.

Jazz Studies: For students intending to pursue Jazz Composition, the submission of scores of original composition is required, as well as an on-campus interview with members of the jazz area faculty. For student intending to pursue Jazz Performance, an audition and interview before a panel of Jazz area faculty is required.

Advisory Exams

Prior to entrance, an advisory examination in music theory and music history/literature is required. The student will be advised to take specific courses to remedy any apparent weaknesses. This examination is administered regularly prior to the beginning of the spring, summer, and fall terms. In exceptional cases, the examinations may be taken on an individual basis by special arrangement.

 Degree Requirements

To fulfill the requirements for the Master of Music degree, a student must complete 34 semester hours.

I. Required Core Courses: 9 s.h.

Analysis courses (Select one):

MUS 581 Analytical Techniques (3)
MUS 582 Analytical Techniques (3)

Research course:

MUS 591 Graduate Research in Music (3)

Music History period course (Select one):

MUS 491G History of American Music (3)
MUS 593 Music in the Baroque Period (3)
MUS 594 Music of the Classical Era (3)
MUS 596 Music of the Romantic Era (3)
MUS 597 Music Since 1900 (3)

Other degree requirements:

MUS 603 Comprehensive Examination in Music (0)

II. Select one of the following tracks: 25 s.h.

A. Choral Conducting

MUS 510 Conducting (Choral) (12)
MUS 590 Literature of Applied Field (Renaissance through Classical) (2)
MUS 590 Literature of Applied Field (Romantic through Contemporary) (2)
MUS 501 Ensemble Performance (4)
MUS 602 Recital (0)
Electives (5)

B. Composition

MUS 511 Composition (12)
MUS 601 Thesis (3)
MUS 515 Piano (4)
Electives (6)

C. Instrumental Conducting

MUS 510 Conducting (Instrumental) (12)
MUS 538 Advanced Conducting and Score Analysis (3)
MUS 590 Literature of Applied Field (3)
MUS 501 Ensemble Performance (4)
MUS 602 Recital (0)
Electives (3)

D. Instrumental Performance

MUS 504-507, 509, 519-529 Applied Performance (12)
MUS 501 Ensemble Performance (4)

MUS 461G String Pedagogy (1)
or
MUS 590 Literature of Applied Field (1)

MUS 492G String Literature I (2)
or
MUS 590 Literature of Applied Field (Wind and Percussion) (2)

MUS 602 Recital (0)
Electives (6)

E. Jazz Studies

Applied Lessons (12)
MUS 501 Ensemble Performance (6)

Directed Electives (7) chosen from the following:  MUS 481G, MUS 482G, MUS 483G, MUS 485G, MUS 497G, MUS 508, MUS 599, or MUS 601

MUS 602 Recital (0)

F. Music Education

MUS 504-529 Applied Performance (4)
MUS 531 History and Philosophy of Music Education (3)
MUS 533 Contemporary Assessment Techniques in Music Education (3)
MUS 534 Models of Instruction in Music Education (3)
MUS 538 Advanced Conducting and Score Analysis (2)
OR
EIS 539 Advanced Methods and Literature Review of K–8 Music (2)
Electives (10)

G. Musicology

*MUS 491G History of American Music (3)
*MUS 593 Music in the Baroque Period (3)
*MUS 594 Music of the Classical Era (3)
*MUS 597 Music Since 1900 (3)
MUS 599 Seminar in Music (3)
MUS 601 Thesis (6)
Directed Electives (7) chosen from the following: MUS 581/582 (if not core), MUS 481G, MUS 482G, MUS 485G, MUS 497G, MUS 500, or MUS 504–529.

* One of these will be taken as part of core

H. Organ Performance

MUS 514 Organ (12)
MUS 463G Church Service Playing I (2)
MUS 464G Church Service Playing II (1)
MUS 462G Organ Pedagogy (1)
MUS 493G Organ Literature I (2)
MUS 494G Organ Literature II (2)
MUS 602 Recital (0)
Electives (5)

I. Piano Pedagogy

MUS 515 Piano (8)
MUS 465G Piano Pedagogy I (2)
MUS 466G Piano Pedagogy II (2)
MUS 565 Piano Pedagogy (2)
MUS 495G Piano Literature I (2)
MUS 496G Piano Literature II (2)
MUS 601 Thesis (3)
MUS 602 Recital (0)
Electives (4)

J. Piano Performance

MUS 515 Piano (12)
MUS 495G Piano Literature I (2)
MUS 496G Piano Literature II (2)
MUS 602 Recital (0)
Electives (9)

K. Vocal Performance

MUS 512 Voice (12)
MUS 403G Pro-Seminar in Music (3)
MUS 590 Literature of Applied Field (Vocal Literature) (2)
MUS 501 Ensemble Performance (Opera Workshop) (4)
MUS 602 Recital (0)
Electives (4)

TOTAL PROGRAM: 34 s.h.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program

The department offers a post-baccalaureate certificate in Music Performance. For program details, go to  wiu.edu/graduate_studies/catalog/post_bacc_certificates/index.php.

 Course Descriptions

Music (MUS)

403G Pro-Seminar in Music. (3) In-depth study of one musical topic.

 

461G String Pedagogy. (1–2, repeatable to 8) Study of the methods and approaches to the teaching of strings in class and studio. Laboratory observation and teaching. Prerequisites: String principal and permission of the instructor.

462G Organ Pedagogy. (1) Examination of introductory organ methods and literature for the beginning organ student. Student participation in teaching experiences. Prerequisites: Organ major or permission of the instructor.

463G Church Service Playing I. (2) Practical training in the playing of hymns and liturgy, choral, and solo accompaniments. Discussion of hymnody and liturgies, and selection of music for the church service. Prerequisites: Organ major or permission of the instructor.

464G Church Service Playing II. (1) Advanced techniques of church service playing including varied hymn accompaniments and introductions, and improvisation. Prerequisite: MUS 463G.

465G Piano Pedagogy I. (2) Introduction to the history of piano pedagogy and current learning theories. Examination of teaching methods and materials at the beginning through intermediate levels. Lecture/discussion meetings will be complemented with student presentation.

466G Piano Pedagogy II. (2) Introduction to piano pedagogy research. Examination of teaching methods and materials for advanced and adult students. Students will be asked to complete a teaching demonstration. Prerequisites: MUS 465G or permission of the instructor.

481G Counterpoint. (3) Studies in tonal counterpoint. Representative techniques and genres including invention and fugue. Prerequisites: MUS 200 and 282.

482G Materials of Twentieth-Century Music. (3) Studies in 20th-century compositional practices and styles through analysis and exercises in 20th century techniques. Prerequisite: MUS 282.

483G Orchestration. (3) Study of instruments and instrumentation through practical exercises. Prerequisite: MUS 282.

485G Techniques of Electronic Music. (3) Fundamental concepts in electronic music and classical techniques in studio work.

491G History of American Music. (3) The history of music in America from colonial times to the present.

492G String Literature I. (2) History of stringed instruments and early performance practices including performers, pedagogical treatises, and literature through the 18th century. Prerequisites: String principal and permission of the instructor.

493G Organ Literature I. (2) Survey of organ literature from the 15th century to 1725. Prerequisites: Organ major or permission of the instructor.

494G Organ Literature II. (2) Survey of organ literature from 1725 to the present. Prerequisite: MUS 493G or permission of the instructor.

495G, 496G Piano Literature I and II. (2) Survey of keyboard literature considered from its historical, formal, stylistic, and aesthetic aspects. Nonsequential. Prerequisites: Piano major and permission of the instructor.

497G Jazz History, Selected Topics. (2, repeatable to 4) An in-depth study of selected topics from the history of jazz. Topics are drawn from the history of Jazz music in the 19th and 20th centuries and will include major artists and stylistic periods. Topics vary from semester to semester.

499G Vocal Literature and Pedagogy. (3) Survey of vocal literature and pedagogical philosophies and techniques considered from historical and applied respects. Includes performance/pedagogy projects of Early English/Italian repertories, German “Lieder”, French “Mélodie”, English language repertory as well as other selected national and ethnic traditions. Prerequisite: vocal or piano major or permission of the instructor.

500 Independent Study. (1–3, repeatable to 6) An investigation of problems related to the student’s major or area. Students will arrange the topic, procedures, and methods of reporting with the instructor. An appropriate written report will be required. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and department chairperson required.

501 Ensemble Performance. (1, repeatable) Band, orchestra, chorus, or smaller ensembles.

Applied Study: (1–4, repeatable to 24) Private study in music performance and composition. All lessons offered each semester. Exception: Summer Term (see summer catalog). Specialists in performance or composition will receive four semester hours of credit. All others will receive a maximum of two hours of credit per semester. Prerequisite: audition and/or written permission of area chairperson and instructor.

504 Violin
505 Viola
506 Cello
507 Contrabass
508 Applied Jazz Studies
509 Guitar
510 Conducting
511 Composition
512 Voice
513 Jazz Composition
514 Organ
515 Piano
519 Clarinet
520 Saxophone
521 Flute
522 Oboe
523 Bassoon
524 Trumpet
525 Trombone
526 Euphonium
527 Horn
528 Tuba
529 Percussion

531 History and Philosophy of Music Education. (3) The historical development of music education in America, and its changing philosophies. Examination of problems of value, knowledge (learning), aesthetics, and trends in school music related to these problems. Extensive reading in the literature of music education. Prerequisites: MUS 333, 334, 394, 439, or permission of the instructor.

533 Contemporary Assessment Techniques in Music Education. (3) The study of ideas and strategies to achieve accurate, consistent measurement of creating, performing, and responding to music. Criterion measures, empirical methods for demonstrating test reliability and validity, descriptive statistics, and test item analysis are also considered.

534 Models of Instruction in Music Education. (3) Survey of theories and strategies of teaching and learning as applied to instruction, curriculum development, and instructional design in music. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Master of Music program.

538 Advanced Conducting and Score Analysis. (1–4, repeatable to 4) Advanced techniques of conducting. Preparation to assume leadership of advanced instrumental ensembles.  

539 Advanced Methods and Literature Review of K–8 Music. (2, repeatable to 4) Advanced methods and literature for general or exploratory classes in K–8 music.

550 Workshops in Music. (1–3, repeatable) As announced.

565 Piano Pedagogy. (1-2, repeatable up to 10 hours) Materials, methods, teaching techniques and learning theories as applied to the teaching of (college-level) piano classes and advanced-level studio lessons.  Lecture/discussion meetings are complemented with practice in class and studio teaching. Prerequisite: Piano major or permission of the instructor.

567 Seminar in Jazz Improvisation. (3) A detailed study of improvised solos, including multiple transcriptions by students in the class, will be undertaken. The intent is to provide students with advanced melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic tools to continue their development as jazz artists. Prerequisites: B.M. degree in Jazz Studies or permission of the instructor.

581 Analytical Techniques. (3) A study of the structural, formal, and stylistic elements of tonal music of the 18th and 19th centuries. Nonsequential.

582 Analytical Techniques. (3) A study of various analytical techniques and approaches, including Tovey, Schenker, Reti, and Schoenberg.

590 Literature of Applied Field. (1–2, repeatable) Areas of study include: strings, woodwinds, brass, keyboard, percussion, solo vocal, choral or instrumental ensemble literature.

591 Graduate Research in Music. (3) An introduction to research in music. The study of library tools, research techniques, and form and style in writing. Research paper or papers will be prepared.

593 Music in the Baroque Period. (3) Selected studies in the history and literature of music in the baroque era.

594 Music of the Classical Era. (3) Stylistic studies in the music and aesthetics of the late-eighteenth to early-nineteenth centuries. An examination of various musical genres, styles, and works in cultural context.

596 Music of the Romantic Era. (3) Stylistic studies in the music and aesthetics of the mid- to late-nineteenth century. An examination of various musical genres, styles, and works in cultural context.

597 Music Since 1900. (3) Stylistic studies in the aesthetics and music of the fin-de-siecle, interwar, high modernist and postmodernist eras.

599 Seminar in Music. (1–3, repeatable to 6) Selected topics in music designed to meet the needs and interests of the students involved.

601 Thesis. (1–3, repeatable to 6) Thesis direction under the guidance of a professor in his/her area of specialization, in order to meet the needs of the student engaged in a research project. A written thesis will be presented to the Graduate Committee.

602 Recital. (0, repeatable) Recital will be either two full recitals, or one full recital and a paper relating to the recital literature. Graded S/U.

603 Comprehensive Examination in Music. (0) The student will write a comprehensive examination in music history, music theory, music research, and his/her area of specialization. Graded S/U.

NOTE: All seminars carry one, two, or three semester hours credit and may be repeated with the permission of the instructor and department chairperson since different topics will usually be chosen each semester. All proseminars are repeatable to a maximum of six hours.