Graduate Studies

Music
2024-2025

Admission | Courses | Program | Requirements |  Profile

Interim Director of the School of Music:  Anita Hardeman
Assistant Director of the School of Music: Jason Hawkins
Graduate Committee Chairperson: Anita Hardeman
Office:  Browne Hall 122
Telephone: (309) 298-1544
E-mail: music@wiu.edu
Website:  wiu.edu/music
Location of Program Offering: Macomb, Online (Music Education Emphasis only)

Graduate Faculty

Professors

  • Matt Bean, D.M., Indiana University
  • Richard Cangro, Ph.D., University of Hartford
  • Michael Fansler, Ed.D., University of Illinois
  • Anita Hardeman, Ph.D., University of Western Ontario
  • Jennifer D. Jones, Ph.D., Florida State University
  • Brian Locke, Ph.D., State University of New York-Stony Brook
  • James Romig, Ph.D., Rutgers University

Associate Professors

  • Jason Hawkins, Ph.D., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
  • Brian Winnie, D.M.A., University of Washington

Assistant Professor

  • Gina Yi, Ph.D., Michigan State University

Associate Graduate Faculty

Professors

  • Terry Chasteen, M.M., Indiana University
  • Eric Ginsberg, M.M, Juilliard School
  • Richard Kurasz, D.M.A., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
  • István Szabó, D.M.A., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
  • Matt Thomas, Ph.D., Florida State University

Associate Professors

  • Matthew Hughes, M.M., Western Michigan University
  • Julieta Mihai, D.M.A., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
  • Kevin Nichols, D.M.A., University of Iowa
  • George Turner, D.M.A., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign

Assistant Professors

  • Whitney Ashe, D.M.A., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
  • Andrea Baker, D.M.A., University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
  • Charles Chadwell, D.M.A., Michigan State University
  • Hong-Da Chin, D.M.A., Bowling Green State University
  • Paul Chinen, D.M.A., University of Miami
  • Alfonzo Cooper, Jr., D.M.A., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Jena Gardner, D.M.A., Northwestern University
  • Nicole Gilloti, D.M.A., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
  • James Land, D.M.A., University of Memphis
  • Natalie Landowski, D.M.A., University of Iowa
  • Nicholas Miguel, D.M.A., University of Iowa
  • Jett Walker, D.M.A., University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music

Learning Outcomes

For student learning outcomes, please see wiu.edu/provost/learningoutcomes.

 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.

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 coordinator. 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

  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 OR 3.0 or higher GPA for the last two years (60 s.h.) of undergraduate work

  • An earned bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a major in music from an accredited institution. The undergraduate major is subject to approval by the Graduate Committee.

  • International students whose native language is not English, a TOEFL score of 79 IBT or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall.

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.

Students admitted on probationary status must complete six semester hours of core courses with a B or better to be eligible for regular admission.

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 their 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 Music Education emphasis.

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. 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 540 Advanced Choral Pedagogy and Techniques (3)
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 (2)

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 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)

Advanced Conducting/Methods (Select one):
MUS 510 Conducting (2)
or
MUS 538 Advanced Conducting and Score Analysis (2)
or
MUS 539 Advanced Methods and Literature Review of K–8 Music (2)

MUS 600 Master’s Project (4)
or
MUS 601 Thesis (4)

Electives (10)

G. Musicology

*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)
MUS 599 Seminar in Music (3)

MUS 600 (6)
or
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, MUS 504–529, or MUS 599.

* One of these will be taken as part of core

H. 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)

I. Piano Performance

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

J. Vocal Performance

MUS 512 Voice (12)
MUS 499G Vocal Literature and Pedagogy (4)
MUS 501 Ensemble Performance (Opera Workshop) (4)
MUS 602 Recital (0)
Electives (5)

TOTAL PROGRAM: 34 s.h.

 Course Descriptions

Music (MUS)

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

444G Music Entrepreneurship for 21st Century Musicians. (2) Explores, studies, develops entrepreneurial and leadership skills vital to 21st century musicians, with a focus on the connections between individual entrepreneurship, arts administration, and community engagement. Prerequisite: Music major or permission of the instructor.

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.

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 Post-Tonal Music. (3) An examination of post-tonal compositional practices and styles through exercises and analysis. 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.

489G Special Topics in Music History. (3) This course explores selected topics of interest including but not limited to individual composer studies, music and its intersections with historical, sociological, and cultural influences, and musical genre studies. Prerequisites: MUS 390 or 391, or permission of the instructor.

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.

495G, 496G Piano Literature I and II. (2 per semester) 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. (2, repeatable to 4) 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 Bass
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.

535 Music for the Learner with Exceptionalities. (3) Advanced study in music learning as it relates to the instruction of learners with exceptionalities in various music settings with regard to least restrictive environments, pedagogy, and best practices in inclusive education. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

536 Technology in Music Education. (3) Advanced study in the utilization and implementation of technological tools prevalent in K-12 Music Education, including software and hardware for instruction and/or assessment of music performance, notation, theory, audio/video recording, and assistive technology for students with special needs. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

537 Instrumental Jazz Pedagogy. (3) Jazz Pedagogy and methods of instruction for instrumental jazz performance and improvisation primarily focusing on traditional jazz instruments. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

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.

540 Advanced Choral Pedagogy and Techniques. (3, repeatable to 6) Study of advanced choral teaching techniques and their relation to ensemble skill acquisition including Estill Voice Training, evaluation and refinement of rehearsal methods, repertoire analysis, assessment and teacher feedback, and reading/writing in the content area. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

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. (1–3, 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.

600 Master’s Project. (1-4, repeatable to 6) Project direction under the guidance of a professor in their area of specialization in order to meet the needs of the student engaged in a master’s project. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

601 Thesis. (1–4, repeatable to 6) Thesis direction under the guidance of a professor in their 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 satisfactorily complete a comprehensive examination covering content of the courses and specializations of the student’s program. 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.