Applicants for the concentration in jazz must audition in jazz improvisation and jazz piano proficiency and interview with members of the faculty in this area. Other applicants are required to have an interview with members of the faculty of the prospective area of concentration. These examinations are given by the School of Music at the beginning of each semester. A minimum of 33 semester hours of coursework is required for the Master of Music degree. These hours are specifically distributed according to the area of concentration.
Specific curricula are available from the department.
All concentrations require a written and oral final examination. A thesis is required of students in composition, musicology, and music theory. A graduate recital or performance project is given in lieu of thesis by students with concentrations in performance, pedagogy, jazz, accompanying, choral conducting, and instrumental conducting. The concentration in music education is designed for persons who hold a Bachelor's degree in Music or Music Education and certification to teach music in the public schools. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available.