Florida State University Graduate Bulletin 2007-2009
College of Music
Dean: Don Gibson; Assistant Deans: Seth Beckman, William Frederickson, Leo Welch
The graduate program of the College of Music is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the country. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1930, it has a long and illustrious history of graduating outstanding performers, composers, scholars, administrators, educators, and therapists.
Degree Programs Offered
The following degrees are offered through the College of Music: the master of music degree in performance, accompanying, piano pedagogy, choral conducting, instrumental conducting, jazz studies, music theory, composition, musicology (both historical musicology and ethnomusicology), opera, and music therapy; the master of music education degree; the master of arts degree in arts administration; the doctor of philosophy degree in music education; the doctor of philosophy degree in music (specializations in historical musicology, ethnomusicology, and music theory); the doctor of education degree in music education; and the doctor of music degree in composition or in performance (piano, voice, violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, guitar, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, percussion, and organ). The doctor of philosophy degree in humanities with an emphasis in music is available from the College of Arts and Sciences. For more detailed information about these degree programs, consult the graduate studies office in the College of Music. All students working toward master's and doctoral degrees in music register directly in the College of Music.
Certificate Programs
In addition to its degree programs, the College of Music offers a number of certificate programs that provide an additional specialized area of emphasis for graduate students. These include certificate programs in church music, jazz studies, piano pedagogy, early music, music of the Americas, world music, piano technology, pedagogy of music theory, special music education, harpsichord performance, college teaching, music education and leadership, arts administration, and organ performance. A post-master's artist certificate in performance is available in opera, violin, viola, violoncello, and piano. Further information about admission to, and special requirements of, these programs is available from the graduate studies office.
Music Facilities
The College of Music enjoys excellent teaching, research, and performance facilities. The two College of Music buildings are located on Copeland Street on the east side of the campus. The Kuersteiner Building, completed in 1948 and recently renovated, is a four-story structure connected to the Wiley L. Housewright Music Building, which was completed in spring 1979. The College of Music also occupies a number of offices in the Longmire Building. These buildings house the administrative offices; teaching studios; classrooms; band, orchestra, choral, opera, and ensemble rehearsal halls; music education and music therapy research laboratories; electronic music studios; ethnomusicology studios; early music studios; concert and recital halls; the Warren D. Allen Music Library; the Center for Music Research; and 130 practice rooms. All music facilities are air-conditioned and are structurally designed for maximum effectiveness.
Concert Facilities
The Opperman Music Hall is a 430-seat recital hall located in the Kuersteiner Building. The facility is used for faculty and student recitals, concerts, and lectures. The Ernst von Dohnanyi Recital Hall, located in the Housewright Music Building, is a 218-seat recital and lecture facility, while the 125-seat Lindsay Recital Hall, located in the Kuersteiner Building, is also used for recitals and lectures. Outdoor performances are scheduled during the fall and spring in the Owen F. Sellers Music Amphitheatre, while the 1,575-seat Ruby Diamond Auditorium provides an impressive environment for opera and major concert productions.
Music Library
The Warren D. Allen Music Library serves the students and faculty of the College of Music, as well as many users from other areas of the University. One of the major music libraries of the southeastern United States, the library provides a pleasant setting conducive to the efficient utilization of the extensive collection of over 145,000 scores, sound recordings, video cassettes, books, periodicals, and microforms. Housed in 18,000 square feet of space with comfortable furnishings and excellent sound equipment, the music library provides students with impressive resources and surroundings for the pursuit of their studies. A librarian and other library staff are on duty to assist students and faculty in their use of the library.
Opera Shops
Built in 197778, the Opera Scene Shop provides 6,000 square feet of construction space with some storage area. The building features a drafting office, elevated grid area for constructing wagons and assembling scenic flats or drops, complete hand and table tools, and a wooden "stage" area for painting drops. An opera production is built there each semester, as well as sets for opera scenes and opera majors' projects.
The Opera Costume Shop is located in the Kuersteiner Building. Costumes are constructed or alterations are made on rental costumes each semester. In addition, costumes are constructed for the 16th-century Madrigal Christmas Dinner and various opera workshop scene programs.
Organs
A 1975, 34-stop Holtkamp tracker (mechanical action) organ in Opperman Music Hall is used for recitals, concerts, and lessons. Practice organs include a 1976, 3-stop Holtkamp tracker; a 1973, 6-stop Wicks; a 1967, 4-stop Holtkamp; and a 1976, 4-stop portable continuo/chamber organ, also with mechanical action, by Holtkamp. A restored English chamber organ built by Hill and Davison in 183738 is available to organ students for practice and performance.
Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are available in most areas of study in the College of Music. Application forms for graduate assistantships are available from the graduate music office. The annual stipend varies from $3,000 to $6,000, depending upon the amount of service rendered, the nature of the service, and the qualifications of the student. Graduate assistants usually receive a waiver of a significant portion of both in- and out-of-state tuition.
Application Requirements
Applicants for graduate music degree programs will be admitted after careful consideration of their credentials. A bachelor's or master's degree in music from an accredited institution is generally considered a prerequisite for admission; in cases where the undergraduate degree is not in the same area planned for graduate study, the student must demonstrate a level of achievement fully equivalent to the bachelor of music degree in the graduate field concerned. In addition, applicants for master's degree programs must: 1) fulfill University-wide admission requirements; and 2) meet College of Music requirements for specific degree programs. These may include auditions, interviews, letters of recommendation, writing samples, or the submission of composition scores. Applicants for doctoral programs must also pass a diagnostic examination for admission to advanced study in the field concerned, usually during the first semester in residence.
Master of Arts Degree in Arts Administration
Offered to candidates in preparation for roles as leaders in designing, implementing, and managing arts activities. The requirements include seven to eight (78) semester hours in music core courses, fourteen (14) semester hours in arts administration core courses, eight to nine (89) semester hours in appropriate electives, and nine (9) semester hours in an arts administration internship in music.
Master of Music Performance
Voice, Organ, Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass, Harp, Guitar
Twelve (12) semester hours in applied music, including recital; two (2) semester hours in ensemble; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; six (6) semester hours in music history and music theory; and ten (10) semester hours in music and/or nonmusic electives.
Piano
Twelve (12) semester hours in applied music, including recital; four (4) semester hours in solo piano literature; two (2) semester hours in ensemble; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; six (6) semester hours in music history and music theory; and six (6) semester hours in music and/or non-music electives.
Accompanying
Eleven (11) semester hours in applied music, including recitals; two (2) semester hours in chamber music ensembles; two (2) semester hours in vocal or instrumental accompanying; four to six (46) semester hours in vocal or instrumental literature; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; six (6) semester hours in music history and music theory; and seven to nine (79) semester hours in music and/or non-music electives.
Piano Pedagogy
Twelve (12) semester hours in applied music, including recital, practicum, and a research project; six (6) semester hours in advanced piano pedagogy; four (4) semester hours in keyboard literature; two (2) semester hours in accompanying; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; six (6) semester hours in music history and theory; and two (2) semester hours in music electives.
Harpsichord
Twelve (12) semester hours in applied music, including recital; two (2) semester hours in ensemble; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; six (6) semester hours in music history and music theory; two (2) semester hours in early keyboard literature; and eight (8) semester hours in music and/or non-music electives (continuous playing and performance practice are recommended).
Woodwinds, Brasses, and Percussion
Twelve (12) semester hours in applied music, including recital; two (2) semester hours in ensemble; six (6) semester hours in wind pedagogy and wind literature; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; six (6) semester hours in music history and music theory; and four (4) semester hours in music or non-music electives.
Multiple Wind Instruments
A candidate for the master of music degree, with the approval of a committee of wind faculty, may elect the master of music program in multiple wind instruments. Minimum requirements include eight (8) semester hours in major instrument, two to four (24) semester hours in minor instruments (choice of two), four (4) semester hours in recitals, two (2) semester hours in ensemble, six (6) semester hours in wind pedagogy and wind literature, two (2) semester hours in music bibliography, six (6) semester hours in music history and music theory, and zero to two (02) semester hours in music or non-music electives.
Performance majors must place at the MV(B, K, P, S, V, or W) 54515456 level to be accepted into the program.
Off-campus or taped auditions qualifying for the MV 54515456 level must be reaffirmed by an on-campus audition.
Choral Conducting
Fifteen (15) semester hours in choral literature, advanced choral techniques, choral and orchestral conducting, and choral conducting project recital; three to five (35) semester hours of applied music; two (2) semester hours in ensemble; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography or appropriate substitute; six (6) semester hours in music history and music theory; and four (4) semester hours in music or non-music electives.
Instrumental Conducting
Eight to ten (810) semester hours in wind ensemble/band or orchestral conducting and recitals; six (6) semester hours in music literature; eleven (11) semester hours in music history and music theory; four (4) semester hours in applied music; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography or appropriate substitute; zero to two (02) semester hours in ensemble; and three to five (35) semester hours in music electives.
Jazz Studies
Twenty-one (21) semester hours in jazz studies, including jazz history, commercial music, contemporary media, jazz theory/arranging, jazz ensemble techniques, jazz improvisation, jazz ensembles, and jazz recital; three (3) semester hours in college teaching in higher education; four (4) semester hours in applied music; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; six (6) semester hours in music history and music theory; and two (2) semester hours in music and/or non-music electives.
Master of Music Theory
Twenty-one (21) semester hours in music theory, consisting of three (3) hours in readings in contemporary theory and analysis, six (6) hours in pedagogy of music theory, three (3) hours in history of music theory, three (3) hours in 16th-century counterpoint or fugue, three (3) hours of Schenkerian analysis, and three (3) hours of atonal analysis; five (5) semester hours in music history; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; six (6) semester hours in thesis; and three (3) semester hours in non-theory electives. Reading proficiency in German must be demonstrated by examination. The degree will be awarded upon completion of a written and oral comprehensive examination and defense of thesis.
Master of Music Composition
Six (6) semester hours in composition, three (3) semester hours in readings in contemporary theory and analysis; six (6) semester hours in pedagogy of music theory; six (6) semester hours in advanced theory courses; two (2) semester hours of music history; two (2) semester hours of applied music; six (6) semester hours in thesis; and three (3) semester hours in a music or nonmusic elective. The degree will be awarded upon completion of a 30-minute chamber recital of new works, a written and oral comprehensive examination, and defense of thesis.
Master of Musicology
The master of music degree in musicology has two emphases: historical musicology or ethnomusicology.
Historical Musicology
Two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; three (3) semester hours in introduction to historical musicology; three (3) semester hours in seminar in historical musicology; twelve (12) semester hours in world music cultures and music history period courses; three (3) semester hours in ensembles; three (3) semester hours in introduction to ethnomusicology; three (3) semester hours in music in the United States; three (3) semester hours in music theory; and six (6) semester hours in thesis.
Ethnomusicology
Three (3) semester hours in introduction to ethnomusicology; three (3) semester hours in seminar in ethnomusicology; three (3) semester hours in seminar in field and laboratory techniques in ethnomusicology; three (3) semester hours in music in the United States; three (3) semester hours in introduction to historical musicology; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; three (3) semester hours in an elective anthropology course (approved by the student's adviser); six (6) semester hours in thesis; three (3) semester hours in world music ensembles; and six to nine (69) semester hours in world music electives.
All musicology candidates will be required to develop a reading knowledge of German or French (or, for ethnomusicology only with the adviser's approval, a working knowledge in a language related to the candidate's thesis area).
Candidates must place at the MV(B, K, P, S, V, or W) 53515356 level in the applied music principal series.
Master of Opera Production
Coaching Emphasis
Nine (9) semester hours in applied music; two (2) semester hours in opera coaching; four (4) semester hours in opera literature; two (2) semester hours in vocal/instrumental accompanying; three (3) semester hours of an opera coaching project; two (2) semester hours of music bibliography; two (2) semester hours of advanced conducting; six (6) semester hours of music history and theory; and six (6) semester hours of electives.
Directing Emphasis
Fourteen (14) semester hours in opera courses, including opera production, opera directing, and seminar in opera literature; two (2) semester hours in applied music; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; six (6) semester hours in music history and music theory; nine (9) semester hours in music and non-music electives (suggested courses include theatre, dance, art, arts administration, business, or languages); and three (3) semester hours in an opera directing project.
Master of Music Therapy
The graduate degree in music therapy requires a minimum of eighteen (18) semester hours in music therapy and related courses in music and allows for cognate studies in fields such as psychology, sociology, criminology, and habilitative sciences. Programs are planned individually with each student, following examinations that assess training, experience, and career objectives.
The master of music degree in music therapy may be awarded upon completion of a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of approved graduate course work with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) and successful completion of a thesis and master's thesis defense.
The master of music degree in music therapy may be awarded, without a thesis, upon completion of a minimum of thirty-six (36) semester hours of approved graduate course work with an acceptable GPA and successful completion of graduate clinical practicum and master's comprehensive examination.
Master of Music Education
Sixteen (16) semester hours in music education, including seminar and thesis; six (6) semester hours in music theory and music history; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography or an appropriate substitute; two (2) semester hours in applied music; and six (6) semester hours in a non-music subject area.
A candidate for the master of music education degree, with the approval of the graduate music education committee, may elect a non-thesis plan which requires a minimum of thirty-six (36) semester hours of course work, including a three (3) hour directed individual study project under the direction of the major professor.
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Music Education
Offered to candidates who pursue the course of study with distinction and who show ability to do research and scholarly study.
Seventy (70) semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree (forty [40] semester hours beyond the master's degree) is the minimum requirement for graduation, excluding credit earned in dissertation. At least twenty (20) semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree must be in music education. Nine (9) semester hours each must be taken in two of the following areas: musicology, theory, education, psychology, composition, performance, or related fields.
The PhD degree in music education is also available with an emphasis in music therapy. That emphasis requires seventy (70) semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree (forty [40] semester hours beyond the master's degree) as the minimum requirement for graduation, excluding credit earned in dissertation. At least thirty (30) semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree must be in music therapy and music education. Nine (9) semester hours each must be taken in two of the following areas: musicology, composition, theory, computers in music, education, psychology, or related fields. In addition to general admission requirements, acceptance to the program is based on l) two years of experience beyond the master's degree as a certified/registered music therapist, and 2) a diagnostic examination assessing the applicant's ability for advanced work in the field.
Music with a Specialization in Music Theory
Offered to applicants who demonstrate superior musicianship and scholarship. In addition to the admission requirements, acceptance to the program is based on: l) a recognized bachelor of music degree or its equivalent, including two years of a foreign language; 2) the graduate music classification examination in music theory, music history, and applied music; and 3) a diagnostic examination which will further assess the applicant's qualifications for advanced work in the field.
A minimum of seventy (70) semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree (forty [40] semester hours beyond the master's degree), excluding credit earned in dissertation, is required. This will include six (6) semester hours in a doctoral seminar in music theory, three (3) semester hours in advanced Schenkerian analysis, three (3) semester hours in an advanced musicology or music education seminar, twenty-two (22) semester hours in music or non-music electives, and six (6) semester hours in a cognate field outside music. All requirements for the master of music degree in music theory are considered prerequisite to taking the doctoral diagnostic examination. Reading proficiency in a foreign language in addition to German must be demonstrated by examination. The degree will be awarded upon completion of a written and oral preliminary examination and defense of dissertation.
Music with a Specialization in Musicology
Offered to applicants who demonstrate superior musicianship and scholarship. Emphases in historical musicology or ethnomusicology may be pursued within the major.
A minimum of seventy (70) semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree (forty [40] semester hours beyond the master's degree), excluding credit earned in dissertation, is required. This will include twelve (12) semester hours in advanced seminar in musicology. All requirements for the master of music degree in musicology are considered prerequisite to taking the doctoral diagnostic examination. A reading knowledge of French and German, or other languages pertaining to the area of specialization, is required.
The Doctor of Education Degree
Music Education
Offered to candidates who pursue the course of study with distinction and show promise as outstanding administrators or master teachers of music.
Seventy (70) semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree (forty [40] semester hours beyond the master's degree) is the minimum requirement for graduation, excluding credit earned in dissertation. At least twenty (20) semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree must be in music education. Nine (9) semester hours each must be taken in two of the following areas: musicology, theory, education, psychology, composition, performance, or related fields.
The Doctor of Music Degree
Composition
Offered to candidates who have achieved distinction in composition and who demonstrate ability to do research and scholarly study.
A minimum of seventy (70) semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree (forty [40] semester hours beyond the master's degree), excluding credit earned in dissertation, is required. All requirements for the master of music degree in composition are considered prerequisite to taking the doctoral preliminary examination.
- Twelve (12) semester hours in composition; six (6) semester hours in writing skills (16th-century counterpoint and fugue); two (2) semester hours of conducting; and twenty (20) semester hours of electives are required.
- A public recital of chamber works and a reading or a performance of the dissertation (a major work) are required.
- The degree will be awarded upon completion of a written and oral preliminary examination and defense of dissertation. In exception to University-wide regulations, it is not mandatory to complete the preliminary examination or to file a prospectus six months prior to graduation.
Performance (piano, organ, guitar, voice, violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, or percussion): offered to candidates who have achieved distinction in public performance and who demonstrate ability to do research and scholarly study. At least seventy (70) semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree, forty (40) semester hours beyond the master's degree, is the minimum requirement, excluding a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hours credit earned in recitals and research treatise.
The following are concentrations under the Doctor of Music Degree in Performance. For all concentrations, a minimum of seventy (70) semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree (forty [40] semester hours beyond the master's degree), excluding credit earned for recitals and research treatise, is required.
Piano, Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass, or Guitar Majors
- Thirty (30) semester hours will be in the field of major concentration, including ensemble.
- Of the remaining forty (40) semester hours, one area of not fewer than eight (8) semester hours is required in music history or music theory/composition; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; and thirty (30) semester hours of electives, of which at least twenty-two (22) semester hours must be in music electives.
Piano Performance Majors (Accompanying/Chamber Music Emphasis)
- Thirty (30) semester hours will be in the field of major concentration, including techniques of coaching for chamber music, opera, and voice; continuo playing; harpsichord; and ensemble.
- Of the remaining forty (40) semester hours, one area of not fewer than eight (8) semester hours is required in music history or music theory/composition; two (2) hours in music bibliography; twelve (12) hours in vocal and chamber music literature; and eighteen (18) hours in electives, of which at least twelve (12) hours must be in music electives.
Voice Performance Majors (General Emphasis)
- Thirty (30) semester hours will be in the field of major concentration, including recital and repertoire coaching, and ensemble.
- Of the remaining forty (40) semester hours, one area of not fewer than eight (8) semester hours is required in music history or music theory/composition; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; and thirty (30) semester hours of electives, of which at least twenty-two (22) semester hours must be in music electives.
Voice Performance Majors (Opera Performance Emphasis)
- Thirty (30) semester hours will be in the field of major concentration, including opera workshop and opera coaching.
- Of the remaining forty (40) semester hours, one area of not fewer than eight (8) semester hours is required in music history or music theory/composition; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; and thirty (30) semester hours of electives, of which at least twenty-two (22) semester hours must be in music electives.
Voice Performance Majors (Pedagogy Emphasis)
- Thirty (30) semester hours will be in the field of major concentration, including applied voice, vocal pedagogy, and recital and repertoire coaching.
- Of the remaining forty (40) semester hours, one area of not fewer than eight (8) semester hours is required in music history or music theory/composition; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; three (3) semester hours of behavior modification; and twenty-seven (27) semester hours of electives, of which at least nineteen (19) semester hours must be in music electives.
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, or Percussion Majors
- Thirty (30) semester hours will be in the field of major concentration, including ensemble, and including not less than six (6) semester hours in wind and percussion pedagogy and wind and percussion literature.
- Of the remaining forty (40) semester hours, one area of not fewer than eight (8) semester hours is required in music history or music theory/composition; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; and thirty (30) semester hours of electives, of which at least twenty-two (22) semester hours must be in music electives.
Organ
- Thirty (30) semester hours will be in the field of major concentration, including ensemble, continuo playing, applied harpsichord, and literature/repertoire courses.
- Of the remaining forty (40) semester hours, eight (8) semester hours are required in music history, music theory, and/or composition; two (2) semester hours in music bibliography; and thirty (30) semester hours of electives, of which at least twenty-two (22) semester hours must be in music electives.
All Performance Majors
- Performance and research requirements consist of two one-hour public recitals, one studio recital or lecture/demonstration, one performance of operatic role (voice majors only), and three chamber works (on the same or different program). Students are also required to write a research treatise on a subject related to their major field. For voice performance majors with an opera emphasis, the requirements are one public recital, two major opera roles, and one lecture recital/project. Opera emphasis students should consult with their major professor regarding the treatise or non-treatise track. For voice performance majors with a pedagogy emphasis, the requirements are one public recital, one lecture recital, one chamber works recital, an extended research treatise on a subject related to pedagogy, advanced foreign language study, and an expanded comprehensive examination which includes voice teaching. For piano performance majors with an accompanying/chamber music emphasis, the requirements are two vocal accompanying recitals, two instrumental chamber music recitals, lecture recital, and the research treatise.
- The preliminary examination is administered under University-wide regulations, except it is not mandatory to complete this examination six months prior to graduation.
- The dissertation requirement is satisfied by registration for the recitals and the research treatise. The examination in defense of dissertation is satisfied by the examinations administered prior to recitals and by the defense of research treatise.

