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PURPOSE
The Master of Arts in Music degree will allow talented musicians who have completed an undergraduate degree in music to pursue intensive graduate studies in performance. The Master of Arts in Music degree is offered with applied concentrations in piano, organ, voice, contemporary pop music, orchestral instruments, composition, conducting, church music, and contemporary Christian music.
OBJECTIVES
Graduates of the Master of Arts in the Music program will demonstrate the following:
ADMISSIONS
Admission for graduate studies in the School of Music is contingent upon formal application and an audition in a performance area (piano, organ, voice, contemporary pop music, orchestral instruments, conducting, church music, or contemporary Christian music). The graduate studies program requires that all applicants have a Bachelor’s degree in Music. Before acceptance to the graduate music degree program, the applicant must complete an application to the School of Music, present an audition in their principal area of concentration, and demonstrate a musical background sufficient to understand advanced musicianship studies. In addition, interviews are required of church music majors. School of Music faculty conducts auditions and interviews. Applicants may schedule auditions and interviews by contacting the office of the School of Music.
AUDITIONS
- Piano
The audition requires performing three memorized pieces from three contrasting stylistic periods. - Organ
The audition requires the performance of a major work by J. S. Bach and a romantic or a modern composition of the student’s choice. - Voice
The audition requires the performance of four songs from memory, one in the following languages: French, German, English, and Italian. - Instruments
The audition requires the performance of at least two compositions of contrasting styles drawn from the standard solo repertoire of the student’s selected instrument.
Composition: Applicants must submit scores and recordings of a recital from their B.A. in Composition to the Dean of the School of Music.
Conducting: Applicants must submit concert programs and an audio/video recording of at least thirty minutes of music that provide examples of the applicant’s conducting ability. The applicant will be asked to rehearse and conduct a university chorus or orchestra. Following the conducting audition, applicants will be interviewed by the admissions committee. The interview will include questions concerning the literature rehearsed, rehearsal techniques, repertoire, and personal goals.
Contemporary pop Music: Applicant will perform three pieces from one or more contemporary musical genres such as pop, rock, R&B, folk, gospel, country, etc. The pieces should be in contrasting styles.
Church Music: Applicants must complete an audition on their primary instrument. The applicants will perform three pieces in contrasting styles.
Contemporary Christian Music: Applicants must prepare three pieces that display their strengths as a musician. These may be in any style that demonstrates instrumental proficiency and overall musicianship. The pieces might be contemporary Christian music, a tune from a famous artist or band, a jazz standard, or a composition from the classical repertoire.
DIAGNOSTIC EXAMINATIONS
The applicant will be required to take diagnostic examinations in functional keyboard skills and music theory at the audition. The results of these two examinations will be factors in considering admission to the program. One week before the applicant’s first semester of study, the applicant will take a music history diagnostic examination covering the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth Century periods. The test results will be used for advisement and may require remediation.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the Master of Arts in a Music degree program, a graduate student must achieve a grade point average of at least 3.0. Successful completion of a graduate course requires a grade of “B” or higher.
University Core
GCU requires all non-theology major students (BABM, BAM, MBA & MAM) to be equipped with basic Biblical understanding and Christian worldviews. MAM students take two University Core courses (6 credits) during their study. Music majors may choose two of the following courses:- OT501 The Introduction to the Old Testament
- NT501 The Introduction to the New Testament
- TH501 Systematic Theology I
- CH501 History of Christianity
Requirement for Graduation
To qualify for the MAMUS degree, a student must complete the required course work, give a successful recital in the student’s area of concentration, and complete comprehensive oral examinations coordinated by the director of graduate studies and evaluated by a three-person faculty committee. All students must complete 48 credits, including University Core plus WS501 Institutional Requirement.Institutional Requirement
GCU requires all students to attend WS501 Institutional Requirement (chapel) every semester through graduation. Students will receive a Pass/Fail grade on Institutional Requirements.CURRICULUM
There are eight majors in the Master of Arts in a Music degree program:
- Keyboard (Piano or Organ)
- Voice
- Contemporary pop Music
- Composition
- Conducting
- Church Music
- Contemporary Christian Music
- Orchestral Instruments
KEYBOARD (PIANO OR ORGAN) MAJOR
| Performance (21 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS601 A/D Applied Music | (3 x 4) 12 |
| MUS614 Accompanying (Piano Major) | 3 |
| MUS615 Service Playing (Organ Major) | 3 |
| MUS500 Recital I | 3 |
| MUS600 Recital II | 3 |
| Total 21 |
| Music Theory Requirements (9 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS621 Advanced Theory | 3 |
| MUS622 Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS623 Counterpoint I | 3 |
| MUS624 Counterpoint II | 3 |
| MUS625 Analysis of Post-Romantic Music | 3 |
| MUS626 Orchestration and Music Technology | 3 |
| Total 9 |
| Music History and Literature Requirements (6 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS631 Music History I | 3 |
| MUS632 Music History II | 3 |
| OR | |
| MUS633 Music History III | 3 |
| MUS634 Music History IV | 3 |
| Total 6 |
| Special Topics (Choose 4 courses, 12 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS641 Piano Literature | 3 |
| MUS642 Organ Literature | 3 |
| MUS644 Choral Literature | 3 |
| MUS651 Worship and Music | 3 |
| MUS611 Piano Pedagogy (Piano Major) | 3 |
| MUS612 Organ Pedagogy (Organ Major) | 3 |
| Total 12 |
Additional Requirement:Oral Examination
VOICE MAJOR
| Performance Requirements (Choose 6 courses, 18 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS601 C Applied Music | (3 x 4) 12 |
| MUS500 Recital I | 3 |
| MUS600 Recital II | 3 |
| Total 18 |
| Music Theory Requirements (Choose 3 courses, 9 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS621 Advanced Theory | 3 |
| MUS622 Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS623 Counterpoint I | 3 |
| MUS624 Counterpoint II | 3 |
| MUS625 Analysis of Post-Romantic Music | 3 |
| MUS626 Orchestration and Music Technology | 3 |
| Total 9 |
| Music History and Literature Requirements (6 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS631 Music History I | 3 |
| MUS632 Music History II | 3 |
| OR | |
| MUS633 Music History III | 3 |
| MUS634 Music History IV | 3 |
| Total 6 |
| Special Topics (Choose 4 courses, 12 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS602 Class Piano (may be taken up to 3 times for credit) | 2 |
| MUS641 Piano Literature | 3 |
| MUS643 Vocal Literature | 3 |
| MUS644 Choral Literature | 3 |
| MUS645 Orchestral Literature | 3 |
| MUS651 Music and Worship | 3 |
| Total 12 |
Additional Requirements – Oral Examination
Composition majors must also
- Write and present a paper with musical excerpts (suggested paper length of 20 pages)
- Compose and perform at least one original piece per semester in consultation with and as directed by their instructors.
ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS (STRINGS, WOODWINDS, AND BRASS) MAJOR
| Performance and Major Requirements (18 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS601-F/G Applied Music | (3 x 4) 12 |
| MUS500 Recital I | 3 |
| MUS600 Recital II | 3 |
| Total 18 |
| Music Theory Requirements (Choose 3 courses, 9 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS621 Advanced Theory | 3 |
| MUS622 Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS623 Counterpoint I | 3 |
| MUS624 Counterpoint II | 3 |
| MUS625 Analysis of Post-Romantic Music | 3 |
| MUS626 Orchestration and Music Technology | 3 |
| Total 9 |
| Music History and Literature Requirements (6 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS631 Music History I | 3 |
| MUS632 Music History II | 3 |
| OR | |
| MUS633 Music History III | 3 |
| MUS634 Music History IV | 3 |
| Special Topics (Choose 5 courses, 15 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS602 Class Piano (may be taken up to 3 times for credit) | 3 |
| MUS641 Piano Literature | 3 |
| MUS643 Vocal Literature | 3 |
| MUS644 Choral Literature | 3 |
| MUS645 Orchestral Literature | 3 |
| MUS651 Worship and Music | 3 |
| Total 15 |
Additional Requirement – Oral Examination
CHURCH MUSIC MAJOR
| Performance Requirements (12 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS601- A/B/C/D/E/F/G Applied Music | (3 x 3) 9 |
| MUS500 Recital I | 3 |
| Total 12 |
| Church Music Requirements (9 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS651 Worship and Music | 3 |
| MUS652 Church Music Seminar | 3 |
| MUS653 Hymnology | 3 |
| Total 9 |
| Music Theory Requirements (Choose 2 courses, 6 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS621 Advanced Theory | 3 |
| MUS622 Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS623 Counterpoint I | 3 |
| MUS624 Counterpoint II | 3 |
| MUS625 Analysis of Post-Romantic Music | 3 |
| MUS626 Orchestration and Music Technology | 3 |
| Total 6 |
| Music History and Literature Requirements (6 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS631 Music History I | 3 |
| MUS632 Music History II | 3 |
| MUS633 Music History III | 3 |
| MUS634 Music History IV | 3 |
| Total 6 |
| Special Topics (choose 5 courses, 15 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS602 Class Piano (for non-keyboard majors; may be taken up to 3 times for credit) | 3 |
| MUS641 Piano Literature | 3 |
| MUS643 Vocal Literature | 3 |
| MUS644 Choral Literature | 3 |
| MUS645 Orchestral Literature | 3 |
| MUS651 Worship and Music | 3 |
| Total 15 |
Additional Requirement – Oral Examination
CONTEMPORARY MUSIC/CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC MAJOR
| Performance Requirements (All Required, 18 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS607 Contemporary Music Private Lesson | (3x4) 12 |
| MUS606 Contemporary Christian Music Private Lesson | (3x4) 12 |
| MUS505 Yearly Concert | 3 |
| MUS605 Yearly Concert II | 3 |
| Total 18 |
| Music Theory Requirements (Choose 3 courses, 9 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS621 Advanced Theory | 3 |
| MUS622 Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS625 Analysis of Post-Romantic Music | 3 |
| MUS626 Orchestration and Music Technology | 3 |
| MUS627 Advanced Jazz Harmony | 3 |
| Total 9 |
| Music History Requirements (Choose 2 courses, 6 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS631 Music History I | 3 |
| MUS632 Music History II | 3 |
| MUS633 Music History III | 3 |
| MUS634 Music History IV | 3 |
| Total 6 |
| Special Topics (Choose 5 courses, 15 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS602 Class Piano (for non-keyboard majors) | 3 |
| MUS521 Computer Music Application-Sibelius I | 3 |
| MUS522 Computer Music Application-Sibelius II | 3 |
| MUS523 Computer Music Application-Apple Logic I | 3 |
| MUS524 Computer Music Application-Apple Logic II | 3 |
| MUS651 Worship and Music | 3 |
| MUS652 Church Music Seminar | 3 |
| MUS531 Studio Recording | 3 |
| MUS532 Arrangement | 3 |
| MUS533 Directing & Conducting | 3 |
| MUS571 Songwriting | 3 |
| Total 15 |
Additional Requirement - Oral Examination
SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCING
Students are required to participate with an advisor in planning the course of study and selecting courses each semester to meet the program and curriculum requirements and the needs of the individual’s goals. The following suggested course sequencing is recommended semester courses over eight semesters to meet the program requirements and complete the program within eight semesters of full-time enrollment. An individual student’s course plan may differ if, in consultation with the advisor, alternate courses are selected to complete the program requirements, and approved for the curriculum as documented in this Catalog.
| First Semester (12 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS601-A/B/C/D/E/F/G Applied Music | 3 |
| MUS621 Advanced Music Theory | 3 |
| MUS631 Music History I | 3 |
| OR | |
| MUS633 Music History III | 3 |
| Elective Course | 3 |
| Total 12 |
| Second Semester (14 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS500 Recital I | 3 |
| MUS601-A/B/C/D/E/F/G Applied Music | 3 |
| MUS622 Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS632 Music History II | 3 |
| Or | |
| MUS634 Music History IV | 3 |
| Elective Course | 3 |
| Total 14 |
| Third Semester (12 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS601-A/B/C/D/E/F/G Applied Music | 3 |
| MUS623 Counterpoint I | 3 |
| MUS703 Techniques and Materials (for composition/conducting majors) | 3 |
| Elective Course | 3 |
| Total 12 |
| Fourth Semester (12 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS600 Recital II | 3 |
| MUS601-A/B/C/D/E/F/G Applied Music | 3 |
| MUS624 Counterpoint II | 3 |
| Elective Course | 3 |
| Total 12 |
| Music Electives | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MUS511 Choral Conducting | 3 |
| MUS521 Computer Music Application-Sibelius I | 3 |
| MUS522 Computer Music Application-Sibelius II | 3 |
| MUS523 Computer Music Application-Apple Logic I | 3 |
| MUS524 Computer Music Application-Apple Logic II | 3 |
| MUS531 Studio Recording? | 3 |
| MUS532 Arrangement | 3 |
| MUS533 Directing & Conducting | 3 |
| MUS571 Songwriting | 3 |
| MUS602 Class Piano (for non-keyboard majors) | 3 |
| MUS611 Piano Pedagogy | 3 |
| MUS611 Choral Conducting | 3 |
| MUS612 Organ Pedagogy | 3 |
| MUS613 Vocal Pedagogy | 3 |
| MUS614 Accompanying | 3 |
| MUS615 Service Playing | 3 |
| MUS625 Analysis of Post-Romantic Music | 3 |
| MUS626 Orchestration and Music Technology | 3 |
| US641 Piano Literature | 3 |
| MUS642 Organ Literature | 3 |
| MUS643 Vocal Literature | 3 |
| MUS644 Choral Literature | 3 |
| MUS645 Orchestral Literature | 3 |
| MUS646 Church Music Literature | 3 |
| MUS651 Worship and Music | 3 |
| MUS652 Church Music Seminar | 3 |
| +MUS653 Hymnology | 3 |
| MUS661 Opera Workshop | 3 |
| MUS662 Diction for Singers | 3 |