Please email us at musicgraduate@wesleyancollege.edu if you are interested in applying to this program.

Admissions Criteria (men and women):

1. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree in music from an institution of higher education accredited by an institutional accreditor, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4-point scale. Students from universities outside of the United States must demonstrate U.S. Bachelor’s Degree equivalency through Silny (www.jsilny.org/) or a comparable accreditation agency.
2. Students who have not majored in music in their undergraduate degree must take and pass a Music Theory and Music History Entrance Exam administered by the Wesleyan College Music Department.  
3. International students from countries where English is not the official language must have a minimum TOEFL iBT Score of 90, with no less than 20 on any single section, or IELTS of 6.5 with no less than 6 in each section, or minimum 90 on the DuoLingo English Test (https://englishtest.duolingo.com/). Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
4. Applicants are required to complete an application form online, supply a CV and personal statement, provide 2 letters of professional reference, and have an interview with the Program Director.
5. Auditions are required for candidates seeking a Performance Concentration (Voice, Organ, Piano, Collaborative Piano, Choral Conducting). The auditions may be live or via video, with a 15-minute minimum length--works presented may be in any style and should demonstrate a skill level that is comparable to an undergraduate music major for the chosen concentration. A portfolio of works is required for candidates seeking a Composition Concentration--works may be presented in any style or format.  
6. Final admission decisions are made by the Graduate Program Director, in consultation with the Music Department, and are binding. 
    

Graduation Requirements: 

Graduate candidates are required to maintain a 3.00 grade point average. MA candidates may earn a grade of “C” in no more than two courses in their graduate program. Any candidate who earns more than two "C" grade(s) or one "F" grade will be reviewed for continuance in the program and may be suspended or dismissed from the program. Additionally, students must pass an Oral Qualifying Exam administered by a committee of 3 faculty members (two of which should be full-time). Graduate degrees are conferred upon satisfactory completion of all requirements, as announced on the program academic calendar. 

MUS 500 Research Methods (2 hours)

Students will examine the nature and relevant methodologies of research in the 21st century, as they relate to the field of music. Traditional musical reference and research materials will be covered, along with more innovative and contemporary methodologies. 

MUS 510 Analytical Techniques (3 hours)

This course covers advanced harmonic and structural analyses in various periods of Western music, from antiquity to the contemporary era. Emphasis will be placed upon analysis as a tool to lead to more insightful, informed, and effective practices in performance and/or teaching.

MUS 520: Technology and Video for Musicians (3 hours)

Literacy in video and technology is increasingly becoming a ubiquitous skill in every industry of modern society, and Music is no exception. This course teaches students to use various general and music-specific technologies and apply them to performance and teaching. Students will also learn the intricate processes involved in capturing, editing, and producing effective videos. 

MUP 540 Collaborative Musicianship (1 hour)

Under the guidance of faculty, students will learn to collaborate with others in a musical setting and present a final product or performance of their collaborations. Students may choose an in-person or online option for this course. To that end, students will have the opportunity to design a custom project based on active musical collaboration with others. 

MUS 600 Music Pedagogy Seminar (3 hours)

Students will examine the nature and relevant methodologies of teaching and learning in the 21st century, as they relate to the field of music. Traditional teaching materials, method books and supplemental materials will be covered, along with more innovative and contemporary methodologies. Emphasis on observation and evaluation of live teaching done by students will be an important component. Content will be tailored to each student’s concentration.

MUS 610: Philosophy of Music (3 hours)

In this course, students will explore several key existential questions related to Music: What is it? Why does it exist? Why does it matter? Students will discuss how humans function and interact with music, and address the value of music as it relates to various historical contexts and stylistic genres.  

MUP 501, 502, 601, Applied Lessons in Primary Instrument, Composition or Conducting (1 hour)

In this course, students will have intensive, one-on-one meetings with faculty to explore advanced artistic and technical topics through a wide range of repertoire. Students may choose an in-person or online option for this course. In collaboration with faculty, students will have the opportunity to design custom learning goals and present a final product or performance of their efforts at the end of the course. 

MUS 620 Advanced Literature Seminar (3 hours)

In the course, students will explore and examine significant works of music literature relevant to their chosen concentration. In addition to a survey of standard repertoire, innovative styles and genres may also be covered. Students will learn to discuss and evaluate literature and repertoire for teaching and performance purposes. Content may vary according to the performance area studied. 

MUS 630: Practicum/Internship (1 hour)

This course will give students an opportunity to explore professional and real-life training in a music-related field outside of academic coursework. Under the guidance of faculty, students will be able to select appropriate experience(s) or projects to fulfill this requirement and participate in active reflection during and after the experience.  

MUP 640: Master’s Thesis/Recital- (3 hours)

This course represents the culminating, capstone project in the M.A. program. Students will prepare and present their work in a final performance or product. As part of the project, students will be expected to integrate and demonstrate advanced musical, artistic, and/or technical skills that they have learned as part of the program.  

Program Costs:

• $650 per credit hour. 32 credit hour program over 14 months. Textbooks included. 

Please contact us for more information about our graduate programs: musicgraduate@wesleyancollege.edu

Additional specific costs may be considered as an adjacent to cost of attendance, for more information contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@wesleyancollege.edu or (478) 757-5205.