Master of Music (M.M.) – Organ Performance
Entrance Requirements
- The undergraduate music degree (typically the Bachelor of Music degree) is a prerequisite except in extraordinary circumstances. Graduate entrance examinations will be administered according to previously stated policy.
- Prior to submitting a formal application, persons interested in the Master of Music in Organ Performance degree must communicate with the director of the program. A formal application to the MM in Organ Performance will include the following:
- Letter of Application.
- Current Curriculum Vitae.
- Personal Statement relating candidate's professional goals to the practice of organ performance (500-1000 words).
- Pre-screening Performance Video (does not need to be from an actual performance): video recording of A Prelude and Fugue by J.S. Bach; a major 19th/early 20th-century piece; a piece written after 1930. For the live audition: The same categories, but at least one of the pieces should be different. Other live audition requirements will be stipulated upon invitation to campus.
- Invitation to campus for audition, interview, and testing is based on an evaluation of the application materials. Testing consists of demonstration of keyboard proficiency, open score-reading, dictation, and sight-singing.
In addition to these application requirements for the degree program, a formal application to the University through Graduate Admissions is also necessary.
All graduate students entering the Master of Music in Organ Performance must take the Music Theory Placement Examination and the Music History Placement Examination.
| Program of Study: MM in Organ Performance |
Semester Hours |
| Sacred and Choral Music |
8 |
| MUS 584 Liturgical Music |
3 |
| MUS 746 Seminar in Sacred Music |
3 |
| MUS 483 Composing for the Liturgy |
2 |
| Applied Skills |
14 |
| MUPI 791 Private Organ Instruction (4 semesters) |
12 |
| MUS 647 Organ Improvisation |
2 |
| Music History |
3 |
| MUS 556 History of Sacred Music |
3 |
| Music Theory |
3 |
| MUS 712 Analytical Techniques II |
3 |
| Music Literature |
6 |
| MUS 516 Organ Literature I |
3 |
| MUS 516A Organ Literature II |
3 |
| Choral Studies |
4 |
| MUS 634 Choral Seminar |
3 |
| MUS 635 Repertory Chorus |
1 |
| Music Performance: MUS 507 Chamber Choir |
0 |
| Non-credit participation in CUA Chamber Choir is required each semester in residence. For this non-credit participation, the student should register for MUS 507A. |
|
| Comprehensive Examinations: MUS 698A w/classes; MUS 698B w/o classes (see below) |
0 |
| Recital: MUS 697A w/classes; MUS 697B w/o classes (see below) |
0 |
| Total |
38 |
Graduation Requirements
The student may schedule comprehensive examinations (MUS 698A w/ classes; MUS 698B w/o classes) following the advisor's written approval. The comprehensive examination format is composed of written and oral elements, the particular details of which are determined by the student’s academic advisor in consultation with the major teacher.
A one-hour public recital (MUS 697A w/classes; MUS 697B w/o classes) in the area of concentration is required.