Overview
The Master of Music in Music History & Literature is a comprehensive program encompassing a diverse range of subjects, including musicology, research methodologies, analysis and interdisciplinary studies. Through a balanced blend of coursework and independent research, you’ll develop a deep understanding of musical traditions, explore the intricacies of historical contexts and refine your analytical skills. Unleash your potential as you delve into courses and specialized seminars, culminating in a research thesis that showcases your expertise.
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Faculty and Staff
Our inspirational faculty and staff make sure students feel welcome and empowered to think outside the box and explore all possibilities of making art at UWM. Visit the Peck School of the Arts directory to meet these artists, explore their biographies and engage with recent work.
Scholarships and Aid
Financial constraints shouldn’t hinder your artistic dreams. Our comprehensive range of scholarships and aid programs is designed to empower and support artists like you.
Study Abroad
We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.
Admission Requirements
Graduate applicants must meet general Graduate School admission requirements in addition to specific program requirements found on the Peck School of the Arts apply page.
To learn more, request a remote audio or video appointment with the UWM Graduate School.
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines vary by program, please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars.
Admission
A student must submit 1-2 examples of written work (essays, research papers) as well as demonstrate a reading knowledge of a language other than English. Specific application procedures can be found on the Peck School of the Arts apply page.
Diagnostic examinations in music history and theory are required of all entering and transferring graduate students before their first semester of study at UWM. Exceptions will be granted in extenuating circumstances. In no case will students be allowed to proceed beyond the first year of study without having taken the exams. The exams assist faculty in determining whether the student may proceed with required graduate courses, or whether they first need to remove deficiencies.
While prospective students are not required to submit Graduate Record Examination scores, they are advised to take these tests before or early in their graduate work if they wish to be considered for a UWM Distinguished Graduate Student Fellowship or if they plan to continue their graduate work after completing a master’s degree at UWM.
Credits and Courses
- Undergraduate music course background must include adequate preparation in music theory demonstrated through satisfactory completion of the following or equivalent courses:
Course List Code Title Credits MUSIC 127 Materials of Theory I 2 MUSIC 128 Materials of Theory II 3 MUSIC 225 Materials of Theory III 3 MUSIC 123 Aural Theory I 1 MUSIC 124 Aural Theory II 1 MUSIC 226 Aural Theory III 1 MUSIC 421 Materials of Theory IV 3 - Preparation in music history and literature must be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a two-semester survey course in development of music from earliest times to the present plus one semester of more specialized music history.
Applicants exhibiting deficiencies in music history will be required to enroll in MUSIC 704, and those exhibiting deficiencies in music theory will be required to enroll in MUSIC 703; these courses must be passed with a minimum grade of “B” or better. Additionally, other areas of deficiency may require further review. Graduate Music History may count toward the degree as an elective. Credits earned in making up deficiencies in music theory do not count toward the degree. The following courses are recommended to fulfill the graduate theory elective requirement: MUSIC 680, MUSIC 731, MUSIC 744.
Minimum degree requirement is 30 graduate credits, 27 of which must be in specified music areas, 3 of which may be in one of the other areas or in a related field.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Requirements | ||
| MUSIC 450 | Introduction to Musicology | 3 |
| MUSIC 452 | Early Music Ensemble (1 credit each for two semesters) | 2 |
| MUSIC 710 | Graduate Studies in Music | 3 |
| MUSIC 711 | Graduate Seminar in Music History: | 3 |
| MUSIC XXX | Graduate Theory Elective | 3 |
| MUSIC 911 | Seminar In Musicology I | 3 |
| MUSIC 990 | Research of Thesis | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Music History | 6 | |
| Other Areas of Music | 1 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3-30 | |
3 credits of General Electives (UG or G) | ||
30 credits in Library Science if M.M./MLIS major | ||
| Total Credits | 30-57 | |
The program must also include:
- MUSIC 314G, if not previously completed.
- Reading knowledge of German, French or Italian (see below for specific details).
Additional Requirements
Comprehensive Examination
Comprehensive examinations in both music history and music theory are required following successful completion of the recital requirement.
Language Requirement
Candidates for the Master of Music degree with a concentration in Music History and Literature must demonstrate a reading knowledge of German, French, or Italian. The examiner, a member of the music history faculty, will choose several paragraphs totaling approximately 500 words taken from a suitable book or periodical article approved by the advisor, and dealing with a musical topic, and ask for a written translation. The candidate may use a dictionary. The results of the test will be communicated by the examiner to the Music History & Literature area head. Candidates failing the exam the first time may take it a second time, provided an appropriate interval has elapsed.
Thesis
The student must submit an acceptable thesis or thesis equivalent, which must be read and approved by both the student’s thesis advisor and a second reader belonging to the Graduate Faculty. Appropriate thesis equivalents may be:
- Two revised or expanded seminar papers totaling between 30 and 40 pages of text; or
- One revised or expanded seminar paper, plus one of the following:
- A comprehensive review essay of an edition or major musical monograph.
- A concentrated study of the life and work of a musician or musical scholar.
Time Limit
The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.
Lessons, Studio Class, Convocation
Music performance instruction on the primary instrument consists of three components each week: a private lesson with the studio instructor (scheduled independently), a studio class with other students on the instrument, and a department-wide recital on Friday (Convocation) with a rotating selection of student performers.
Students are required to participate in an approved performing organization in each semester in which the student is registered for music performance instruction in the major instrument.
Graduate Advising
Individual Peck School of the Arts graduate advisors are assigned upon admission. Your advisor will work closely with you during your time here. To connect with your graduate program representative, please visit the Graduate tab on the Peck School of the Arts apply page.
Music Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with this degree in Music will be able to:
- Recognize and distinguish music from all periods of European art music history, and from a variety of other world cultures and traditions, based on musical and stylistic features.
- Recognize assumptions, concepts, models, and various methods in musicological and ethnomusicological work and in their own thinking and will be able to choose the most appropriate analytical tools and concepts to examine specific music.
- Interpret, analyze, critique, and reflect on art music from different critical perspectives and aesthetic viewpoints.
- Express ideas about music in written form demonstrating a mastery of factual knowledge, bibliographic resources, analytical method, critical thinking, and the ability to construct a coherent and well-organized argument.
- Perform solo instrumental or vocal repertoire, chamber music, and large ensemble music in public, in a practical demonstration of their understanding of period or cultural aesthetic ideals.
- Apply pedagogical skills appropriate to their instrument/voice, choosing performance exercises that deal with technical issues found in the repertoire, and guiding beginning students in learning music.
Policies & Regulations
Please review the Graduate School policies and regulations and refer to each specific program for any additional items.