2026-2027 Course Catalog

Source: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/faa/music-mmus/performance-literature/ Parent: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Performance and Literature Concentration

The School of Music has been an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1933.

Students must choose a concentration:

Admission

For all degree programs, consult the admission requirements stated on the School of Music’s website. Admission is only available in the fall.

Requirements for admission to the Master of Music (MM) programs are a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or an equivalent degree from another accredited institution. Students holding other degrees may be admitted but will be expected to make up for any deficiencies and fulfill all requirements for the graduate degree.

Applicants to instrumental conducting (wind band or orchestra) must pass a qualifying audition for their major area or submit satisfactory recordings.

The School of Music requires all new MM students to complete entrance examinations in music theory and musicianship. These exams take place the week before the fall term begins.

Applicants to the MM whose native language is not English must present an iBT score of 90 for the Master of Music (MM). A TOEFL iBT score of 103 or higher is required for full-status admission to the University of Illinois Graduate College and School of Music. Please see the full English proficiency requirements.

Graduate Teaching Experience

Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an essential part of the graduate experience.

Financial Aid

Fellowships, teaching, graduate, and research assistantships are awarded on a one-year basis, with continuation dependent upon success in the program. Specific information on application procedures is available from the Music Admissions Office, by phone (217) 244-7899, or by email.

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Performance and Literature Concentration

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | 500 level Applied Music Major (MUSC) | | 8-12 | | MUSC 501- MUSC 542 | | | | Credit option determined in consultation with academic advisor. | | | | Music literature course in the major applied area (select appropriate course for your area of study from) | | 4 | | MUS 557 | Piano Literature | | | MUS 558 | Vocal Literature | | | MUS 559 | Organ Literature | | | MUS 560 | String Instrument Literature | | | MUS 561 | Wind Instrument Literature | | | MUS 562 | Percussion Instruments Lit | | | Supporting Studies in Music | | 10 | | MUS 528 | Res & Bibliography in Music (2 cr, select section A) | | | Select courses (8 cr) from musicology, pedagogy, performance practice, and theory in consultation with your academic advisor. For a list of approved courses, please see the Handbook for Graduate Students in Music. | | | | Electives selected in consultation with the student's advisor. | | 6-10 | | Applied teacher may require an additional four credits of literature (MUS 557 - MUS 562) as part of electives. Consult with your applied teacher. | | | | Ensembles. Students pursuing this concentration whose primary instruments are woodwinds, brass, percussion, or strings will be enrolled in an approved ensemble for every semester of full-time study. Students seeking exemption from the requirement must petition the Performance Studies and Activities Committee following two semesters of ensemble membership. Requests for exemption should be made within the first six weeks of the semester prior to the term for which the exemption is being requested. Only 4 credits of ensemble may be counted towards the degree. | | | | Graduate Recital | | 0 | | MUSC 500 | Graduate Recital | | | Master's Comprehensive Examination | | |

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Concentration requirements as listed in table above. | | | | Total Hours | | 32 |

Other Requirements

Grad Other Degree Requirements

Requirement	Description
Other requirements may overlap
Concentration required	Yes
Minimum 500-level hours required overall:	12
Minimum GPA:	3.0

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Performance and Literature Concentration

Students in the Master of Music program, with concentrations in Performance and Literature or Vocal Coaching and Accompanying will:

Develop performance skills at a high professional level, using creative and critical thinking to inform stylistic choices and artistic expression while demonstrating spontaneity and collaboration as appropriate, and will communicate their artistry to diverse audiences.
Exhibit an ability to summarize, synthesize, and discuss disciplinary content(including pedagogical material)in relation to their major area of study, and to communicate their findings, using appropriate academic conventions, in written or oral form.
Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate methods for library-based musical research and scholarly writing, and a facility in handling print and technology sources.
Pursue specialized studies, to develop expertise and an ability to synthesize knowledge in areas of interest that enhance their required curriculum and/or professional goals.
In addition, some Illinois MM students will develop experience and expertise in instruction, pedagogy, and student assessment in one or more areas of musical study, gaining insights into studio and/or classroom teaching and appropriate methods of evaluation.

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Performance and Literature Concentration

School of Music

Director of School: Dr. Linda Moorhouse\ Associate Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Reynold Tharp\ Program Contact: Jenny Phillips\ School of Music website\ School of Music faculty\ 2040 Music Building, 1114 West Nevada Street, Urbana, IL 61801\ (217) 333-3459

College of Fine & Applied Arts

FAA College website

Admissions

Overview of School of Music Admissions & Requirements\ musicadmissions@illinois.edu\ (217) 244-7899\ Graduate College Admissions