Master of Music

Please review the individual concentration pages for information regarding cost. 

This program may be earned entirely online, entirely face-to-face, or anything in between.

Save money.

UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.

Details

• Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
• The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
• Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
• Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
• Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
• One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
• For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Bursar's Office website

There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.

General

Program Sheet for Music Education

Program Sheet for Performance

• MUSC-5850 - Applied Conducting

  Advanced lessons in choral or instrumental conducting; score reading and analysis; rehearsal techniques and ensemble development; problems in tempo, balance, style, and phrasing; mixed meters and other contemporary problems. Students have the opportunity to conduct ensembles.

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• MUSC-6083 - Research Methods and Materials

  A study of research materials, methods, procedures, and designs in music and music education, including research and data analysis techniques and the application of findings. Students have the opportunity to examine research topics that exploit their professional interests and goals. Includes a research project component.

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• MUSC-6110 - History and Philosophy of Music Education

  Philosophical and historical foundations of music education with concentration on trends, influences, developments, personalities, and materials in school music teaching in the United States.

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• MUSC-6120 - Factors of Musical Learning

  Philosophies, theories, principles, and concepts of learning and their implications for the teaching and learning processes in music education. The current status of learning theory as applied to music education will be evaluated.

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• MUSC-6184 - Seminar in Music Education

  Focus on important and timely topic in music education. May be repeated once witha change of subject matter. The student will: 1. Research a current trend in music education policy or practice. 2. Prepare a plan of action utilizing the research of the selected topic appropriate to the music education classroom. 3. Collaborate with peers to evaluate potential for effective practice in today’s classroom.

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• MUSC-6210 - Music History and Literature

  In-depth study of selected topics in music history and literature ranging from studies on specific style periods to studies of individual composers or genres.

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• MUSC-6220 - Music Theory

  In-depth study of musical elements (eg: pitch, duration, texture, timbre, form, and intensity) and their interaction with works of all styles. Includes visual and aural analytical studies on the music of various composers.

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• MUSC-6800 - Graduate Recital

  Preparation and presentation of a Graduate Recital. A Performance-major recital consists of 40-60 minutes of music; a Music Education-major recital consists of 20-40 minutes of music. Must be competed prior to the middle of the last quarter of applied study and performed before a public audience.

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• 
  John Bleuel, D.M.A.

  Professor of Music, Saxophone

  • 678-839-6274
  • jbleuel@westga.edu
  • Humanities Building 336

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• 
  Josh Byrd, D.M.A.

  Associate Professor of Music, Director of Bands

  • 678-839-6267
  • jbyrd@westga.edu
  • Humanities Building

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• 
  Carol Gingerich, Ed.D.C.T.

  Professor of Music, Piano, Piano Pedagogy

  • 678-839-6273
  • cginger@westga.edu
  • Humanities Building 335

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• 
  Elizabeth Kramer, Ph.D.

  Professor of Music History

  • 678-839-6270
  • ekramer@westga.edu
  • Humanities Building 333

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Guidelines for Admittance

• All graduate applicants must complete the online Grad Application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
• Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
• International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
• Official transcripts from a regionally or nationally accredited institution are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.

Program Specific Admittance Guidelines

In addition to meeting the university’s Admission requirements, the applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree in music or the equivalent. Applicants seeking to enroll in the Master of Music in Music Education program must hold an undergraduate degree in Music Education, or an Undergraduate degree in Music PLUS professional teacher certification in Music. The Master of Music in Music Education program is 100% online. Students may use approved campus-based classes as electives.

Once an applicant has met Regular standards for graduate admission, he/she will be required to meet all departmental admission requirements for a Master of Music degree program. Any graduate courses completed prior to Regular Admission may apply to a Master of Music degree program after a student has successfully met all departmental admission requirements. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can address the applicant’s academic, personal, and professional suitability for graduate-level work in Performance or Music Education, as appropriate, are required. Applicants for the Master of Music in Music Education program must also submit a written statement of 400-500 words. Possible topics may include goals in pursuing a graduate degree, personal philosophy of teaching, or experiences that have prepared you for an advanced degree.

All Persons who seek departmental admission to a Master of Music degree program must successfully complete the Graduate Music Qualifying Exam to be admitted and register for classes. In addition, all applicants for the Master of Music in Performance must successfully complete the Graduate Performance Evaluation (audition).

Graduate Music Qualifying Examination

The Graduate Music Qualifying Examination in music history and music theory is administered to determine whether the applicant meets competency standards for graduate study in music. Competencies are evaluated in:
• Music History
• Musical Styles (aural identification)
• Music Theory
• Aural Skills

The exam is taken at an approved, proctored testing site, either on the West Georgia campus or at a remote location. Testing fees are the responsibility of the candidate. A minimum score of 60% correct response on each section of the examination is required for passage. It may be taken a maximum of three times. 

Vocal Principals seeking the Master of Music degree in Performance are required to write an English translation of one short poem from song texts written in the original French, German, or Italian language. A text in one of the three languages must be translated. The applicant may use a hard copy foreign language dictionary when taking the examination.

Graduate Applied Performance Evaluation

An Applied Performance Evaluation is administered to determine if the applicant meets minimum performance standards for admission to the Master of Music in Performance program. Minimum standards are evaluated through the applicant’s presentation of a 20-30-minute entrance recital for the faculty, prior to the first term of enrollment. Applicants must provide their own accompanists.

Click here to learn more about the COAH Graduate Fellowship for Underrepresented Minority Students

Contact

Graduate Admissions
graduate@westga.edu
678-839-1393

Department of Music
khibbard@westga.edu
678-839-6261

Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School

Please see individual concentration pages for program objectives, which are specific to the option chosen.