Music, M.M.

Dr. Matthew Russell, Program Co-Coordinator for Music Education
(757) 823-9199
Dr. Anne Neikirk, Program Co-Coordinator for Music Theory/Composition and Performance
(757) 823-9112
 

Purpose and Objectives

The main purpose of the Master of Music program is to enable its graduates to perform at levels of competence and responsibility equal to the technical and artistic demands of specialist or leadership roles as they are defined within the professional discipline. Specific objectives for each sequence are as follows:

Music Education - to explore, through research and practice, pedagogical and performance techniques applicable to leadership roles in a variety of instructional settings.  The music education sequence is currently not accepting new students for the 2024- 2025 academic year and will resume accepting applications for admission for the fall 2025 term.

Performance - to develop interpretive and technical skills in applied music through selected concert literature of advanced complexity as appropriate to the medium and required by professional standards of performance.

Music Theory/Composition - to develop the facility for applying the science of musical structure and analysis to the creative act, and to advance and refine skills in critical analysis of available or self- created works.

The Student

A student in the Master of Music degree program must consult with the Music Division Graduate Program Coordinator or advisor upon entry, and periodically thereafter, to ensure that he/she is working consistently and accurately toward specific curricular goals within the required time limits. Before enrollment in the analytical techniques and music history courses, the student must take a diagnostic examinations in both areas.  

Specifically, the student must do the following:

1. Select one of the three sequences.
2. Complete all required and elective coursework as specified by the selected sequence.
3. Select a terminal option.

The Music Faculty

The music faculty is highly qualified and competent to teach in their respective areas and the program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).   

Further, to ensure that the specific needs of graduate students are met, the Music Faculty and Division Chair select a Graduate Program Coordinator to be responsible for all matters pertaining to the Graduate School in the Music Division. The coordinator works closely with the Division Chair, the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts as well as with the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research to discuss, examine, and develop new strategies and initiatives to ensure that the program remains current.

Admissions

Requirements

Degree Status

Admission criteria to the Master of Music program are in accordance with the Graduate Council of Norfolk State University and the Admissions Committee of the Music Division. The criteria for admission to regular status are as follows:

1. A baccalaureate degree in music from an accredited college or university. A foreign student should possess equivalent credentials.
2. A minimum overall undergraduate grade point average (G.P.A.) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
3. One written letter of recommendation from a person of professional status that is familiar with the applicant's background and prior performance in academic and/or musical activities (faculty and/or employers).

A complete application file will include the following:

1. Online application to the Norfolk State University Master of Music program.
2. Non-refundable application fee (must be paid online to submit application).
3. One written letter of recommendation submitted electronically.
4. A complete and official transcript from each college and/or university attended.
5. Personal statement of professional interest and goals. The personal statement is an important part of the application for admission and should be carefully prepared and submitted electronically.
6. For Theory/Composition applicants only: a portfolio of three original works. See below. 

Note: All application materials should be received by November 1st for consideration for the spring semester and May 1st for fall semester.

Non-Degree Status

Non-degree status is reserved for

1. applicants who meet all requirements for regular admission, but who do not seek to take courses leading to a degree, and
2. applicants who meet all the general requirements for admission, but whose overall undergraduate academic average falls below the required 2.5 grade point average.

A person with a baccalaureate degree may be granted permission to take particular courses without pursuing a graduate degree. The courses may be taken on a credit or non-credit basis. If the applicant chooses to apply for the Master of Music program and is accepted, a maximum of six (6) hours with a 3.00 average or above taken by the student may be applied toward degree requirements.

Upon completing nine hours of core courses in the Master of Music curriculum at Norfolk State University with a 3.00 average or above, the student may petition for a change from non-degree to degree status.

Candidates for admission may be requested to attend a personal interview. If desired, an applicant may also request an interview. Persons seeking additional information or forms should call or write to

Admission Committee Chair Master of Music Program
Norfolk State University
700 Park Avenue
Norfolk, Virginia 23504
Phone: (757) 823-9112

Transfer of Credit

A maximum of twelve credit hours may be approved by the Admissions Committee as transfer credit from another institution if the work represents courses comparable to those offered in the Master of Music curriculum in which the student has earned either "A" or "B" grades. No work completed at another institution more than five years prior to the student's registration at Norfolk State University can be transferred to this program. Decisions regarding transfer of credit will be made by the Admissions Committee.

Diagnostic Examinations and Auditions

As a part of admission to degree status, full-time and part-time applicants will be required to take diagnostic examinations in music history and in theory. These examinations are given for placement purposes and normally do not constitute a basis for actual admission. If the student is deficient in certain areas, additional work will be required. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to require a student to take one or more undergraduate or review courses, if needed.

An audition of twenty minutes duration is required on the student’s principal instrument. Applicants should prepare their auditions according to the following guidelines:

Music Education/Performance Majors

Piano

Three contrasting works from different periods: one Baroque, one Classical, and one from the 19th, 20th, or 21st Century. Sight reading may also be required. 

Organ

Three or four works drawn from the Baroque period and the 19th-21st centuries. A typical program might consist of a trio sonata movement or a prelude or fugue by Bach, a sonata by Mendelssohn or a comparable work by Franck, and a representative work by Hindemith, Dupre, or Messiaen.

Voice

An Italian aria from an opera or oratorio, a French Art Song, a German Lied and a work in English should be performed. All works should be performed in the original language.

Guitar

Works including a major Baroque or twentieth century piece, such as, but not limited to, any lute or cello suite by J. S. Bach, the lute suites of S. Weiss, the Partitia by Stephen Dodgson, the Theme and Variations or Sonatina by Lennox Berkley, the Variations sur “Solia De Espana” et Fugue by Manuel M. Ponce, or the Nocturnal, by Benjamin Britten.

Woodwind/Brasswind

Perform musically and fluently three compositions from the various style periods. A brief listing of representative works and technical requirements for each wind instrument may be obtained from the Music Department office.

Percussion

A high degree of snare techniques should be demonstrated through such works as Wilcoxon’s Swing Solo, Cirone’s Portraits in Rhythm, or any excerpt from the standard symphonic literature. Mallet percussion technique should be shown by the performance of all major and minor scales and such works as Creston’s Concerto for Marimba or Goldenberg Etude. The timpani part of a Beethoven symphony should also be played.

Theory-Composition Majors

Submission of three contrasting compositions from various media/instrumentation with at least one of the works for an ensemble of four or more instruments and/or voices. The portfolio must include PDF files of the notated score and mp3 recordings of the works. MIDI playback is acceptable if there is no live or studio performance recording available. Works for electronics with no notated score are also acceptable. 

Candidacy

A student in the Master of Music program may petition the Department Graduate Committee for candidacy upon

1. the successful completion of fifteen credit hours, including the core courses, and
2. the attainment of a 3.0 grade point average or above.

The decision of the Committee will be forwarded to the student and to the Graduate School

Re-admission

Re-admission to the program is not automatic. After an absence of a semester or longer, a former student must apply for re-admission to the program and follow the regular admission procedure. In lieu of the re-admission process, a student may maintain his/her matriculation status while he/she is not registered for classes by filing a "continuous matriculation" form and paying the appropriate fee. 

Grading System

The grade will indicate a student’s level of achievement as follows:

Grading

Grade	Grade Points	Interpretation
A		Excellent
A-		Excellent
B+		Good
B		Satisfactory
B-		Average
C		Below Average
F		Failure
I		Incomplete

Students should consult the Graduate Catalog for complete policies regarding the University grading system, minimum grade requirements, withdrawal from courses, auditing courses, withdrawal from the University, residence requirements, continuous registration, thesis, and time limit. The MM program considers a B- or higher to be passing, with the allowance of no more than two grades of a C on the transcript. 

Music Education Concentration

Graduation Requirements

Summary of Graduation Requirements

Subject Area	Credits
Core Courses	11
Concentration and Elective Courses	19
Terminal Option	6
Total Credit Hours	36

Each degree concentration requires a total of 36 credit hours.  They share 11 credits of Core Courses and 6 Terminal credits.  The other 19 credits include emphasis area courses and electives, which are different for each area of concentration.

Core courses

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MUS XXX	Ensemble (MUS 510)	1
MUS XXX	Ensemble (MUS 511)	1
MUS 540	Analytical Techniques I	3
MUS 541	Analytical Techniques II	3
MUS 590	Introduction to Music Research	3

Concentration and Elective Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
CONCENTRATION COURSES		6
Emphasis Area Requirements
Applied Musicianship
MUS XXX	Private Lessons (MUS 521)	2
MUS XXX	Private Lessons (MUS 522)	2
Select one elective from the list below:		2
Keyboard
MUS 623	Organ Literature	2
MUS 624	Organ Improvisation and Service Playing	2
MUS 628	Piano Literature	2
MUS 527	Piano Pedagogy	2
Instrumental
MUS 651	Band Management	2
MUS 685	Teaching Practicum in Brasswinds	2
MUS 686	Teaching Practicum in Woodwinds	2
MUS 687	Teaching Practicum in Strings	2
MUS 688	Teaching Practicum in Percussion	2
Voice
MUS 520	Voice Pedagogy	2
MUS 629	Graduate Diction and Vocal Literature	3
MUS 650	Choral Techniques	3
Students in all emphasis areas may also choose one of the following as an elective course
MUS 550	Advanced Choral Conducting	2
MUS 551	Advanced Instrumental Conducting	2
MUS 620	Seminar in Performance and Repertoire	2
Music Education Requirements
MUS 680	History and Philosophy of Music Education	3
MUS 681	Current Trends in Music Education	3
MUS 682	Administration and Supervision in Music Education	3
Music History Electives
Select two of the following:		4
MUS 531	Music of the Renaissance Era	2
MUS 532	Music of the Baroque Era	2
MUS 533	Music of the Classical Era	2
MUS 534	Music of the 19th Century	2
MUS 535	Contemporary Music	2
Terminal Requirements
Select one Terminal Option
MUS 689 & MUS 690A	Terminal Project Preparation and Thesis (or MUS 690C)	6
MUS 683 & MUS 684	Special Studies in Music Education and Special Studies in Music Education	6

Terminal Options

Thesis – extended research on a theoretical subject. Enrollment in MUS 689 is required in the initial semester and  MUS 690A Thesis is required in the final semester. 

Lecture/Recital – a public performance eighty minutes in length with lecture commentary during the course of the program. Enrollment in MUS 689 is required in the initial semester and MUS 690C Lecture-Recital is required in the final semester.

Non – Thesis – specialized field research reporting accomplishment of an exemplary, innovative school program. Enrollment in MUS 683 Special Studies in Music Education-MUS 684 Special Studies in Music Education is required.

Terminal Examinations 

• Thesis Option - Oral Examination (including defense of thesis)
• Lecture/Recital – Recital Hearing
• Non-Thesis Option - Oral Examination 

Music Performance Concentration

Summary of Graduation Requirements

Summary of Graduation Requirements

Subject Area	Credits
Core Courses	11
Concentration and Elective Courses	19
Terminal Option	6
Total Credit Hours	36

Core Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MUS XXX	Ensemble (MUS 510)	1
MUS XXX	Ensemble (MUS 511)	1
MUS 540	Analytical Techniques I	3
MUS 541	Analytical Techniques II	3
MUS 590	Introduction to Music Research	3

Concentration and Elective Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
CONCENTRATION COURSES
Emphasis Area Requirements
Applied Musicianship
MUS XXX	Private Lessons (MSU 525)	2
MUS XXX	Private Music Lessons (MUS 526)	2
Complete seven credits from the list below:
Keyboard
MUS 527	Piano Pedagogy	2
MUS 623	Organ Literature	2
MUS 624	Organ Improvisation and Service Playing	2
MUS 628	Piano Literature	2
Instrumental
MUS 651	Band Management	2
MUS 685	Teaching Practicum in Brasswinds	2
MUS 686	Teaching Practicum in Woodwinds	2
MUS 687	Teaching Practicum in Strings	2
MUS 688	Teaching Practicum in Percussion	2
Voice
MUS 520	Voice Pedagogy Required for Voice students	2
MUS 629	Graduate Diction and Vocal Literature	3
MUS 650	Choral Techniques	3
Students in all emphasis areas may also choose one of the following as an elective course
MUS 550	Advanced Choral Conducting	2
MUS 551	Advanced Instrumental Conducting	2
MUS 620	Seminar in Performance and Repertoire	2
Music History Electives
Select two of the following:
MUS 531	Music of the Renaissance Era	2
MUS 532	Music of the Baroque Era	2
MUS 533	Music of the Classical Era	2
MUS 534	Music of the 19th Century	2
MUS 535	Contemporary Music	2
Terminal Requirements
MUS 689	Terminal Project Preparation	3
Select one terminal option
MUS 690A	Thesis	3
MUS 690B	Recital	3

Recital Hearing

The student will present recital work to a panel of graduate faculty a minimum of 30 days prior to the scheduled recital.

Terminal Option

Recital – a public performance sixty minutes in length.

Lecture/Recital – a public performance eighty minutes in length with lecture commentary during the course of the program. 

Music Theory/Composition Concentration

Graduation Requirements

Summary of Graduation Requirements

Subject Area	Credits
Core Courses	11
Concentration and Elective Courses	19
Terminal Option	6
Total Credit Hours	36

Core Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MUS XXX	Ensemble (MUS 510)	1
MUS XXX	Ensemble (MUS 511)	1
MUS 540	Analytical Techniques I	3
MUS 541	Analytical Techniques II	3
MUS 590	Introduction to Music Research	3

Concentration and Elective Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Emphasis Area Requirements
Applied Musicianship
MUS XXX	Private Lessons (MUS 521)	2
MUS XXX	Private Lessons (MUS 522)	2
Select one elective from the list below:
Keyboard
MUS 527	Piano Pedagogy	2
MUS 623	Organ Literature	2
MUS 624	Organ Improvisation and Service Playing	2
MUS 628	Piano Literature	2
Instrumental
MUS 651	Band Management	2
MUS 685	Teaching Practicum in Brasswinds	2
MUS 686	Teaching Practicum in Woodwinds	2
MUS 687	Teaching Practicum in Strings	2
MUS 688	Teaching Practicum in Percussion	2
Voice
MUS 520	Voice Pedagogy	2
MUS 629	Graduate Diction and Vocal Literature	3
MUS 650	Choral Techniques	3
Students in all emphasis areas may also choose one of the following as an elective course:
MUS 550	Advanced Choral Conducting	2
MUS 551	Advanced Instrumental Conducting	2
MUS 620	Seminar in Performance and Repertoire	2
Theory/Composition Requirements
MUS 546	Orchestration	2
MUS 642	Theory Pedagogy	2
MUS 643 & MUS 644	Composition Seminar I and Composition Seminar II	4
MUS 645	Counterpoint and Fugue	3
Music History Electives
Choose one of the following:
MUS 531	Music of the Renaissance Era	2
MUS 532	Music of the Baroque Era	2
MUS 533	Music of the Classical Era	2
MUS 534	Music of the 19th Century	2
MUS 535	Contemporary Music	2
Terminal Requirements
MUS 689	Terminal Project Preparation	3
Select one terminal option
MUS 690A	Thesis	3
MUS 690C	Lecture-Recital	3

Terminal Options

Theory Thesis – extended research on a theoretical subject. Enrollment in MUS 690A Thesis is required in the final semester. 

Composition Thesis – an original work in three or more extended movements for four or more instruments or a work for a large chorus and/or ensemble as approved by the advisor. A lecture on the composition/s is given. Enrollment in MUS 690A Thesis.

Lecture-Recital - the presentation of a public lecture/recital 60 minutes in length including performances of and lectures on original works completed throughout the MMUS program.

Terminal Examinations

Thesis Option – Oral Examination (including defense of thesis)

Composition Option - Written Examination

Lecture/Recital Option - Recital Hearing: The student will present lecture/recital work to a panel of graduate faculty a minimum of 30 days prior to the scheduled lecture/recital.