Admissions
All Graduate School students must utilize the Graduate Student Portal in MyUW to add, change, or discontinue any doctoral minor. To apply to this minor, log in to MyUW, click on Graduate Student Portal, and then click on Add/Change Programs. Select the information for the doctoral minor for which you are applying.
Requirements
All Graduate School students must utilize the Graduate Student Portal in MyUW to add, change, or discontinue any doctoral minor. To apply to this minor, log in to MyUW, click on Graduate Student Portal, and then click on Add/Change Programs. Select the information for the doctoral minor for which you are applying.
Doctoral students who are not music majors, but are seeking to pursue a doctoral minor in a music field, are encouraged to contact the Mead Witter School of Music graduate office for further information. The defined programs below are excellent models of minor plans for students from non-music programs.
Course credits taken in a minor plan of study will not satisfy requirements in the DMA major.
Below are outlines for the minor programs approved for students in PhD–music and DMA programs. Note that most of the plans restrict eligibility for students based upon major specialty. Exceptions to the stated requirements are extremely rare.
Curricular Paths in the Music Doctoral Minor
Brass Instrument Performance Curricular Path1
This minor plan is not available to students completing a track in horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, or tuba performance.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Performance Instrument | ||
| Enroll in course corresponding to minor performance instrument: | ||
| First semester | 4 | |
| Advanced Horn | ||
| Advanced Trumpet | ||
| Advanced Trombone | ||
| Advanced Euphonium | ||
| Advanced Tuba | ||
| Second semester | 2 | |
| Advanced Horn | ||
| Advanced Trumpet | ||
| Advanced Trombone | ||
| Advanced Euphonium | ||
| Advanced Tuba | ||
| Senior Recital | ||
| MUS PERF 499 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| Additional Coursework | ||
| MUSIC 798 | Seminar-Instrumental Literature 2 | 2 |
| or MUSIC 799 | Independent Work | |
| Any 2 credits from the following: | 2 | |
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-Woodwind | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-Brass | ||
| University Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber Orchestra | ||
| Contemporary Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Wind Ensemble | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
MUSIC 799 Independent Work is eligible to satisfy this requirement ONLY with prior approval by the minor professor.
Choral Conducting Curricular Path1
This minor is not available to DMA students completing a track in conducting.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSIC 553 | Advanced Conducting Seminar (taken twice) | 4 |
| MUSIC 541 | Seminar in Choral Literature (taken twice) | 4 |
| MUSIC 578 | Concert Choir (taken twice) | 2 |
| MUS PERF 499 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
For the recital the student must be the conductor of the choral ensemble or organization in the performance.
Collaborative Piano Curricular Path1
This minor is not available to students completing a track in organ performance, piano performance, or piano pedagogy and performance.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS PERF 542 | Advanced Accompanying | 2 |
| MUS PERF 542 | Advanced Accompanying | 2 |
| MUSIC 346 | Repertoire 2 | 2 |
| or MUSIC 792 | Seminar in Vocal Literature | |
| MUSIC 796 | Seminar in Duo Sonata Literature | 3 |
| MUS PERF 499 | Senior Recital (as accompanist) | 2 |
| AND | ||
| 2 credits from the following: | 2 | |
| Diction for Singers | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Opera Workshop | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-String | ||
| Contemporary Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
MUSIC 346 Repertoire topic must be Vocal Literature.
Composition Curricular Path1
MUSIC 523 or its equivalent is a prerequisite for acceptance to this minor plan of study.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Two minor plans are possible. Consult with the minor professor. 2 | ||
| Minor Plan I | ||
| Composition applied study | ||
| MUS PERF 447 & MUS PERF 448 | Fourth Year Composition and Fourth Year Composition | 6 |
| MUSIC 927 | Seminar in Composition | 3 |
| MUSIC 927 | Seminar in Composition 3 | 3 |
| Minor Plan I Total Credits | 12 | |
| Minor Plan II | ||
| Composition applied study | ||
| MUS PERF 447 | Fourth Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 448 | Fourth Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 447 | Fourth Year Composition 4 | 3 |
| or MUS PERF 448 | Fourth Year Composition | |
| MUSIC 927 | Seminar in Composition | 3 |
| Minor Plan II Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
In both minor plans, MUSIC 799 Independent Work is available as an option for credit. However The Graduate School allows only 32 credits of Independent Work to count toward minor credits.
- 3
MUSIC 927 Seminar in Composition may be taken twice (with different topics) or, with approval of the minor professor, MUSIC 799 Independent Work (3 credits) may substitute for one of the courses.
- 4
If necessary, MUSIC 799 Independent Work (3 credits) may substitute for one of the semesters of applied composition study.
Early Music Curricular Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSIC 461 | Collegium Musicum (two semesters) 2 | 2 |
| Advanced Performance Practice Study | 4 | |
| May be satisfied with any MUS PERF course 401-440 and may include up to 2 credits MUSIC 799 | ||
| Remaining credits from the following courses: | 6 | |
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Collegium Musicum | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology (Topic relevant to historically informed performance) | ||
| Topics in Music Analysis 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
Students must take MUSIC 461 twice, and may take it up to 3 times.
Guitar Performance Curricular Path1
This minor is not available to students completing a track in violin, viola, violoncello, string bass, or harp performance.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS PERF 440 | Advanced Guitar (2 semesters, 3 credits each semester) | 3 |
| MUS PERF 440 | Advanced Guitar | 3 |
| MUS PERF 499 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| MUSIC 572 & 572 | Advanced Ensemble-Classical Guitar and Advanced Ensemble-Classical Guitar (2 semesters) | 2 |
| AND any combination of 2 of the following courses: | 2 | |
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-String | ||
| Contemporary Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Independent Work (prior approval of minor professor required) | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Harpsichord Performance Curricular Path1
This minor is not available to students completing a track in piano performance, piano performance and pedagogy, or collaborative piano. Students accepted into this minor plan must have sufficient prior study of harpsichord. An audition is required.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS PERF 402 | Advanced Harpsichord | 4 |
| MUS PERF 402 | Advanced Harpsichord | 2 |
| MUSIC 461 & 461 | Collegium Musicum and Collegium Musicum 2 | 2 |
| MUSIC 511 | Historical Performance Practices 3 | 3 |
| or MUSIC 502 | Figured Bass and Basso Continuo | |
| MUS PERF 499 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
Two semesters are required.
- 3
MUSIC 799 Independent Work may substitute for MUSIC 502 Figured Bass and Basso Continuo, with approval of minor professor.
Musicology Curricular Path1
This minor is not available to students completing an Ethnomusicology track. Students with a minor in historical musicology write a minor field preliminary examination. Course credits in a minor DO NOT count for requirements in the major. A DMA student or PhD–music: music theory student must still meet the major requirements for courses in musicology.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Three of the following courses (3 credits each) 2 | 9 | |
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Plus one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
MUSIC 799 Independent Work and MUSIC 497 Special Topics in Music are eligible to satisfy this requirement ONLY with prior approval by the minor professor.
Jazz Studies Curricular Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS PERF 499 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| 10 additional credits from the following courses: | 10 | |
| Jazz Improvisation | ||
| Jazz Improvisation | ||
| Advanced Jazz Studio Instruction | ||
| Jazz Composition and Arranging | ||
| Jazz Composition and Arranging | ||
| Special Topics in Music (approved topics only) | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Music Theory Curricular Path1
Course credits in a minor DO NOT count for requirements in the major. A DMA student or PhD–music: musicology student must still meet the major requirements for courses in music theory.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Courses selected from the following to total 12 credits: 2 | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Independent Work (approval by the minor professor required) | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Topics in Music Analysis 2 | ||
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
MUSIC 799 Independent Work and MUSIC 497 Special Topics in Music are eligible to satisfy this requirement ONLY with prior approval by the minor professor.
Opera Production Curricular Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSIC 556 | University Opera (in directorial capacity) | 2 |
| MUSIC 556 | University Opera (taken twice, 2 credits each time) 2 | 4 |
| MUSIC 463 | Acting for Singers | 1 |
| Project in the minor field | 2-3 | |
| Independent Work (with Director of opera) | ||
| Remaining credits from the following courses: | 2-3 | |
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Acting for Singers | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| University Opera (maximum 2 credits) | ||
| Opera Workshop | ||
| Fundamentals of Movement for the Stage | ||
| Fundamentals of Directing | ||
| Introduction to Stage Management | ||
| Musical Performance for the Actor | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
With advisor approval, some students may use MUSIC 557 Opera Workshop (2 credits) in place of one instance of MUSIC 556 University Opera.
Opera/Voice Coaching Curricular Path1
This minor is available only to students in Piano Performance, Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Collaborative Piano, Conducting, or other track with approval of the Voice & Opera faculty. All courses are selected in consultation with the minor professor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| Diction | 4 | |
| Language Diction for Singing I and Language Diction for Singing II 2 | ||
| University Opera (rehearsal pianist) 3 | ||
| Project in the Minor field | 2-3 | |
| Independent Work 4 | ||
| Remaining credits from the following courses: | 3-4 | |
| Advanced Voice (audition and voice faculty approval required) | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Acting for Singers | ||
| Special Topics in Music (approved topics only) | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Advanced Accompanying | ||
| University Opera (rehearsal pianist, 2 credits maximum allowed) | ||
| Opera Workshop (2 credits maximum allowed) | ||
| Seminar in Vocal Literature | ||
| Seminar in Musicology (opera and vocal literature topics only) | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
With the approval of the minor professor, MUSIC 466 Diction for Singers may be eligible to fulfill this requirement.
- 3
Enrollment in MUSIC 556 University Opera should be for 2 credits.
- 4
This course is taken under the supervision of the director of opera.
Instrumental Conducting1
This minor is not available to DMA students completing a track in conducting.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Conducting (2 semesters, 2 credits each) | ||
| Required courses | 5 | |
| Graduate Instrumental Conducting Laboratory (taken twice) | ||
| The remaining credits from the following courses: | 6 | |
| Diction for Singers | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Aural Skills) | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Orchestration) | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Community Music Engagement) | ||
| Introduction to Arts Entrepreneurship | ||
| Entrepreneurship in Arts & Cultural Organizations | ||
| With approval of Conducting advisor, other courses in the School of Music numbered 300 or above can satisfy these requirements. | ||
| Total Credits | 11 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Piano Pedagogy Curricular Path1
This minor is not available to students completing a track in organ performance, piano performance, or collaborative piano.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS PERF 401 | Advanced Piano | 4 |
| MUSIC 799 | Independent Work (final project) 2 | 1 |
| Additional credits from the following: | 7 | |
| Piano Pedagogy II | ||
| Class Piano Pedagogy | ||
| Practicum in Advanced Studio Teaching-Piano | ||
| Seminar in Piano Pedagogy | ||
| Current Topics in Dance: Workshop (topic: Feldenkrais for the performing musician) 2 | ||
or MUSIC 497 | Special Topics in Music | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
If taking MUSIC 497 Special Topics in Music, select topic "Feldenkrais Workshop for Musicians."
Piano Performance Curricular Path1
This minor is not available to students completing a track in organ performance, collaborative piano, or piano performance and pedagogy.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS PERF 401 | Advanced Piano | 4 |
| MUS PERF 401 | Advanced Piano | 2 |
| MUS PERF 499 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| AND | ||
| 4 credits selected from the following: | 4 | |
| Piano Pedagogy II | ||
| Class Piano Pedagogy | ||
| Practicum in Advanced Studio Teaching-Piano | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-Woodwind | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-Brass | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-Percussion | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-String | ||
| Seminar in Piano Literature | ||
| Independent Work (approval by minor professor required) | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
String Instrument Performance Curricular Path1
This minor is not available to students completing a track in violin, viola, violoncello, string bass, harp, or guitar performance.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Performance Instrument | ||
| Enroll in the course corresponding to the minor instrument: | ||
| First semester | 4 | |
| Advanced Violin | ||
| Advanced Viola | ||
| Advanced Cello | ||
| Advanced Double Bass | ||
| Advanced Harp | ||
| Second semester | 2 | |
| Advanced Violin | ||
| Advanced Viola | ||
| Advanced Cello | ||
| Advanced Double Bass | ||
| Advanced Harp | ||
| Senior Recital | ||
| MUS PERF 499 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| Additional Coursework | ||
| One of the following courses: | 2 | |
| Repertoire | ||
| Advanced String Pedagogy | ||
| String Literature | ||
| Independent Work 2 | ||
| Any combination of the following: | 2 | |
| Advanced Ensemble-String | ||
| University Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber Orchestra | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
MUSIC 799 Independent Work may only be used to fulfill this requirement if the other course choices in this category are not available.
Woodwind Instrument Performance Curricular Path1
This minor is not available to students completing a track in a woodwind instrument.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Performance Instrument | ||
| Enroll for the course number that corresponds to the minor instrument. | ||
| First semester | 2 | |
| Advanced Flute | ||
| Advanced Oboe | ||
| Advanced Clarinet | ||
| Advanced Saxophone | ||
| Advanced Bassoon | ||
| Second semester | 2 | |
| Advanced Flute | ||
| Advanced Oboe | ||
| Advanced Clarinet | ||
| Advanced Saxophone | ||
| Advanced Bassoon | ||
| Senior Recital | ||
| MUS PERF 499 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| Additional courses selected from the following: | 6 | |
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-Woodwind | ||
| University Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber Orchestra | ||
| Contemporary Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Wind Ensemble | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Vocal Performance Curricular Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS PERF 405 | Advanced Voice | 2 |
| MUS PERF 405 | Advanced Voice | 3 |
| MUSIC 749 | Seminar in Vocal Techniques | 2 |
| MUSIC 792 | Seminar in Vocal Literature | 3 |
| MUS PERF 499 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
People
Faculty: Professors Cavanagh (director), Butler, Calderón, Chisholm, Di Sanza, Dominguez, Fischer, Fulmer, Hetzler, Johnson, Karp, Perry, Schwendinger, Taylor, Teeple, Vallon, Wallmann; Associate Professors Farah, Grabois, Nelson, Ronis, Sans, Treviño; Assistant Professors Chana, Cornish, Flowers, Laurenz, Lee, Lewis, Rathgeber, Walsh, Weinstein-Reiman, Wohn; Marching Band Director Pompey; Teaching Faculty Bjella, Brailey, Curry, Kasdorf, Koester, Purdue, J. Rottmayer ; Lecturers Ambrosio, Kriegel, McCullough, Patenaude, C. Rottmayer, Tran, Waldo, Wienholts; Faculty Associate Rich; Teaching Specialists Hammes, Ross.
The faculty of the Mead Witter School of Music is a distinguished group of educators, performing musicians, and active scholars. The backgrounds of performance faculty include rich experiences as professional musicians, researchers, recording artists, and entrepreneurs. Faculty in music education have particular insight into their field as a result of their backgrounds as school educators, performers, and scholars. In areas such as music theory and musicology, the musical community has high regard for the past and current contributions to the study of musical theory, historical perspectives on music, the role of music in societies around the world, and the unique contributions of American musicians. Teaching is a priority for the faculty, who are readily accessible to students for advice and support. Faculty, staff, and students cooperate in extraordinary ways with joint ventures that reach across disciplines both in research or instruction.