Music Research, M.A.
Music
Dean: Dr. Edward Jurkowski
Associate Dean(s): Dr. Colette Simonot-Maiello, Graduate Programs and Research; Dr. Laura Loewen, Undergraduate Programs
Campus Address/General Office: T319 Taché Hall, 150 Dafoe Road
Telephone: 204-474-9310
Fax: 204-474-7546
Email Address: music@umanitoba.ca
Website: umanitoba.ca/music/
Academic Staff: Please refer to the Music website for academic staff information.
Music Research Program Information
The Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music offers a Master of Arts in Music Research that focuses on graduate-level research in music, broadly in the areas of Musicology and Music Theory.
M.A. Admission Requirements
Persons who have completed a Bachelor of Music, a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music, or a related degree may apply for admission to the M.A. program.
Diagnostic Examination
Students admitted to the M.A. in Music Research program must demonstrate knowledge of music theory and music history comparable to that of B.Mus. graduates of the Desautels Faculty of Music. This will normally be assessed by diagnostic examinations administered in the week preceding the first week of classes in the Fall semester. Appropriate review materials will be made available to students in advance of the diagnostic examinations. Examinations will be evaluated by members of the music theory and musicology faculty, respectively.
Incoming graduate students who do not achieve satisfactory results on any portion of these diagnostic examinations may be required to undertake remediation. Such remediation will normally take the form of successful completion of undergraduate coursework, normally not to exceed 9 CRH, in the Desautels Faculty of Music, which will not count for credit toward the M.A. in Music Research. The associate dean responsible for graduate programs will assign remedial coursework on the advice of the musicology and music theory faculty.
Application Information
Students should complete and submit their online application with supporting documentation by the date indicated on the Music Research M.A. program of study page.
Degree Requirements
The M.A. in Music Research requires 21 credit hours plus a Thesis or Practicum.
All students must take the following core courses:
Course | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
GRAD 7000 | Master's Thesis | 0 |
or GRAD 7030 | Master's Practicum | |
GRAD 7300 | Research Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
GRAD 7500 | Academic Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
MUSC 7050 | Bibliography and Research Methods | 3 |
- Students will also complete one 7000-level Musicology course (3 CH), and one 7000-level Music Theory course (3 CH). The remaining program requirements include four courses (12 CH) from a list of offerings that include:
- MUSC 7100 Proseminar in Musicology (3 CH)
- MUSC 7120 Seminar in Musicology (3 CH)
- MUSC 7130 Seminar in Ethnomusicology (3 CH)
- MUSC 7200 Proseminar in Music Theory (3 CH)
- MUSC 7210 Seminar in Music Theory/Analysis ((3 CH)
- MUSC 7240 Music Theory Pedagogy (3 CH)
- At least 9 credit hours must consist of 7000-level Musicology and/or Music Theory courses. Additional elective(s) would be assigned by advisement.
- Students must maintain a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0 with no grade below C+.
Second Language Reading Requirement
Students must demonstrate a reading proficiency in one language other than English. The language required will normally be French, German or Italian. Other languages will be accepted if more appropriate to the student's program. The specific requirement will be determined in consultation with the student's committee. This requirement may be met through one of the following:
- Evidence of the completion of an undergraduate language course at the 1000 level or above in the five years preceding acceptance into the program.
- The translation, using a dictionary, of a passage in the major area of study.
- Completion of a course at the 1000 or higher level after registration in the Master's degree program.
- Determination by the student's committee that the requirement has been met through previous education and/or experience.
Expected Time to Graduate: 2 years
Progression Chart
Year 1 | Hours | |
---|---|---|
GRAD 7300 | Research Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
GRAD 7500 | Academic Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
MUSC 7050 | Bibliography and Research Methods | 3 |
7000-level Musicology course | 3 | |
MUSC 7100 | Proseminar in Musicology |
|
MUSC 7120 | Seminar in Musicology 1 |
|
MUSC 7130 | Seminar in Ethnomusicology |
|
7000-level Music Theory course | 3 | |
MUSC 7200 | Proseminar in Music Theory |
|
MUSC 7210 | Seminar in Music Theory/Analysis 1 |
|
MUSC 7240 | Music Theory Pedagogy |
|
7000-level Musicology or Music Theory courses | 6 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Year 2 | ||
GRAD 7000 or GRAD 7030 |
Master's Thesis or Master's Practicum |
0 |
7000-level Musicology or Music Theory courses | 6 | |
Hours | 6 | |
Total Hours | 21 |
- 1
The content for MUSC 7120, 7130 and MUSC 7210 will change each time these courses are offered, allowing students to repeat these courses for credit when the subtitle differs.
Notes:
- A formal written proposal for the thesis topic must be submitted to and approved by the Advisory Committee by the end of the first year in the program.
Registration Information
Students should familiarize themselves with the Faculty of Graduate Studies ‘GRAD’ courses applicable to their program. If you have questions about which GRAD course(s) to register in, please consult your home department/unit.
Not all courses are offered each year: please check with the Faculty's Registrar for current and upcoming offerings.
Regulations
Students must meet the requirements as outlined in both Supplementary Regulation and BFAR documents as approved by Senate.
Supplementary Regulations
Individual units may require specific requirements above and beyond those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and students should consult unit supplementary regulations for these specific regulations.
Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR)
Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR) represent the core academic requirements a graduate student must acquire in order to gain, and demonstrate acquisition of, essential knowledge and skills.
All students must successfully complete:
- GRAD 7300 prior to applying to any ethics boards which are appropriate to the student’s research or within the student’s first year, whichever comes first; and
- GRAD 7500 within the first term of registration;
unless these courses have been completed previously, as per Mandatory Academic Integrity Course and Mandatory Research Integrity Online Course.
Students must also meet additional BFAR requirements that may be specified for their program.
General Regulations
All students must:
- maintain a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0 with no grade below C+,
- meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum course requirements, and
- meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum time requirements (in terms of time in program and lapse or expiration of credit of courses).
Courses
Survey of harmony and form in common-practice tonal music, intended to prepare students for success in graduate-level music theory courses. This is a pass/fail course.
The techniques of bibliography and research methods in music are studied through research projects in selected areas relevant to each student's major field of study. Skill is developed in the use of primary and secondary sources, expository writing and documentation
Advanced training in rules of pronunciation, language use and translations skills in Italian and German. Lab Required.
Advanced training in rules of pronunciation, language use and translations skills in French and English. Lab Required.
Survey of historiography and methodological approaches in musicology through critical examination of significant texts. Topics will include the history of the discipline, significant intellectual developments in the field, and key concepts in historical musicology and ethnomusicology.
Advanced graduate seminar investigating selected topics in musicology and/or music history. The content of this course varies and may be repeated for credit only when the topic subtitle differs from one previously taken.
Advanced graduate seminar investigating selected topics in ethnomusicology. The content of this course varies and may be repeated for credit only when the topic subtitle differs from one previously taken.
Studio instruction and monitored pre-professional training activities in chamber music leading to the presentation of ensemble performance.
A survey of methodological approaches in music theory and analysis, related to tonal and post-tonal music. Critical examination of significant texts and analysis of selected repertoire, highlighting connections between analysis and musical performance.
Advanced graduate seminar investigating selected topics in music theory and music analysis. The content of this course varies and may be repeated for credit only when the topic subtitle differs from one previously taken.
A practice-based graduate seminar on philosophies and methodologies used in teaching undergraduate music theory. Critical examination of pedagogical resources, teaching techniques, assessment, and curriculum design.
Advanced study of the repertoire for solo piano up to the early 20th century.
Advanced survey of piano chamber music.
Private studio instruction and monitored pre-professional training activities in one of the following: composition, conducting, or any one of the standard instruments or voice.
A continuation of Major Practical Study 1.
Consideration of advanced approaches to the teaching of styles and techniques through an examination of piano repertoire.
Advanced training in philosophies and techniques of vocal coaching including both song and operatic repertoire.
Development of skills required of an operatic pianist, including standard Arias, operatic scores, working with conductors and developing orchestral sound. May include participation in community opera events (by audition only).
Advanced practical work in orchestration for various-sized large ensembles up to and including full orchestra. Detailed study of selected scores and work on individual orchestration projects.
Advanced study of piano repertoire since 1900.
A study of the techniques of electroacoustic music.
Course orientation will vary according to the needs and interests of students. A specific topic will be chosen for each offering of the course.