Graduate Degrees

Graduate Prospective Student Booklet

Click here to view the "Prospective Student Booklet" from the Graduate College

Masters of Music in Pedagogy and Performance

Oklahoma State University offers a graduate degree which combines two elements that are important for many of today's musicians and music educators. The Master of Music in Pedagogy and Performance is available for the conductor, the school teacher, and the performer. We believe that a fine music pedagogue is an accomplished musician as well.

For the student pursuing the conducting track, we stress challenging studies in conducting skills, repertoire, and rehearsal techniques. The degree candidate will focus on his/her particular area of specialty and will have numerous opportunities to conduct appropriate choirs, wind bands, orchestras and string groups, and chamber ensembles.

As a part of specializing on his/her instrument, the student who chooses the applied music track will develop a refined knowledge of the literature composed for that instrument and will also learn the teaching and technical approaches that have been developed for that musical medium. Performing opportunities, both solo and collaborative, are an important component of the degree candidate's studies.

The school music educator will enroll in courses addressing the musical development of the students with whom he/she works. The practical application of advanced teaching techniques is a focus of studies, bolstered by the opportunity for additional study in applied music and conducting as appropriate.

The Master of Music in Pedagogy and Performance is a thirty-two hour degree. Each track includes courses in music research and bibliography, music theory, and music history. Elective credits that are built into each degree track permit the student to explore additional interests. Each degree candidate will complete a final project which contains both written and performing components. A final oral examination is also part of the degree requirements.

To download the Graduate Student Handbook, click here

Applying for Graduate School

For admission to the Master of Music degree program, a student must be accepted into both the Graduate College at OSU and into the graduate music program. The application for admission to the Graduate College may be found on-line and is submitted to that division. For the Music Department one completes an audition, scheduled with the major professor. Please note also that three letters of recommendation are to be sent to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies in the Department of Music.

In situations of critical timing or particular needs, one can engage in course work for the M.M. prior to or without official acceptance, earning a maximum of nine credit hours as a special student. Similarly, a maximum of nine credit hours may be transferred from a graduate program in music at another school.

Financial aid is available in the form of graduate assistantships administered by the Department of Music, and in various forms handled by the OSU Office of Financial Aid. Click the link to download the Application for Music Graduate Assistantship. Contact the Coordinator of Graduate Studies if you have any questions.