M.A. in English
The MA in English at UCA is a focused program designed to build upon undergraduate know...
Master of Music
Conway, Arkansas
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
UCA's Master of Music program is offered in several concentrations, including Performance (Instrumental, Vocal, Keyboard), Music Theory, Conducting (Instrumental and Choral), and Music Education. Each concentration provides specialized advanced study in its respective area. The program is designed to provide advanced professional training, building upon undergraduate foundational knowledge. Graduate Assistantships are available across all areas, awarded based on merit, which can provide valuable support and experience for students. Admission to the program typically requires an audition for performance and conducting areas, and for music theory, a diagnostic entrance exam is required.
Curriculum: The Master of Music program generally consists of 30-34 credit hours, varying slightly by concentration. The curriculum for performance concentrations culminates in a graduate recital, showcasing the student's advanced instrumental or vocal proficiency. Music Theory concentrations delve into advanced analytical techniques and pedagogy. Conducting concentrations involve rigorous study of conducting techniques, score analysis, and rehearsal strategies, often requiring video-recorded performances for admission. The Music Education concentration is designed for those who already possess initial teaching certification, offering advanced study of music teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Core coursework across concentrations typically includes graduate-level music history, music theory, and research methods in music. Students are also generally required to participate in at least one ensemble per semester, unless pursuing concentrations like Composition or Music Theory.
Research Focus: While the MM program has a strong performance and pedagogical focus, it also integrates a scholarly and research component, particularly through its Music Theory and Music Education concentrations. Music Education concentrations require courses like "Contemporary Issues in Music Education" and "Practical Applications of Research in Music Education," emphasizing evidence-based practice. All MM candidates for certain concentrations (Collaborative Piano, Composition, Conducting, Musicology, Music Theory, and Performance) are required to take diagnostic exams for aural theory, written theory, and music history, demonstrating a foundational research understanding. Students pursuing a thesis option (available in some concentrations, though not explicitly detailed for all) would engage in original scholarly work, making a contribution to musicological or theoretical knowledge. Faculty members actively engage in musicological and theoretical research, providing a strong academic environment.
Industry Engagement: UCA's Master of Music program prepares graduates for direct engagement with the music industry and educational institutions. For performance and conducting concentrations, the emphasis on high-level performance and ensemble participation directly prepares students for careers as professional musicians, conductors of orchestras, choirs, or bands, and music directors. The Music Education concentration directly serves the educational sector by preparing advanced music teachers. The department's active community, including over 25 student ensembles that perform widely (including international tours and performances at venues like Carnegie Hall), provides significant practical experience and exposure. Faculty members are active performers and academicians, often with professional connections in the music world, offering valuable mentorship and networking opportunities.
Global Perspective: The UCA Department of Music fosters a global perspective through its diverse faculty, many of whom have studied at international conservatories, and through the global reach of its ensembles, which have toured internationally (e.g., Spain, Japan, England, Italy, China, Austria). The curriculum, particularly in music history and theory, often includes studies of music from various cultures and historical periods, broadening students' understanding of music as a global phenomenon. For vocal performance and choral conducting, specific requirements for diction and comprehension exams in French, German, Italian, and Latin further emphasize a global linguistic and cultural understanding essential for performing diverse musical repertoire. This exposure prepares graduates to contribute to a globally interconnected music world.
Location
Conway, Arkansas
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 11400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make higher education affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, supporting talented students from around the world as they pursue their degrees.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UCA provides competitive merit scholarships specifically for international students, awarded based on academic achievements such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarship: The university offers dedicated scholarships for international students, including awards that cover partial tuition fees. These scholarships aim to attract high-performing students globally and promote diversity on campus.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges and departments within UCA provide scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, education, health sciences, or the arts. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about scholarships related to their major.
A Master of Music (MM) from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) provides a robust foundation for a diverse range of careers within the expansive and evolving music industry and educational sectors. With concentrations in Performance, Music Theory, Conducting, and Music Education, UCA's program is designed to develop highly skilled musicians, educators, and scholars. Graduates emerge with advanced technical proficiency, critical thinking abilities, and often, practical experience from numerous performance opportunities and clinical placements.
Professional Musician/Performer: Graduates in performance concentrations (instrumental, vocal, keyboard) are prepared for careers as solo artists, orchestral musicians, chamber musicians, opera singers, or freelance performers in various genres. The rigorous training and performance experience equip them for competitive auditions and demanding performance schedules.
Music Educator (K-12 or Collegiate): The Music Education concentration specifically prepares individuals to teach music at elementary, middle, or high school levels, building upon existing teaching certifications. Graduates from other concentrations may also teach private lessons or serve as adjunct faculty at colleges and universities, particularly with additional certifications or experience.
Conductor (Orchestral, Choral, Band): Graduates specializing in conducting are equipped to lead professional, collegiate, community, or school ensembles. This involves deep score study, rehearsal technique, and the ability to inspire and guide musicians to achieve artistic excellence.
Music Director: This role often involves overseeing the musical aspects of productions in theatre, opera, churches, or other performance venues. It requires a blend of conducting, arranging, and organizational skills, along with a strong understanding of various musical styles.
Composer/Arranger: Graduates with a strong background in music theory and composition can pursue careers creating original music for film, television, video games, commercials, or concert halls. They may also arrange existing pieces for different instrumentation or vocal configurations.
Musicologist/Music Theorist (with further study): While an MM provides advanced study, further doctoral work (Ph.D.) is typically required for full-time academic positions as musicologists or music theorists. However, an MM is an excellent stepping stone, preparing individuals for research, analysis, and critical writing about music.
Private Music Instructor/Studio Teacher: Many MM graduates choose to establish private studios, teaching their specialized instrument or voice. This allows for flexibility and the ability to tailor instruction to individual student needs, often building a strong reputation based on their advanced performance and pedagogical skills.
Arts Administrator/Manager: The comprehensive understanding of the music world gained through an MM, combined with broader skills in organization and communication, can lead to roles in arts administration. This includes managing orchestras, opera companies, music festivals, non-profit arts organizations, or concert halls, focusing on programming, fundraising, marketing, and operations.
Sound Designer/Audio Engineer (with additional technical training): While the MM program focuses on musical artistry, some graduates with an interest in technology might pivot towards roles in sound design or audio engineering. This typically requires additional technical training but can be highly rewarding in film, gaming, live sound, or recording studios, where a deep understanding of music is a significant asset.
Music Therapist (with additional certification): While UCA offers an MS in CSD, an MM with a strong understanding of music's therapeutic applications, combined with specific music therapy certification, can lead to careers using music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals in clinical settings.
