M.A. in Secondary Education
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education at Roosevelt University is an intensiv...
M.M. in Multiple Woodwind Performance
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.M. in Multiple Woodwind Performance is typically a two-year, full-time program, with in-person classes and applied study on the Chicago campus. Admission is highly competitive, requiring a successful audition on a primary instrument and two secondary woodwind instruments from the designated group, demonstrating a high artistic performance level on all three. The program's core focus is on developing technical and musical versatility, preparing students for the rigorous demands of professional "doubling" roles, which are prevalent in many contemporary music industry settings. Students engage in extensive applied studio study and diverse performance experiences.
NASM Accredited: Yes, Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA), including all its music programs such as the M.M. in Multiple Woodwind Performance, is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Roosevelt University is a founding member of NASM, which underscores its long-standing commitment to maintaining the highest standards in music education. This accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous national benchmarks for curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes in music performance and related fields.
Curriculum: The curriculum is intensely focused on multi-instrumental mastery and performance. It requires students to have a primary woodwind instrument (saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe, or bassoon) and two secondary woodwind instruments from the same family, on which they will perform throughout their course of study. Key components include multiple semesters of "Primary Instrument Lessons" and "Secondary Instrument Lessons," providing individualized instruction to develop technical proficiency and artistic interpretation on all three instruments. Students participate in "Woodwind Performance Class" and various "Large Instrumental Ensembles" (such as the CCPA Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble) and "Woodwind Chamber Music" to gain collaborative experience. The program culminates in a "Graduate Recital" of approximately 60 minutes of music, which may include chamber music with permission, demonstrating their versatile performance capabilities across their chosen instruments. Academic electives in music theory and literature are also part of the curriculum.
Research Focus: The M.M. in Multiple Woodwind Performance program at Roosevelt University incorporates an applied research focus through the intensive study and mastery of diverse instrumental techniques and repertoire across multiple instruments. While not a traditional academic research degree with a thesis, students engage in practical inquiry into the pedagogical and performance challenges of woodwind doubling. They "research" through extensive practice, analysis of various stylistic demands, and the exploration of different fingerings and embouchures to achieve seamless transitions between instruments. The program also encourages investigation into topics and repertoires in advanced coursework, promoting a deep understanding of the historical and stylistic contexts of the music they perform. The development of a comprehensive and versatile performance repertoire for the graduate recital serves as a significant artistic "research" endeavor.
Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University fosters robust industry engagement for its M.M. in Multiple Woodwind Performance program, significantly benefiting from its location in Chicago. The faculty comprises highly experienced professional woodwind "doublers" who hold positions in major Chicago ensembles, Broadway pit orchestras, and recording studios (e.g., members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago). This direct connection to the professional scene provides students with invaluable mentorship, networking opportunities, and insights into the specific demands of the industry. The program is designed to introduce students to the traditions, operations, practices, and opportunities available in diverse performance settings, from musical theatre to studio work and touring acts, ensuring they are well-prepared for immediate professional contributions.
Global Perspective: Roosevelt University's M.M. in Multiple Woodwind Performance program inherently cultivates a global perspective through its engagement with a diverse range of musical styles and repertoires that draw from various international traditions. The demand for woodwind doublers exists in global entertainment industries, including touring Broadway productions and international recording sessions, preparing graduates for careers that may take them beyond national borders. The program's faculty and student body often bring international experiences and influences, enriching the learning environment with diverse musical perspectives and fostering an understanding of how musical practices and performance opportunities are shaped by global cultural contexts.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40549
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $42
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 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Roosevelt University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to support their academic journey and make higher education more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to campus diversity.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Roosevelt University are eligible for merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarship Program: Roosevelt University provides special scholarships targeted at international students, aiming to encourage a diverse and global student body. These awards vary in amount and criteria but typically recognize outstanding academic performance and community involvement.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Roosevelt University, such as the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Walter E. Heller College of Business, offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These awards may be based on talent, portfolio, or academic excellence in the field of study.
An M.M. in Multiple Woodwind Performance from Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) provides a highly specialized and intensive education for instrumentalists aiming for professional careers in music. With its strong emphasis on technical mastery across multiple instruments, expansive repertoire study, and abundant performance opportunities in a major musical hub like Chicago, the program prepares graduates for the multifaceted demands of the classical and commercial music industries. The program directly prepares graduates for roles as "woodwind doublers," a highly valued skill set in various professional settings.
Broadway Pit Orchestra Musician: This is a primary and highly sought-after career for woodwind doublers. Graduates perform in the pit orchestras for touring Broadway shows or resident productions, requiring the ability to switch rapidly and proficiently between multiple woodwind instruments (e.g., flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon) as dictated by the score.
Studio Musician (Recording/Film/TV/Video Games): Graduates work as freelance session musicians, recording instrumental tracks for film scores, television shows, video games, commercials, and albums. The ability to perform on multiple instruments makes them highly versatile and in demand for diverse musical projects.
Orchestral Musician (with doubling responsibilities): While many orchestral positions are for single instruments, some larger orchestras or opera companies may hire musicians specifically for sections that require doubling, particularly on auxiliary instruments or for specific repertoire, though dedicated "doubling" positions are more common in commercial settings.
Touring Musician (Pop/Rock/Jazz/R&B/Musical Artists): Graduates can join touring bands for popular artists, performing in live concerts and potentially contributing to studio recordings. Many contemporary musical acts require versatile woodwind players who can cover multiple parts.
Private Music Teacher/Studio Instructor (Multiple Woodwinds): Graduates establish or join private studios, teaching a range of woodwind instruments to students of all ages. Their comprehensive knowledge across instruments makes them highly valuable to aspiring musicians.
University/College Woodwind Faculty (Applied/Doubling Specialist): With their advanced performance skills across multiple instruments, graduates are well-suited to teach applied woodwind lessons and potentially specialized "woodwind doubling" courses at colleges, universities, or conservatories. Some smaller institutions may specifically seek faculty who can teach multiple instruments.
Military Band Musician (Doubling Role): Highly skilled woodwind doublers are recruited by prestigious military bands (e.g., U.S. Army Field Band, Navy Band) for their versatility in performing a wide range of musical styles for official functions, concerts, and tours.
Chamber Musician (Specialized Ensembles): Graduates can form or join chamber ensembles that focus on repertoire requiring multiple woodwinds, exploring unique instrumental combinations and contributing to the contemporary chamber music scene.
Music Copyist/Engraver: With an in-depth understanding of notation and instrumentation for various woodwind instruments, graduates can work for music publishers, composers, or ensembles, preparing professional-quality scores and parts.
Arts Administrator/Program Coordinator (Performing Arts): Leveraging their deep understanding of performance and the music industry, graduates can work in administrative roles for performing arts organizations, helping with program planning, artist relations, and operational logistics for productions that frequently utilize woodwind doublers.
