M.A. in Music

Program Overview

The MA in Music at Truman State University is a selective program that prepares graduates for leadership roles, whether as performers, composers, conductors, or scholars. The curriculum emphasizes professional training, the development of robust research skills, and a liberal arts perspective, enabling students to transform their talent and dedication into significant contributions to musical culture. All emphasis groups culminate in a substantial final project: either a graduate recital (for performance and conducting emphases) or a thesis (for composition and scholarly emphases). The program prides itself on close mentorship from dedicated faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized in their respective fields.

NASM Accredited: A critical hallmark of Truman State University's MA in Music program is its accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). NASM is the national standard of accreditation for music programs in the United States and is the only accrediting agency for music recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation signifies that Truman's music program meets stringent national standards for curriculum, faculty, facilities, and educational outcomes, ensuring that graduates receive a high-quality, professionally recognized degree. NASM accreditation is crucial for graduates seeking professional employment or further doctoral studies, as it validates the rigor and quality of their musical education.

Curriculum: The 32-credit MA in Music curriculum is structured around a 12-credit core of general studies in music, encompassing "Analytical Techniques for 19th and 20th Century Music," "Music of the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical Eras," and "Music of the Romantic and Contemporary Eras," along with "Introduction to Research in Music." Beyond this core, students pursue one of the four specialized 20-credit emphasis groups. For instance, the Performance Emphasis includes graduate electives, applied music lessons, literature and pedagogy courses, and culminates in a graduate performance recital. The Composition Emphasis involves advanced composition courses, topics in contemporary music, research in music (composition), and culminates in a composition thesis. The Conducting Emphasis focuses on advanced conducting techniques, literature, and pedagogy, leading to a graduate conducting recital. The Research (Thesis) Emphasis delves into in-depth research in music, culminating in a scholarly thesis.

Research Focus: Research is a fundamental component of Truman State University's MA in Music, particularly within the Composition and Scholarship (Musicology, Theory) emphases. The program requires core coursework such as "Introduction to Research in Music," which covers descriptive, historical, experimental, and philosophic research techniques in music. Students in the research-based emphases engage in developing major research projects, culminating in a thesis that demonstrates significant scholarly inquiry or a substantial original composition. Faculty members are actively involved in diverse research areas, and students are encouraged to present scholarly papers at regional and national conferences. This emphasis on critical inquiry and scholarly output ensures graduates are adept at contributing to the broader academic discourse in music.

Industry Engagement: While the MA in Music is primarily an academic and artistic program, Truman State University's Music Department fosters connections that prepare students for professional careers. The program aims for graduates to possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to "enter and succeed in their chosen professional musical field." This is supported by direct work with faculty mentors who are recognized performers, conductors, composers, and scholars. For students pursuing performance or conducting, ample opportunities exist for public presentation and collaboration with university ensembles. For those interested in composition, there are opportunities for original music to be recorded and performed. The department's Bachelor of Science in Music Business, while a separate undergraduate program, highlights a broader university commitment to preparing students for diverse roles within the music industry.

Global Perspective: Truman State University's Music Department inherently incorporates a global perspective by exploring diverse musical styles, aesthetics, and cultural contexts. While the MA in Music curriculum features courses covering Western music history from the Renaissance to contemporary eras, the broader department offers undergraduate courses like "Perspectives in Music: World Musics" (MUSI 205), which investigates music in various world cultures, developing an understanding of musical style, aesthetic viewpoints of differing cultures, and the function music fulfills in these diverse societies. This foundational exposure, coupled with the study of contemporary musical culture and historical traditions within the graduate curriculum, prepares students to engage with music as a global phenomenon, recognizing its diverse expressions and impacts worldwide.