Program requirements
Students in the M.M.P. program must complete 30 semester hours. This curriculum represents a two-year program assuming that all entrance requirements have been met before beginning it. Deficiencies which need to be made up might require extra time.
Program Description
In a student-centered learning environment led by a professional faculty and enhanced by our location in Chicago, we endeavor to prepare and inspire our students for the rigorous and multi-faceted career demands of a professional musician.
The course of study provides an advanced educational experience in the theory and practice of music performance, pedagogy, and leadership. The curriculum includes a common core in addition to courses specific to tracks of specialization. Included are intensive studies in technique, music history, analysis, performance practice, pedagogy, and a variety of ensemble experiences. The curriculum also provides coursework and experiences to bridge the gap between the school environment and the professional world, including an optional internship experience.
Objectives
The curriculum is designed to further the knowledge, skills, and experiences that are relevant to careers in music. In breadth and depth, it utilizes an approach that merges academics and performance primarily through experiential learning. This includes demonstrated ability in solo and group performance, music instruction for individuals and groups, and music leadership.
Through this program, students will develop a high level of competency in:
- the history, styles, and performance practices of musical literature gained through lecture, research, score analysis, and mentored performance.
- performance in a variety of environments – solo, stage, chamber and large ensemble.
- understanding diverse pedagogical methods specific to their specialized areas and application of these methods in a variety of settings.
Course requirements:
Common Core Requirements (All Tracks): 9 sh
Vocal Arts Solo Track: 17 sh
AMUS 5200: Must be taken for 3 semesters (2 sh each).
AMUS 5600: (2 sh) Must be taken prior to the semester of the final recital.
MUS 5455: (0 or 2 sh)
MUS 5800 or MUS 5890: By placement and scholarship contract, 2 semesters required.
MUS 5002 or MUS 5003: Choose one.
Electives for Vocal Arts Solo track: 4 sh
MUS/AMUS: Any course excluding those fulfilling entrance and program requirements:
Internship (MUS 6100 for 1-2 sh), interpretive performance studies, opera courses, performer’s survey courses, applied lessons, composition, conducting, diction(AMUS 5421 and 5422), chamber music, Music for Social Change and Human Values courses.
Students can also fulfill electives by taking foreign Languages, theatre courses, and anatomy courses(biology).
Vocal Arts Ensemble Track: 17 sh
AMUS 5190: Must be taken for 3 semesters.
AMUS 5200: Over 2-3 semesters.
AMUS 5610: Taken the semester prior to the semester of the final recital – serving as Assistant Conductor of one of the ensembles.
MUS 5890: One semester required.
MUS 5800 or MUS 5890: By placement and scholarship contract, 2 semesters required.
MUS 5001 or MUS 5002: Choose one.
Electives for Vocal Arts Ensemble track: 4 sh
MUS/AMUS: Any course excluding those fulfilling entrance and program requirements:
Internship (MUS 6100 for 1-2 sh), interpretive performance studies, opera courses, performer’s survey courses, applied lessons, composition, conducting, diction(AMUS 5421 and 5422), chamber music, Music for Social Change and Human Values courses.
Students can also fulfill electives by taking foreign Languages, theatre courses, and anatomy courses(biology).
Keyboard Arts Vocal Coaching Track: 17 sh
| AMUS 5110 | Applied Piano | 1-2 |
| MUS 5310 | Chamber/Duo Instrumental Repertoire | 2 |
| MUS 5001 | Performer's Survey I: Art Song | 2 |
| MUS 5002 | Performer's Survey II: Opera/MusTheatre | 2 |
| MUS 5003 | Performer's Survey III: Choral Lit Cantata/Mass | 2 |
| MUS 5421 | Lyric Diction: Latin and English | 1 |
| AMUS 5210 | Practicum Studio/Choral/Opera Accompanying Techniques | 1 |
AMUS 5110: Must be taken for 3 semesters.
AMUS 5210: Must be taken twice.
Electives for Keyboard Arts Vocal Coaching track: 4 sh
MUS/AMUS: Any course excluding those fulfilling entrance and program requirements: internship (MUS 6100 for 1-2 sh), applied lessons, composition, conducting, diction, chamber music, Music for Social Change and Human Values courses, Foreign Languages, Interpretive Performance Studies.
Keyboard Arts Conducting Track: 17 sh
AMUS 5190: Must be taken for 3 semesters.
AMUS 5110 or AMUS 5130: A total of 3 sh; must be taken over 2-3 semesters.
AMUS 5210: Must be taken 4 times.
Electives for Keyboard Arts Conducting track: 4 sh
MUS/AMUS: Any course excluding those fulfilling entrance and program requirements: internship (MUS 6100 for 1-2 sh), applied lessons, composition, conducting, diction, chamber music, Music for Social Change and Human Values courses, Foreign Languages, Interpretive Performance Studies.