Music

• Faculty
• Applied Music Faculty
• Course Work
• Undergraduate Programs
  • Writing-Intensive Requirement
  • Music, B.A.
    • Degree Requirements
  • Music, B.M.
    • Concentration in Performance
    • Concentration in Music Education
    • Teacher Licensure (Certification)
  • Minor in Music
  • Minor in Jazz Studies
• Graduate Program
  • Music, M.A.
    • Admission Requirements
    • Degree Requirements

Faculty

Professors: Burton (Heritage Chair in Music), Maiello, Smith

Associate professors: Brawley, Engebretson, Kanyan (interim chair), Miller

Assistant professors: Nalley, Neill, T. Owens, Wang

Visiting assistant professors: Bullard, Carroll

Adjuncts: Beckwith, BerkshireBrown, Casagrande, Lapple, Longmyer, Maley, Mann, McCarthy, Monson, M. Owens, Rendler, Rosado, Taylor

Applied Music Faculty

Bassoon. Truman Harris, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.A., North Texas State University; M.M., The Catholic University of America; bassoonist, National Symphony Orchestra.

Cello. Robert Park, Adjunct Assistant Professor. B.S., University of Maryland, College Park; M.M., D.M.A., The Catholic University of America; principal cellist, U.S. Army Band of Washington, D.C. (Army Orchestra and Strolling Strings).

Loran Stephenson, Adjunct Assistant Professor. B.M., Curtis Institute of Music; M.M., The Catholic University of America; National Symphony Orchestra; former member, U.S. Army Band of Washington, D.C.

Clarinet. Sharon Bonneau, Adjunct Assistant Professor. B.M., B.M.E., Eastman School of Music; M.A., George Mason University; former clarinetist, U.S. Air Force Band of Washington, D.C.

Lora Ferguson, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.M., Oberlin Conservatory; M.M., The Catholic University of America; clarinetist, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra; Capitol Woodwind Quintet.

Composition. Stephen Burton, Professor. M.M., Peabody Conservatory.

Glenn Smith, Professor. B.A., M.A., California State University, Hayward; D. Mus., Indiana University.

Conducting. Stanley Engebretson, Associate Professor. B.A., M.A., University of North Dakota; D.M.A., Stanford University; Director of Choral Studies, George Mason University; artistic director, Masterworks Chorus and Orchestra; music director, New York Avenue Presbyterian Church; former associate conductor, Minnesota Chorale.

Anthony Maiello, Professor. B.S., M.S., Ithaca College; Director of Instrumental Music Studies, George Mason University; former chairman of performance, Potsdam College of The State University of New York; former associate conductor, McLean (Va.) Orchestra.

Euphonium. Roger Behrend, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.M.E., Michigan State University; M.A., George Mason University; solo/principal euphoniumist, U.S. Navy Band of Washington, D.C.

Flute. Judith Lapple, Adjunct Assistant Professor. B.M., Eastman School of Music; M.M., Northeast Louisiana University; former principal flutist, U.S. Air Force Band of Washington, D.C.

Thomas Perazzoli, Adjunct Associate Professor. Philadelphia Musical Academy; flutist, National Symphony Orchestra.

Guitar (Classical). Larry Snitzler, Adjunct Professor. Former student of Andres Segovia (guitar) and Nadia Boulanger (theory); international concert tours; former freelance music producer, National Public Radio.

Harp. Jeanne Chalifoux, Adjunct Assistant Professor. Artist Diploma, Curtis Institute of Music; former harpist, National Gallery Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra.

Horn. Edwin Thayer, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.M., M.M., University of Illinois; hornist, National Symphony Orchestra.

David Whaley, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.M.E., Drake University; M.M., D.M.A., University of Illinois; hornist, National Symphony Orchestra.

Koto. Kyoko Okamoto, Adjunct Assistant Professor. Bachelor in Languages, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies; Toho Kinshu Kai (Koto School).

Oboe. Lorrie Berkshire-Brown, Adjunct Assistant Professor. B.M., Arizona State University; M.M., Manhattan School of Music; oboist, U.S. Army Band of Washington, D.C.; substitute oboist, New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

Organ. Celia Amstutz, Adjunct Assistant Professor. B.A., Oberlin Conservatory; M.M., University of Maryland; M.M., D.M.A., Peabody Conservatory; recitalist; Director of Music, Fairfax United Methodist Church; Spivey International Competition winner.

William Neil, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.A., Pennsylvania State University; M.M., Syracuse University; University of Michigan; The Juilliard School; organist and keyboardist, National Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Soloists of Washington, Handel Festival Orchestra, New York Trumpet Ensemble; Director of Music, Washington Street Methodist Church, Alexandria.

Percussion. Kenneth Harbison, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.M., Eastman School; M.M., The Catholic University of America; assistant principal percussionist, National Symphony Orchestra.

Piano. Anna Balakerskaia, Adjunct Assistant Professor. M.M., D.M.A., St. Petersburg State Conservatory, Russia; piano soloist and chamber musician throughout the U.S., Europe, South America, and Russia. Former faculty member, Moscow and St. Petersburg State Conservatories.

Joanne Haroutounian, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.A., Trenton State College; M.A., The American University; Ph.D., University of Virginia; pedagogy author, lecturer, and clinician.

Linda Apple Monson, Adjunct Assistant Professor. B.M.Ed., M.M., D.M.A., Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University; diploma (piano performance), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician in the U.S. and Europe; piano faculty member, Northern Virginia Community College; music director, Springfield United Methodist Church.

James Nalley, Assistant Professor of Music. B.M., M.M., Temple University; D.M.A., Eastman School of Music; winner of many national and international competitions; concertized across the United States, Canada, and Europe as a recitalist, accompanist, chamber musician, and soloist with Philadelphia Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony; frequent guest artist/teacher, lecturer, and adjudicator.

Edward Newman, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.M., M.M., Juilliard School of Music; international concert artist.

Saxophone. Richard Parrell, Adjunct Assistant Professor. B.A., B.M., George Mason University; M.M.E., North Texas State University; solo principal saxophonist, U.S. Army Band of Washington, D.C.

Dale Underwood, Adjunct Professor. Texas Tech University; former saxophone soloist, U.S. Navy Band of Washington, D.C.

String Bass. Glenn A. Dewey, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.M., University of Illinois; M.M., Northwestern University; bassist, U.S. Marine Band of Washington, D.C.; former double/electric bass instructor, Millikin University.

Trombone. Paul Schultz, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.M., North Central College (Illinois); M.M., Northwestern University; D.M.A., The Catholic University of America; Baltimore Opera Orchestra; former trombonist, U.S. Army Band of Washington, D.C.

Trumpet. Dennis Edelbrock, Adjunct Professor. B.M.E., University of Iowa; M.A., D.M.A., The Catholic University of America; trumpeter, U.S. Army Band of Washington, D.C., and National Gallery Orchestra.

David Flowers, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.M., M.M., University of Michigan; D.M.A., The Catholic University of America; trumpeter, National Symphony Orchestra.

Tuba. Roger Behrend (see listing under Euphonium).

Michael Murray Bunn, Adjunct Assistant Professor. B.M., M.M., Peabody Conservatory; tubist, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, Filene Center (Wolf Trap) Orchestra, and National Gallery Orchestra.

Viola. Steven Day, Adjunct Assistant Professor. B.M., Brigham Young University; enlisted leader and principal violist, U.S. Army Strings.

Ramon Scavelli, Adjunct Associate Professor. Philadelphia Musical Academy; violist, National Symphony Orchestra.

Violin. Peter Haase, Adjunct Professor. M.M., State Conservatory of Music, Katowice, Poland; postgraduate studies, Moscow Conservatory and The Juilliard School; violinist, National Symphony Orchestra.

Edwin Johonnott, Adjunct Associate Professor. Former violinist, National Symphony Orchestra (1967-1998).

Voice. Stanley Engebretson (see listing under Conducting).

Kathryn Hearden, Adjunct Professor. B.M., St. Norbert College; M.M., Performers Certificate, D.M.A., Eastman School of Music; nationally known soloist and concert artist with opera companies and orchestras.

Laura Mann, Adjunct Professor. B.M., M.M., Eastman School of Music; D.M.A., University of Maryland; international opera, concert, and recording artist with European and North American opera companies and orchestras.

Patricia Miller, Associate Professor. B.M., Boston University; M.M., New England Conservatory; Artist Diploma, Accademia di Santa Cecilia (Rome); international opera, concert, and recording artist with North American, South American, and European opera companies and orchestras.

Steven Rainbolt, Adjunct Assistant Professor. B.M., Millikin University; M.A., University of Iowa; Artist Diploma, Peabody Conservatory; opera and concert artist with North American opera companies and orchestras.

Anastasios Vrenios, Adjunct Associate Professor. B.M., University of the Pacific; M.M., Indiana University; soloist and recording artist, U.S. and European orchestras and opera companies.

Course Work

The Music Department offers all course work designated MUSI in the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog.

Undergraduate Programs

The two undergraduate degree programs offered through the Department of Music, the Bachelor of Arts in Music and the Bachelor of Music, prepare students for graduate work in music and music literature, for research and professional work in musical activities, and for state licensure (certification) to teach vocal/choral or instrumental music on the elementary and secondary school levels.

Through its strategic plan, Music Outreach and the Teaching Professions, the Department of Music enables students to pursue worthwhile vocational goals as teachers, performers, conductors, and composers. The department also seeks to educate its students to reflect a concern for cultural and humanistic values as future ambassadors and advocates of music and the other arts. Through innovative learning experiences, the department provides all students in the B.A. and B.M. programs with opportunities to become effective musicians, teachers, and advocates of music. Teaching music is the principal area in which students can find employment in the private studios, public and private schools, academies, and higher education within the ever-changing workplace. Because of this, all music majors at George Mason receive some training in the teaching of music.

The Department of Music also recognizes the critical outreach role it provides in serving students from all majors as well as members of the community who significantly benefit from the values and experiences of an education in music. The department seeks to provide unique educational opportunities through its various course offerings, workshops, presentations, and performances for those seeking music enrichment.

Entrance to all music degree programs is by audition. Arrangements for an audition must be made in advance by contacting the Department of Music before the scheduled audition date. Auditions are held in November, January, and March through August (normally on the first Monday of each month except for January and August, when dates are scheduled during the university registration period).

A fundamentals of music test is given during the first week of classes to all students enrolled in MUSI 115 (Theory I). This test consists of the following: standard musical notation in treble and bass clefs; key signatures; all intervals up to a perfect octave; and all major, natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales (ascending and descending). The test must be passed to continue in MUSI 115.

Competency placement tests are required of all transfer students who desire to present transfer credit in any of the following areas: sight singing, ear training, and keyboard skills, including keyboard harmony.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in music may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing one of the following: MUSI 331, 332, 431, or 432. Students who transfer all of these courses into George Mason may be required to repeat one of them or to enroll in some other suitable course in order to fulfill the writing intensive requirement.

Music, B.A.

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree must complete a general education program as outlined below. This distribution enables students to develop a breadth of knowledge as well as the necessary skills to make the in-depth study of a major truly meaningful. In addition to general education requirements, students must also either demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language or complete a minor program. A minimum of 53-54 credits in music course work is required for the music major. A total of 120 credits are required for the B.A. in Music.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS			Credits
General Education 1			43-64
Foundation Requirements
	Written Communication		6
		ENGL 101, 302 Non-native speakers of English with limited proficiency in the language may substitute ENGL 100 for ENGL 101. Students must attain a minimum grade of C to have ENGL 100 or 101, and 302 fulfill degree requirements
	Oral communication		3
	Quantitative reasoning		3
	Information technology		3
Core Requirements
	Literature		3
	Natural Science (one course must have laboratory experience)		7
	U.S. history		3
	Western civilization		3
	Social and behavioral sciences		3
	Arts		3
	Global understanding		3
Synthesis Requirement
	Synthesis 1		3
Other
	Additional Requirement A student must demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language (0-12 credits) or complete a minor program (15-21 credits).		0-21
Music Major
Required Courses			53-54
	MUSI 115, 116, 215 Theory I, II, III		9
	MUSI 216 Form and Analysis		3
	MUSI 113, 114 Sight Singing and Ear Training I, II		4
	MUSI 171, 172, 273 Keyboard Skills I, II, III 2		3
	MUSI 331, 332, 431, 432 Music History in Society (I, II, III or I, III, IV or II, III, IV)		9
	MUSI 221, 421 Major Instrument or Voice (Private Music Instruction)		8
	Ensemble 3		4
	MUSI 251 The Art of Teaching Music		3
	MUSI 300 Recital Attendance (five semesters) 4		0
	MUSI 351, 352, or 353 Pedagogy		2-3
	MUSI 395 Teaching Internship		2
	MUSI 415 Music in Computer Technology		3
Electives			14-36

¹ Certain general education requirements may be satisfied with courses in the major which would reduce the total number of general education credits.

² Students whose major instrument is a keyboard instrument must substitute Techniques of Accompanying I and II for Keyboard Skills I and II. They must take Keyboard Skills III or earn credit-by-examination by successfully passing the appropriate competency placement examination.

³ Students whose major instrument is voice must earn four credits in University Chorale, Symphonic Chorus, and/or Chamber Singers. Students whose major instrument is an orchestral string instrument must earn four credits in Symphony Orchestra, and students whose major instrument is a wind or percussion instrument must earn four credits
in Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and/or Wind Ensemble. Students whose major instrument is the piano, harpsichord, organ, or guitar must earn four credits in large ensembles: University Chorale, Symphonic Chorus, Chamber Singers, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and/or Wind Ensemble. Transfer students must earn at least two ensemble credits at George Mason.

⁴ All students who enroll as freshmen must take MUSI 300 for five semesters. Transfer students must take MUSI 300 each semester they are enrolled (excluding the Internship in Music Education semester) up to a maximum of five semesters. A grade of "S" (Satisfactory) must be earned each semester.

Music, B.M.

A total of 120 credits are required for the Bachelor of Music degree. Admission to a concentration normally occurs at the end of the sophomore year.

CONCENTRATION IN PERFORMANCE

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS			Credits
General Education 1			49
Foundation Requirements
	Written Communication		6
		ENGL 101, 302 Non-native speakers of English with limited proficiency in the language may substitute ENGL 100 for ENGL 101. Students must attain a minimum grade of C to have ENGL 100 or 101, and 302 fulfill degree requirements
	Oral communication		3
	Quantitative reasoning		3
	Information technology		3
Core Requirements
	Literature		3
	Natural Science		3
	U.S. history		3
	Western civilization		3
	Social OR behavioral science		3
	Arts		3
	Global understanding		3
Synthesis Requirement
	Synthesis 1		3
Other
	Foreign languages and free electives 5 5 Students whose major instrument is voice must earn nine credits in a foreign language.		10
Musicianship Courses			71
	MUSI 115, 116, 215 Theory I, II, II		9
	MUSI 216 Form and Analysis		3
	MUSI 113, 114 Sight Singing and Ear Training I, II		4
	MUSI 171, 172, 273 Keyboard Skills I, II, III 6		3
	MUSI 331, 332, 431, 432 Music History in Society I, II, III, IV		12
	MUSI 319 Class Composition and Arranging		3
	MUSI 415 Music in Computer Technology		3
	MUSI 391 Conducting I		2
	MUSI 221, 421 Major Instrument or Voice (Private Music Instruction)		20
	MUSI 324 Junior Recital		1
	MUSI 424 Senior Recital		1
	Recital Lecture		1
	MUSI 379 Improvisation		1
	Ensembles 7		8
	MUSI 300 Recital Attendance (five semesters) 8		0

⁶ Students whose major instrument is a keyboard instrument must substitute Techniques of Accompanying I and II for Keyboard Skills I and II. They must take Keyboard Skills III or earn credit-by-examination by successfully passing the competency placement examination.

⁷ Students whose major instrument is voice must earn eight credits in University Chorale, Symphonic Chorus, and/or Chamber Singers. Students whose major instrument is an orchestral string instrument must earn eight credits in Symphony Orchestra, and students whose major instrument is a wind or percussion instrument must earn eight credits in Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and/or Wind Ensemble. Students whose major instrument is piano, harpsichord, organ, or guitar must earn at least four credits in large ensembles: University Chorale, Symphonic Chorus, Chamber Singers, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and/or Wind Ensemble. Transfer students must earn at least two ensemble credits at George Mason University.

⁸ All students who enroll as freshmen must take MUSI 300 for five semesters. Transfer students must take MUSI 300 each semester they are enrolled (excluding the Internship in Music Education semester) up to a maximum of five semesters. A grade of "S" (satisfactory) must be earned each semester.

Emphases and Teaching Sequences (One of the following must be chosen)			15
	Keyboard Emphasis and Teaching Sequence
	MUSI 325 Performance Seminar for Singers and Accompanists I		2
	MUSI 492H Keyboard Literature		3
	MUSI 251 The Art of Teaching Music		3
	MUSI 351 Keyboard Pedagogy		3
	MUSI 395 Teaching Internship		4
	Voice Emphasis and Teaching Sequence
	MUSI 325, 326 Performance Seminar for Singers and Accompanists I, II		4
	MUSI 396 Conducting II		2
	MUSI 251 The Art of Teaching Music		3
	MUSI 352 Vocal Pedagogy and Diction		2
	MUSI 395 Teaching Internship		4
	Winds/Strings/Percussion Emphasis and Teaching Sequence
	MUSI 419 Orchestration		3
	MUSI 396 Conducting II		2
	MUSI 251 The Art of Teaching Music		3
	MUSI 353 Instrumental Pedagogy and Literature		3
	MUSI 395 Teaching Internship		4
TOTAL			120

CONCENTRATION IN MUSIC EDUCATION

Virginia Licensure (Certification) to Teach

The music education concentration is approved by the Virginia State Department of Education and administered through the Graduate School of Education, which is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Minimum scores on the Praxis I & II tests must be achieved before state licensure can be granted.

To complete the concentration in music education, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Be formally accepted into the music education concentration by the departmental Music Teacher Education Committee when
   1. 45 to 60 credits have been earned;
   2. Sight Singing and Ear Training II, Keyboard Skills III, and Theory III have been completed with a grade of C or better; and
   3. scores have been submitted for the Praxis I (Reading, Writing, Mathematics) tests to the Music Teacher Education Committee. It is strongly recommended that students take the Praxis I tests as soon as ENGL 302 and a course in literature and mathematics have been completed.
2. Maintain an overall GPA of 2.800 in all course work done at George Mason University and in course work done at all institutions of higher learning combined.
3. Earn no grade lower than a C in music and in professional education courses needed for graduation.
4. Successfully pass sight singing, ear training, keyboard, and conducting proficiency examinations during the first music methods course (MUSI 461, 463, 464, or 466). Students in the voice emphasis must also pass a voice proficiency examination, and students in the instrumental emphasis must pass a musical instrument fingering proficiency examination during the first music methods course.
5. Complete all course work in the program sequence.
6. Upon completion of the above, do 15 weeks of a full-time internship (student teaching). Applications for placement, subject to approval of the Music Teacher Education Committee, are submitted to the Office of Teacher Education at the beginning of the previous semester.
7. Pass the Praxis II (Music: Content Knowledge) test during the internship semester (student teaching).

⁹ Students who wish to concentrate in music education must successfully pass sight singing, ear training, keyboard, and conducting proficiency examinations during their first music methods course (MUSI 461, 463, 464, or 466). Students in the voice emphasis must also pass a voice proficiency
examination during their first music methods course, and students in the instrumental emphasis must pass a musical instrument fingering proficiency examination during the first music methods course.

¹⁰ Students in the instrumental emphasis whose major instrument is something other than a band or orchestral instrument must earn a minimum of six additional credits of undergraduate private music instruction (or the equivalent) on such an instrument, the actual number to be determined by an audition committee. Students in the voice emphasis whose major instrument is a band or orchestral instrument must earn a minimum of six additional credits of undergraduate private music instruction (or the equivalent) in either voice, piano, organ, harpsichord, or guitar, the actual number to be determined by an audition committee.

¹¹ Students whose major instrument is voice, piano, harpsichord, organ, or guitar must earn six credits in University Chorale, Symphonic Chorus, and/or Chamber Singers. Students whose major instrument is an orchestral string instrument must earn six credits in Symphony Orchestra, and students whose major instrument is a wind or percussion instrument must earn six credits in Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and/or Wind Ensemble. For students in the instrumental emphasis whose major instrument is something other than a band or orchestral instrument, four of the six required ensemble credits must be earned in Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and/or Wind Ensemble. For students in the voice emphasis whose major instrument is a band or orchestral instrument, four of the six required ensemble credits must be earned in University Chorale, Symphonic Chorus, and/or Chamber Singers. Transfer students must earn at least two ensemble credits at George Mason University.

Teaching Sequences (One of the following must be chosen)			34
	Instrumental Emphasis Teaching Sequence
	MUSI 251 The Art of Teaching Music		3
	MUSI 393 Music Administration and Management		2
	Secondary instruments MUSI 361 Class Strings: Violin and Viola MUSI 362 Class Strings: Cello and String Bass MUSI 363 Class Woodwinds: Flute and Clarinet MUSI 364 Class Woodwinds: Oboe and Bassoon MUSI 365 Class Brass MUSI 366 Class Percussion MUSI 367 Class Guitar MUSI 368 Class Voice		8
	MUSI 464, 466 Instrumental Music Methods I, II 12		6
	EDUC 302 or EDUC 539 Human Growth and Development or Psychological Foundations of Adolescent Learning and Development		3
	EDUC 301 or EDUC 529 Educationally Diverse Populations: Handicapped, Gifted, Multicultural or Pluralism and Exceptionality in U.S. Education		3
	EDRD 300 Language, Literacy, and Curriculum Integration for Specialist Teachers		3
	MUSI 495 Internship in Music Education (Student Teaching)		6
	Voice Emphasis Teaching Sequence
	MUSI 251 The Art of Teaching Music		3
	MUSI 393 Music Administration and Management		2
	Secondary instruments13		6
	MUSI 352 Vocal Pedagogy and Diction		2
	MUSI 461 The Teaching of General Music in the Elementary and Middle School		3
	MUSI 463 The Teaching of Vocal Music in the Secondary School		3
	EDUC 302 or EDUC 539 Human Growth and Development or Psychological Foundations of Adolescent Learning and Development		3
	EDUC 301 or EDUC 529 Educationally Diverse Populations: Handicapped, Gifted, Multicultural or Pluralism and Exceptionality in U.S. Education		3
	EDRD 300 Language, Literacy, and Curriculum Integration for Specialist Teachers		3
	MUSI 495 Internship in Music Education (Student Teaching)		6

¹² Students whose major instrument is an orchestral string instrument may substitute Instrumental Pedagogy and Literature for Instrumental Music Methods I.

¹³ Class Strings: Violin and Viola or Class Strings: Cello and String Bass (1 credit); Class Woodwinds: Flute and Clarinet or Class Woodwinds: Oboe and Bassoon or Class Brass (1 credit); Class Percussion (1 credit). In addition, students whose major instrument is voice must take Class Guitar (1credit) and earn 2 credits in UPMI-Piano; if major instrument is piano, Class Guitar (1 credit) and 2 credits in UPMI-Voice; if major instrument is guitar, 2 credits in UPMI-Voice and 1 credit in UPMI-Piano.

TOTAL

120

TEACHER LICENSURE (CERTIFICATION)

Undergraduate students seeking licensure (certification) to teach vocal/choral or instrumental music on the elementary and secondary levels must earn the Bachelor of Music degree as specified under Concentration in Music Education. Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree and who are seeking state licensure (certification) to teach music must also complete this sequence of courses, which constitute a state-approved program for teacher education in music.

Minor in Music

All music minors must pass a music audition. Music minors in the keyboard area use the Keyboard Skills I credit as a music elective.

			Credits
Total Required			21
	MUSI 101 Introduction to Classical Music		3
	MUSI 171 Keyboard Skills I		1
	MUSI 115, 116 Theory I and II		6
	MUSI 113 Sight Singing and Ear Training I		2
	MUSI 221, 421 Undergraduate private music instruction (major instrument or voice)		6
	Ensembles		3
	MUSI 300 Recital Attendance (two semesters)14		0

Minor in Jazz Studies

This minor is open to music and non-music majors who wish to explore America's unique art form. It is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists, including students who perform on instruments not normally associated with jazz. No prior experience in jazz is needed; however, candidates must pass a music audition. Jazz studies minors in the keyboard area use the Keyboard Skills I credit as a music elective.

			Credits
Total Required			21
	MUSI 107 The Development of Jazz		3
	MUSI 379 Jazz Improvisation		1
	MUSI 311 Jazz Studies		3
	MUSI 485 Jazz Chamber Ensembles		3
	MUSI 115, 116 Theory I and II		6
	MUSI 113 Sight Singing and Ear Training I		2
	MUSI 171 Keyboard Skills I		1
	MUSI 221 Undergraduate Private Music Instruction (Major Instrument or Voice)		2
	MUSI 300 Recital Attendance (two semesters)14		0

¹⁴ All students who enroll as music minors and jazz studies minors must take MUSI 300 for two semesters. Agrade of "S" (Satisfactory) must be earned each semester.

Graduate Program

Music, M.A.

The expansion of professional education in the arts is paramount for the growth and development of a rich and vital cultural community and a supporting network of individual artists. The dynamics of contemporary society suggest that the impact of the arts on public life will continue to expand well into the 21st century. Each year, opportunities increase for creative work by performers, composers, sculptors, painters, dancers, actors, historians, theoreticians, and musicologists.

The Master of Arts in Music is offered as an educational channel to meet the intellectual and career needs of qualified students. It is a comprehensive and advanced program of study with a choice of concentrations in performance (single or multiple instruments), music education, composition, and conducting. The M.A. with an emphasis in music education does not provide licensure to teach music in public or private schools.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for graduate study, the applicant is expected to hold a baccalaureate degree in music or in another discipline with courses equaling the music requirements (minus the seven- to eight-credit teaching sequence) for the Bachelor of Arts in Music offered at George Mason.

The following admission requirements must also be met:

Performance: Audition (single or multiple instruments)

Conducting: Audition

Composition: Submission of a portfolio of compositions

Music Education: Submission of a paper on the applicant's philosophy of music education

Diagnostic Entrance Examination

All new graduate students are required to take an entrance examination to demonstrate competence in music history, music theory, and general musicianship. The examination is offered during a three-hour period normally on the Saturday before the first day of classes of the fall and spring semesters. The examination must be passed prior to graduation.

Foreign Language Examinations
(Vocal Performance Emphasis)

Students in the M.A. degree program (emphasis in vocal performance) must take proficiency exams in French, German, Italian, and English to prove diction competency. Students who do not pass at least one of these exams are required to take the following course(s):

• MUSI 525 Performance Seminar for Singers and Accompanists I (for Italian and English diction deficiencies)
• MUSI 526 Performance Seminar for Singers and Accompanists II (for French and German diction deficiencies)

Comprehensive Exit Examination

All students completing the M.A. in Music are required to pass a comprehensive exit examination administered during the graduation semester or, in the case of students selecting the thesis option in the music education concentration, upon completion of 24 credits of course work and immediately before beginning work on the thesis. August graduates must take this examination during the preceding spring term. This exam normally consists of a one-hour oral examination, and the questions are based primarily on the courses the student has taken at George Mason University.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

A student must successfully complete 30 credits in graduate music courses. With the approval of the department, three nonmusic graduate credits may be taken.

The student must satisfy the following requirements:

			Credits
General Requirements			11
	MUSI 662 Introduction to Research in Music 3		3
	MUSI 511 Analytical Techniques 3		3
	MUSI 531 Advanced Topics in Music History and Literature 3		3
	Ensemble 2		2
Additional Requirements for the Concentration in Performance: Single Instrument			19
	MUSI 621 Graduate Private Music Instruction: Instrumental/Vocal		9
	MUSI 512 Advanced Orchestration		3
	MUSI 531 Advanced Topics in Music History and Literature		3
	MUSI 724 Graduate Recital		1
	Electives		3
Additional Requirements for the Concentration in Performance: Multiple Instruments			19
	MUSI 621 Graduate Private Music Instruction: Major Instrument		4
	MUSI 622 Graduate Private Music Instruction: Secondary Instrument #1		4
	MUSI 623 Graduate Private Music Instruction: Secondary Instrument #2		4
	MUSI 553 Instrumental Pedagogy and Literature		3
	MUSI 724 Graduate Recital: Multiple Instruments		1
	Electives		3
Additional Requirements for the Concentration in Music Education			19
	MUSI 562 Psychology of Music Teaching and Learning		3
	MUSI 663 Aesthetics of Music Education		3
	MUSI 799 Thesis		6
	or MUSI 561 Advanced Topics in Music Education: Orff Schulwerk certification		9
	Electives		4-7
Additional Requirements for the Concentration in Composition			19
	MUSI 621 Graduate Private Music Instruction: Composition		9
	MUSI 512 Advanced Orchestration		3
	MUSI 531 Advanced Topics in Music History and Literature		3
	MUSI 724 Graduate Recital		1
	Electives		3
Additional Requirements for the Concentration in Conducting			19
	MUSI 621 Graduate Private Music Instruction: Conducting		6
	MUSI 597 Advanced Topics in Conducting		3
	MUSI 512 Advanced Orchestration		3
	MUSI 724 Graduate Recital		1
	Electives		6

The number of students accepted in the graduate conducting concentration is limited by the extent to which it is possible to provide students with practical experience in conducting. In most cases, each student accepted is offered an opportunity to gain conducting experience by serving as assistant conductor of a George Mason University ensemble.