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Music, Collaborative Piano Specialization, M.M.

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The Master of Music degree program with a collaborative piano specialization is an advanced course of study for musicians who hold a Bachelor’s degree in music and have a passion for collaborating with instrumental and vocal musicians. Students will study and perform literature from the instrumental and vocal/operatic repertories, participate in large ensembles such as the MTSU Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, and further their knowledge and understanding of vocal coaching and chamber music literature. Graduates of this program have continued on to pursue advanced degrees and/or careers in instrumental and vocal/choral accompanying and chamber music, professional studio recording, vocal coaching, and private teaching. Graduate teaching assistantship opportunities are available to qualified students.


What We're Doing

Andre Ng

Malaysian student says Collaborative Studies program helped drive passion

Growing up in Malaysia, Hong Liang Andre Ng always loved music and began playing piano when he was just six-years-old. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Solo Piano Performance, Ng decided to explore his options for furthering his education, leading him to earn his master’s degree in Collaborative Studies at MTSU. “Playing piano has always been a way to express myself, but collaborating music with different musicians creates this wonderful spectrum of expressions, connections, and beauty that drive my passion.” Ng says the Collaborative Studies program taught him how to “have more in-depth conversations” about the music he’s performing. “I can rehearse with people more efficiently with the knowledge I have gained from the program, and I am able to organize my time more efficiently.” Ng is pursuing his doctoral degree at North Dakota State University where he works as a graduate assistant.

Elizabeth Chua

International student calls time at MTSU ‘transformative’

Growing up in Malaysia, Elizabeth Chua took a leap of faith when she decided to attend MTSU to work on her master’s degree. “MTSU and Murfreesboro was my first exposure to the U.S., and I cannot ask for a better experience. The faculty members were all top-notched. I was given full attention by all my professors, and I was able to grow into the musician I am today.”  Chua said MTSU served as a “work shed” for her. “I had the opportunity to focus and sharpen my skills… it was a complete learning experience for me. I spent three years [at MTSU] for my Masters in Music, in both collaborative piano and piano performance. Those three years transformed me. They gave me the confidence, skills, knowledge, and connections that led me to where I am today.” Chua is currently part of the music faculty at Ridgewater College in Minnesota.


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Alumni from the School of Music teach thousands of students every day in private studios and schools from kindergarten through university levels. MTSU graduates perform in orchestras, military ensembles, and opera companies; appear in clubs and recording studios with the famous and yet-to-be-known; compose music for Hollywood films and commercial jingles; lead professional music organizations; work in the music industry; serve as church musicians; and continually enrich the lives of others. Some continue on to enter prestigious doctoral programs. A sample of potential professional pathways for music master's students:

  • Accompanist
  • Church musician/worship leader
  • College professor/instructor
  • Composer/arranger/orchestrator
  • Conductor
  • General music teacher at elementary/middle schools
  • Instrumental performer
  • Instrument sales business owner
  • Music educator
  • Music librarian
  • Music publisher/editor
  • Music theater director
  • Musical director
  • Product specialist
  • Salesperson/marketer
  • Studio musician
  • Private studio owner/instructor

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • Bellevue Middle School
  • Belmont University
  • Cane Ridge High School
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Chattanooga Symphony
  • Cumberland University
  • The Downtown Band
  • Earl Klugh (Grammy winner)
  • EMBRA Artists, LTD.
  • Fairview Middle School
  • Jeff Coffin (Grammy winner)
  • Jonathan Fletcher Music
  • Lipscomb University
  • MEINL Percussion
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Murfreesboro City Schools
  • Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Nashville State Community College
  • Northeast Mississippi Community College
  • Old Center Elementary School, Nashville
  • Onks Woodwind Specialist
  • Siegel Middle School
  • Trevecca Nazarene University
  • University of Louisiana-Lafayette
  • University of Northern Colorado
  • Vine Street Christian Church, Nashville

Graduate

The School of Music’s Masters of Music Degree is offered with seven graduate specializations:

A minor in Music is offered at the graduate level.

Applicants must

  • hold (or be about to receive) an undergraduate degree in music;
  • have an acceptable grade point average in all college work taken (at least 3.0);
  • depending on specialization, either do an audition or submit an audition audio or video-recording; submit scores and recordings of compositions; submit written samples of scholarship; or submit a 30-minute video-recording demonstrating teaching ability;
  • complete entrance examinations in music history and music theory to plan initial course of study;

For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.

Undergraduate

MTSU's School of Music offers an undergraduate major in Music leading to Bachelor of Music (B.M.) degree in the following concentrations:

Undergraduate minors in Music, American Music Studies, and Music Industry are also available. 

Teacher licensure

Students seeking a license to teach music in the public schools must complete

  • a major in Music following the concentration in either Instrumental Music Education or Vocal/General Music Education K–12,
  • a minor in Secondary Education,
  • the General Education Program, and
  • additional teacher licensure requirements.

Music, Collaborative Piano Specialization, M.M.

Chris Combest, Program Director
(615) 898-2476
chris.combest@mtsu.edu

The School of Music offers a Master of Music degree with specializations in collaborative piano, conducting, jazz studies, music composition, music education, musicology, and performance.

Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Music degree program requires

  1. an earned bachelor's degree in music from an accredited university or college;
  2. an acceptable grade point average in all college work taken (at least 3.00).

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Applicant must

  1. submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
  2. submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
  3. submit three letters of recommendation.

Additionally, those seeking a specialization in collaborative piano must complete an audition. Applicants who do not pass the audition may be allowed, at the discretion of the faculty, to be admitted as non-degree seeking for one semester and must register for MUAP 5020 - Private Instruction. They must re-audition at the end of their first semester of study. Students who do not pass the audition on their second attempt will not be admitted to the program.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Music degree in Music with a specialization in collaborative music requires completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours.

Candidates must

  1. complete the curriculum with 70 percent of the total degree hours at the 6000 level (see Curriculum section below for specifics);
  2. successfully complete both written and oral comprehensive examinations no earlier than the student's last semester of study. Comprehensive examinations may be repeated once.

Additionally, those with a specialization in collaborative piano must establish proficiencies before graduation in music history, music theory,* and foreign language. The foreign language proficiency for collaborative piano includes translation skills (in two of Italian, French, German) and diction skills and IPA in Italian, French, and German.

*NOTE: Diagnostic examinations in music theory, music history, and diction will be scheduled during the first week of the first semester of study. Students who do not pass the diagnostic examinations should consult with the graduate coordinator to plan how to meet the requirements. Additional courses may be required to satisfy these proficiency requirements.

Curriculum: Music, Collaborative Piano

The following illustrates the coursework requirements.

Core Courses (9 hours)

 

  • MUS 6620 - Bibliography and Research

    3credit hours

    Survey of bibliography and problems and methods of research. Analysis and evaluation of research in the arts.

  • MUS 6630 - Music Seminar  3 credit hours  

    MUS 6630 - Music Seminar

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: MUS 6620. Study and research of a topic in music determined by the instructor.

  • MUTH 6050 - Analytical Techniques

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: MUTH 5010 or permission of instructor. Skills and procedures of musical analysis as they apply to all periods through analysis of representative compositions. Evaluation of work from all standpoints: craftsmanship, expression, and stylistic correctness.

Specialization Courses (12 hours)

 

  • MUAP 6682 - Private Instruction Piano

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: Completion of undergraduate recital. Consult graduate coordinator as to performance area availability. One-hour private lesson per week in the selected performance field. In-depth study of stylistic, technical, and musical problems in music performance and exploration of advanced repertoire in the applied area.

  • MUAP 6692 - Private Instruction Piano

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: Completion of undergraduate recital. Consult graduate coordinator as to performance area availability. One-hour private lesson per week in the selected performance field. In-depth study of stylistic, technical, and musical problems in music performance and exploration of advanced repertoire in the applied area.

  • MUAP 6670 - Graduate Recital  3 credit hours  
    MUAP 6670(two semesters, 6 credit hours total)  dotslash:(two semesters, 6 credit hours total) title:MUAP 6670 
    (two semesters, 6 credit hours total) 

    MUAP 6670 - Graduate Recital

    3credit hours

    Prerequisites: Completion of MUAP 6682 for the collaborative piano specializations; MUS 6030, MUS 6060, and MUAP 6709 for the conducting specialization; the appropriate courses from among MUAP 6681-MUAP 6688, MUAP 6691-MUAP 6698, and MUAP 6701-MUAP 6708 for the jazz studies and performance specializations; MUAP 6140, MUAP 6150, and MUAP 6160 for the music composition and music composition for contemporary media specializations; and permission of the appropriate music faculty in all specializations. One-hour private lesson per week in the selected performance field and recital preparation until recital completed. Those specializing in collaborative piano may take course three times.

NOTE: The vocal and instrumental repertoire may be split between the two recitals in any combination, as long as the final result is approximately 50 percent in each area.

Guided Electives (9 hours)

 

  • MUHL 5710 - Vocal Literature  3 credit hours  

    MUHL 5710 - Vocal Literature

    3credit hours

    Basic repertory of Italian airs, German lieder, French art song, and solo vocal works of nationalistic schools, as well as English and American song literature.

  • MUHL 5770 - Opera Literature  3 credit hours  

    MUHL 5770 - Opera Literature

    3credit hours

    A study of major operatic works and styles. Focuses on composers, librettists, and performers as well as the vocal, musical, and dramatic resources necessary for performance. Listening and analysis of select pieces will be included in student projects.

  • MUHL 5780 - Chamber Music for Keyboard

    3credit hours

    A study of chamber music written for the piano. Emphasis will be placed on music written during the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. Listening and analysis of select pieces will be included in student projects.

Proficiency Courses Determined by Placement Examination (0-14 hours)

Either or both of these courses may be required based on the results of the student's diagnostic examinations in music history and music theory:

  • MUTH 5010 - Theory Survey  3 credit hours  

    MUTH 5010 - Theory Survey

    3credit hours

    A review of musicianship skills and knowledge of musical theory to the degree necessary for the candidate to pursue work at the graduate level. Does not count toward the M.M. in Music. S/U grading.

  • MUHL 5070 - Music History Survey  1 to 3 credit hours  
    (3 credit hours)(3 credit hours required)  dotslash:(3 credit hours required) title:(3 credit hours) 
    (3 credit hours required) 

    MUHL 5070 - Music History Survey

    1 to 3credit hours

    Review of music in history and culture to degree necessary for candidate to pursue work on graduate level. Does not count toward the M.M. in Music. May count toward satisfying proficiencies for the Master of Music. S/U grading.

Additional Study

In addition, the equivalent of one year of foreign language study in two of Italian, German, and French must be demonstrated. To satisfy this proficiency, up to four of the following courses may be required:

  • ITAL 1010 - Elementary Italian I 3 credit hours
  • ITAL 1020 - Elementary Italian II 3 credit hours
  • GERM 1010 - Elementary German I 3 credit hours
  • GERM 1020 -  Elementary German II 3 credit hours
  • FREN 1010 - Elementary French I 3 credit hours
  • FREN 1020 - Elementary French II 3 credit hours

Furthermore, based on the student's diagnostic examination in diction, up to four of the following courses may be required:

  • MUPD 2180 - Diction for Singers I 2 credit hours
  • MUPD 2190 - Diction for Singers II 2 credit hours
  • MUPD 2200 - Diction for Singers III 2 credit hours
  • MUPD 2210 - Diction for Singers IV 2 credit hours

Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.

General Application Procedures

  1. Submit through the University’s Application tool (button below):
    1. Submit application with the appropriate fee
    2. Submit official transcripts of all previous college work
    3. Submit three letters of recommendation.
  2. Email directly to the program coordinator of interested area
    1. Additional Requirements (video links, papers, compositions, etc)
  3. By the February 1 deadline
    1. Complete a Student Application (if interested) for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship

Graduate Classical Collaborative Piano Auditions

Sight Reading

  • We will provide piano music to be read at sight. You will be given 1 minute to look at the music before you play.

Repertoire

  • Art Song: Three contrasting songs from different historical periods and languages.
  • Aria: One aria from any historical period representing any language.
  • Instrumental music: The first movement of an instrumental sonata or other major work from any historical period.
  • Solo: A solo piano work no longer than 7 minutes in length. Memory is optional.

*Applicants will be provided with partners. However, applicants may bring collaborative partners to the audition if preferred.

Please contact Dr. Arunesh Nadgir at Arunesh.Nadgir@mtsu if you have any questions regarding the audition process.

Proficiency Courses Determined by Placement Examination (0-14 hours)

  • Either or both of these courses may be required based on the results of the student's diagnostic examinations in music history and music theory:
    • MUTH 5010 - Theory Survey  3 credit hours  
    • MUHL 5070 - Music History Survey  1 to 3 credit hours  
  • Translation skills in two of French, Italian, and German (may be met with either a diagnostic exam or six hours of undergraduate credit)
  • Diction skills and IPA in Italian, French, and German

Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance

This program is available .


For More Information or Explore Your Options​

Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.


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The Online Advantage​

With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person. ​

Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.

Contact Information

Director of Graduate Studies
Dr. Chris Combest
Chris.Combest@mtsu.edu
615-898-2476

Who is My Advisor?

Director of Graduate Studies
Dr. Chris Combest
Chris.Combest@mtsu.edu
615-898-2476

Mailing Address

School of Music
Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Box 47
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132


College of Graduate Studies
Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Box 42
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132

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