Current version - Indiana University South Bend

ERNESTINE M. RACLIN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS4GRADUATE DEGREES 4221
Final Writing Project
The student must complete a final writing project prior
to the graduate recital. This project may take one of
three forms: a thesis, extended program notes, or a
performance-lecture. Each is explained in detail below.
Students must present a proposal for their project by
October 1 for completion in the spring semester and by
March 1 for completion in the fall semester. Proposals
should include the student’s name, degree program, a
working title for the project, a 1-2 page single-spaced
narrative providing background and significance of the
project, and the semester in which the project will be
completed.
Master’s Thesis
The master’s thesis is an extended research paper on
a subject in music history or music theory chosen in
consultation with and under the direction of a member
of the academic faculty. The thesis must present an
original idea and argument that is supported by extensive
research in a document generally 50-75 pages in length.
Extended Program Notes
With this option, the student will prepare extended,
comprehensive program notes that address the repertoire
chosen for the student’s graduate recital. The notes must
be based on substantive research in order to provide
contextualization and analysis for each piece on the
program. This project has two parts: extended program
notes for review by the advisor (approximately 15 pages)
and condensed program notes for printing in the recital
program (approximately 5 pages).
Lecture-Recital
The student will prepare a 45-60 minute performance
lecture that will be given immediately before the recital
program. During the lecture, the student should provide
the audience with historical contextualization and
analysis of the pieces to be performed and demonstrate
musical examples where appropriate.
Graduate Qualifying Examinations
Students must pass final examinations in music history,
theory, and major area before the graduate recital. A
student may attempt the examinations at any time during
the degree program but must successfully complete
each segment within a maximum of two attempts or be
dismissed from the program.
• Each oral examination will be about 50 minutes.
• There will be a committee of three faculty members
—including the studio teacher—and at least one
academic faculty member.
• Two questions will be asked four weeks prior to the
oral examination. One question will relate specifically
to the area of study, and one question will relate to the
final writing project, with a focus on music history and
music theory. The student will prepare a 15 minute
answer for each question, with additional time allotted
for follow-up.
Sample question:
Composers often engage with political and social issues
through their music. Choose two pieces, one choral and
one symphonic, by two different American composers
and compare and contrast the ways in which each
addresses a specific contemporary problem. Be prepared
to discuss and cite relevant scholarly literature.
The Diploma Programs
The Performer Diploma
The Performer Diploma Program is a special curriculum for
outstanding students in performance who show promise of
becoming concert artists and who do not wish to pursue
study leading to an academic degree. The purpose of the
program is to provide concentrated study in solo and
chamber music literature.
Prerequisites
• A high school diploma or its demonstrated equivalent
• Demonstrated proficiency in musical performance at
a very high level of technical and musical proficiency
Admission
On the basis of auditions and dossier, applicants must be
accepted by the appropriate faculty committee and the
studio teacher.
Language Study
Students whose native language is not English must
take an English language examination at IU South
Bend. Depending on the level achieved, they may need
to register for any deficiency courses prescribed by the
advisor.
Curriculum
Applied Music
• Four semesters of studio study; a minimum of 12
credit hours must be earned
• Two recitals (2 cr.) or equivalent public performances
as assigned by the music faculty must be presented
and passed
• Two semesters of MUS-X 423 Chamber Music (1 cr.
each) required for instrumentalists only
Electives (6 cr.)
Graduate or undergraduate courses, as approved by
the advisor. Classes in music literature, history, and/
or pedagogy are recommended, though others may
be possible with permission from the advisor. Studio
courses or chamber music study may not be used to
fulfill this requirement.