Music: Choral Music, MMUS

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Choral Music Concentration

Students must choose a concentration:

The School of Music has been an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1933.

Admission

For all degree programs, consult the admission requirements stated on the School of Music’s website. Fall admission only.

The School of Music requires all-new MM students to complete entrance examinations in music theory and musicianship. These exams take place the week before the fall term begins. See the School of Music’s Graduate Resources page for more information.

Applicants to the MM must present an iBT score of 90 for the Master of Music (MM). A TOEFL iBT of 103 or higher is required for Full Status Admission to the University of Illinois Graduate College and School of Music. Please see the full English proficiency requirements. 

For all Graduate Degrees:

For those students who do not meet the language requirement at the time of entrance, it may be satisfied by evidence of two years of undergraduate study or the equivalent, or by completion of a two-semester, or by satisfactory test scores. For up-to-date information regarding the language requirements of the School of Music, please see the Graduate Music Handbook.

Graduate Teaching Experience

Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience.

Financial Aid

Fellowships, teaching, graduate, and research assistantships are awarded on a one-year basis with continuation dependent upon success in the program. Specific information on application procedures is available from the Music Admissions Office, by phone (217) 244-7899, or by email.

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Choral Music Concentration

For additional details and requirements refer to the Graduate Music Handbook and the Graduate College Handbook. 

Required Coursework
MUS 528Res & Bibliography in Music2
MUSC 460Chamber Singers (four semesters)4
Major Area Coursework
MUS 550Choral Literature I2
MUS 551Choral Literature II2
MUS 555Advanced Choral Conducting (minimum of two semesters)4
MUS 556Choral Studies (four semesters)8
Electives selected in consultation with the student's advisor:6-7
Advanced Musicology, Performance Practice, or Music Theory3-4
Total Hours32

Other Requirements

Other requirements may overlap
Concentration required Yes
Minimum 500 level hours required overall: 12
Minimum GPA: 3.0

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Choral Music Concentration

Students in the Master of Music (MM) program, with concentrations in Instrumental Conducting (Wind Band), Instrumental Conducting (Orchestra), and Choral Music will:

  1. Develop conducting skills at a high professional level, using creative and critical thinking to inform stylistic choices and artistic expression while demonstrating appropriate spontaneity, and will communicate their artistry to diverse audiences; in addition, students will demonstrate effective, musical, and efficient rehearsal techniques.
  2. Exhibit an ability to summarize, synthesize, and discuss disciplinary content in relation to their major area of study (including a thorough knowledge of core repertoire), and to communicate their findings, using appropriate academic conventions, in written, oral and/or performative form. 
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate methods for library-based musical research and scholarly writing, and a facility in handling print and technology sources. 
  4. Demonstrate effective analytical and interpretative skills in music theory, musicology, or performance practice, as well as an ability to communicate an advanced understanding of that knowledge and ideas in written and/or oral form. 
  5. Pursue specialized studies, to develop expertise and an ability to synthesize knowledge in areas of interest that enhance their required curriculum and/or professional goals.
  6. In addition, some Illinois MM students will develop experience and expertise in instruction, pedagogy, and student assessment in one or more areas of musical study, also gaining insights into rehearsal strategies for large ensemble, and appropriate methods of student evaluation.

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Choral Music Concentration

School of Music

Director of School: Dr. Linda Moorhouse
Associate Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Reynold Tharp
Program Contact: Jenny Phillips
School of Music website
School of Music faculty
2040 Music Building, 1114 West Nevada Street, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-3459

College of Fine & Applied Arts

FAA College website

Admissions

Overview of School of Music Admissions & Requirements
musicadmissions@illinois.edu
(217) 244-7899
Graduate College Admissions