Music: Piano Pedagogy, MMUS

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Piano Pedagogy Concentration

Students must choose a concentration:

The School of Music has been accredited by 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. Admission is only available in the fall.

Requirements for admission to the Master of Music (MM) programs are a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or an equivalent degree from another accredited institution. Students holding other degrees may be admitted but will be expected to make up for any deficiencies and fulfill all requirements for the graduate degree.

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.

Applicants to the MM  whose native language is not English must present an iBT score of 90 for the Master of Music (MM). A TOEFL iBT score 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.

Graduate Teaching Experience

Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an essential 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, Piano Pedagogy Concentration

For additional details and requirements, refer to the department's Graduate Handbook and the Graduate College Handbook. 

MUS 528Res & Bibliography in Music (sections A1-A3)2
MUSC 501Graduate Level Piano4
MUS 557Piano Literature4
MUS 570Prac Pno Tchg Child and Teens4
MUS 571Practicum in Piano Tchg Adults4
MUS 454Advanced Keyboard Skills I2
MUS 455Advanced Keyboard Skills II2
Supporting Studies in Music8
Theory supporting studies course options
MUS 400Counterpoint and Fugue3
MUS 408Analysis of Musical Form3
MUS 507Sem in Music Comp and Theory2 or 4
Musicology supporting studies courses
MUS 410Period Studies in Musicology3
MUS 411Genre Studies in Musicology3
MUS 413Music and Performance3
MUS 414Music and Society3
MUS 415Music and Media3
MUS 416Anthropology of Music3
MUS 418Regional Studies in Musicology3
MUS 421The Music of America3
MUS 464Jazz History I3 or 4
MUS 465Jazz History II3 or 4
MUS 511Foundations and Methods of Musicology I (instructor approval required)4
MUS 512Fdns/Methods of Musicology II (instructor approval required)4
MUS 513Topics in Opera History4
MUS 514Musicology and Pedagogy4
MUS 515Topics in Vocal Music4
MUS 516Fieldwork and Ethnography4
MUS 517Topics in Instrumental Music4
MUS 518Regional Studies in Musicology4
MUS 519Analytical Methods: Musicology4
MUS 520Social Theory in Ethnomusicology4
MUS 521Historical Studies in 20thC Music2 or 4
MUS 522Special Topics Seminar4
MUS 523Seminar in Musicology4
MUS 524Seminar in Works of Select Composer2 or 4
Electives selected in consultation with the student's advisor.2
Master's Comprehensive Examination
Language Requirements:
Courses taken to meet language requirements do not count toward the degree. See the departmental handbook for details.
MUSC 500Graduate Recital0
Concentration requirements as listed in table above.
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, Piano Pedagogy Concentration

Students in the Master of Music (MM) program, with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy will:

  1. Develop competencies in teaching the piano to students at a range of ability levels, and will demonstrate an advanced knowledge of appropriate pedagogical methods and techniques for both one-on-one and group piano instruction; in addition, they will gain insights into student assessment and appropriate methods of evaluation.
  2. Gain and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the traditional piano teaching literature, as well as resources pertaining to technique, theory and musicianship development, creativity, and professional development. 
  3. Demonstrate piano performance skills at a high level, using creative and critical thinking to inform stylistic choices and artistic expression while demonstrating spontaneity as appropriate, and will communicate their artistry to diverse audiences.
  4. Exhibit an ability to summarize, synthesize, and discuss disciplinary content relating to piano repertoire and pedagogy, and to communicate their findings, using appropriate academic conventions, in written or oral form. 
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate methods for library-based musical research and scholarly writing, and a facility in handling print and technology sources. 
  6. Pursue specialized (elective) studies, to develop expertise and an ability to synthesize knowledge in areas of interest that enhance their required curriculum and/or professional goals.

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Piano Pedagogy 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