Faculty
Robert Nordman, Chair, E. Desmond Lee, Professor of Music Education
M.M., Saint Louis Conservatory of Music
Diane Touliatos, Curators' Professor
Ph.D., Ohio State University
Douglas Turpin, E. Desmond Lee, Professor Emeritus of Music Education
D.Ed., Washington University
Fred Willman, Curators' Teaching Professor
Ph.D., University of North Dakota
Barbara Harbach, Professor
D.M.A., University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music
John Hylton, Professor,
D.Ed., Penn State University
Kenneth E. Miller, Professor Emeritus,
Ph.D., Northwestern University
Evelyn Mitchell, Professor Emerita
Leonard Ott, Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., Michigan State University
Arnold Perris, Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., Northwestern University
Robert J. Ray, Professor
B.M., Northwestern University
James Richards, Interim Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication, Professor,
Ph.D., University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music
Kurt S. Baldwin, Associate Professor, Arianna String Quartet
M.M., New England Conservatory of Music
David Gillham, Associate Professor, Arianna String Quartet
M.M., Peabody Conservatory
James E. Henry, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Washington University
John McGrosso, Associate Professor, Arianna String Quartet
M.M., Juilliard School of Music
Joanna Mendoza, Associate Professor, Arianna String Quartet
M.M., Juilliard School of Music
Wm. Thomas Walker, Associate Professor, Dean, Continuing Education and Outreach
D.A., University of Northern Colorado
Zachary Cairns, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music
Stella Markou, Assistant Professor
M.M., Cleveland Institute of Music
Gary Brandes, Associate Teaching Professor
M.M., University of Missouri-Columbia
Alla Voskoboynikova, Associate Teaching Professor (Piano)
M.M., Gnessins Academy of Music-Moscow, Russia
James Widner, Associate Teaching Professor, (Jazz Studies)
M.A., Memphis State University
Matthew Henry, Assistant Teaching Professor, (Percussion)
M.M., Webster University
Kathryn Haggans, Associate Adjunct Professor (Voice)
Ph.D., University of Arizona
Aurelia Hartenberger, Associate Adjunct Professor (Music Education)
Ed.D, Washington University
Billie Jo Derham, Teaching Assistant Professor (Piano)
M.M., Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Tod Bowermaster, Adjunct Lecturer (French Horn)
B.M., Northwestern University
Kimberly Cowell, Adjunct Lecturer (Music Education)
M.M., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Jan Davis, Adjunct Lecturer (String Pedagogy)
Ph.D., St. Louis University
Adrianne Honnold, Adjunct Lecturer (Saxophone)
M.M., University of Illinois-Urbana
Ann Homann, Adjunct Lecturer (Oboe)
M.M., St. Louis Conservatory of Music
Hugh Jones, Adjunct Lecturer (Jazz Studies)
M.M., Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Paula Kasica, Adjunct Lecturer (Flute)
B.M., St. Louis Conservatory of Music
Kenneth W. Kehner, Adjunct Lecturer (Jazz Piano)
B.M., Truman State University
Joshua MacCluer, Adjunct Lecturer (Trumpet)
B.M., Oberlin Conservatory
Stephen Morton, Adjunct Lecturer (Voice)
M.M., University of Tennessee
Robert Mottl, Adjunct Lecturer (Bassoon)
M.M., Indiana University
Gerry Pagano, Adjunct Lecturer (Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba)
M.M., Juilliard School of Music
Alan Rosenkoetter, Adjunct Lecturer (Guitar)
B.S., Washington University
John Smith, Adjunct Lecturer (Music Education)
M.M., University of Oklahoma
Sue Stubbs, Adjunct Lecturer (Double Bass)
M.M., University of Missouri-Columbia
Miles Vandiver, Adjunct Lecturer (Jazz Percussion)
B.A., Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Jeanine York-Garesche, Adjunct Lecturer (Clarinet)
M.M., St. Louis Conservatory of Music
Susan Werner, Adjunct Lecturer (Voice)
M.M., University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana
Meiko Hironaka-Bergt, Specialist (Piano)
M.M. Toho Academy of Music
Deborah Mihok, Specialist (Piano)
B.M.E., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Vera Parkin, Specialist (Piano)
M.M., Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Donna Pyron, Specialist (Piano)
B.M., University of Missouri-Columbia
Music faculty members have received recognition for distinguished achievements in conducting, composition, and performance. The faculty is also recognized for research in musicology and music education. Part-time applied music lecturers are professional musicians.
The Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Performing Ensembles
Membership in Music Department performing ensembles (choral, orchestral, concert and pep band, jazz, chamber, etc.) is open to UMSL students in all majors and minors. Admission to most ensembles is by audition (consent of the instructor). Music 1400, University Chorus, is open to all university students without audition.
General Information
Degrees and Areas of Concentration
The Department of Music offers programs of study leading to the B.M. degree in music education (and state teaching certification in grades K-12); the B.M. degree with an emphasis in performance; the B.M. degree with elective studies in business; and the B.A. degree in music.
Instruction in piano, organ, voice, and all band and orchestral instruments is given by full-time faculty and part-time professional musicians, some of whom are members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Faculty recitals are regularly scheduled.
Music Minors
Three minors in music are available: a minor in music; a minor in music education (choral/vocal, grades K-9); and a minor in jazz studies.
Facilities
The Department's facilities, classrooms, studios, practice rooms, and listening labs are located in the Music Building. Rehearsal rooms are in the Villa.
Ensembles
Fourteen performing ensembles are open to all by audition with credit optional:
EN PER 1400, University Chorus
EN PER 1410, The University Singers
EN PER 1420, University Concert Band
EN PER 1500, University Orchestra
EN PER 1520, University Band
EN PER 1530, University Wind Ensemble
EN PER 1541, Chamber Ensemble Brass
EN PER 1542, Jazz Combo
EN PER 1543, Chamber Ensemble Percussion
EN PER 1544, Chamber Ensemble Strings
EN PER 1545, Chamber Ensemble Voice
EN PER 1546, Chamber Ensemble Woodwind
EN PER 1550, Jazz Ensemble
EN PER 1560, Opera Workshop
EN PER 1600, Advanced Opera Workshop
Each year more than 100 recitals and concerts are presented.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Department of Music: (314) 516-5980.
Undergraduate Studies
General Education Requirements
General education requirements apply to all majors, except that students in the B.M. with elective studies in business and B.M. in music education degree programs are not required to take a foreign language. Courses required for degree programs may not be taken on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory basis. Students must receive at least a C- in each music course and maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 in all music courses to meet degree requirements.
Students may complete any number of hours of applied music (private lesson) toward a degree. Non-music majors may complete no more than 8 hours in music-performing organizations (EN PER 1400, University Chorus; EN PER 1410, University Singers; EN PER 1420, University Concert Band; EN PER 1500, University Orchestra; EN PER 1520, University Band, et. seq.) toward graduation, including credit transferred. Courses in applied music (private lessons and performing organizations) do not fulfill the humanities general education requirement. M H L T 1090, Non-Western Music I meets the non-Euro-American study requirement.
General Education Learning Outcomes for Music Students
- Students will demonstrate enhanced aesthetic appreciation and discrimination.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of world music.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of relationships among the arts, societal influences on music and musical influences on society.
Degree Requirements
Admission to all music degree programs is by audition and interview to demonstrate musical aptitude and potential, moderate technical proficiency, and seriousness in selecting music as a four-year course of study. In addition to the applied music audition, placement examinations in music theory and music history may be required to confirm students’ prior experience in these areas. Auditions are scheduled from January to May for the fall semester; a limited number are held in December for the spring/winter semester. Students in applied music must pass a junior-standing examination to confirm their level of performance skills for enrollment in AP MUS 3440 – 3459 or AP MUS 4440 – 4459. This examination is usually taken at the same time as the applied music jury for the fourth semester of enrollment in AP MUS 1440 - 1459.
Evidence of sound musicianship, a close acquaintance with an appropriate portion of musical literature, and the ability to bring it to actual performance are required for graduation in all music degree programs. Students in the bachelor of music-performance emphasis fulfill this requirement with junior and senior recitals. Those in all other degree programs must satisfy the requirement by participating in three regularly scheduled student recitals during the last two semesters of applied music study, or by performing for a special jury of faculty members. The faculty may invite students who are not in the bachelor of music-performance emphasis program to give public senior recitals with the recommendation of the applied music instructor.
Music majors are required to enroll in an approved ensemble (University Band, University Singers, University Chorus, or University Orchestra), to study one applied area progressively each semester, and to enroll in the appropriate pedagogy and literature seminar each semester of the degree program. Music education majors are exempt from these requirements during the student teaching semester. The following specific ensemble enrollments, depending upon the applied music area, are required:
Wind and percussion students—University Band; string students--University Orchestra; voice students
--University Singers (or by special permission, University Chorus); keyboard and guitar students--any approved ensemble, but those in the bachelor of music in music education program must enroll in an ensemble compatible with the teaching certification they are pursuing. Instrumental students may be required to participate in additional ensembles to enhance their musical development.
Majors are required to appear in performance at the department's discretion and to attend a prescribed number of departmental recitals. Non-keyboard players are required to pass an exam in piano proficiency: PRACTM 2180, Intermediate Piano Proficiency, or equivalent for instrumentalists, or PRACTM 3290, Intermediate Piano Proficiency, or equivalent for vocalists.
The music department may require students to pass a placement test to enroll in the next level course, provided this or an equivalent test is administered to all students seeking to enroll in that course.
Core Curriculum
The following core courses are required for all music majors:
Music Theory
THYR COM 1301, Theory of Music I
THYR COM 1302, Aural Training I
THYR COM 1311, Theory of Music II
THYR COM 1312, Aural Training II
THYR COM 2301, Theory of Music III
THYR COM 2302, Aural Training III
THYR COM 2311, Theory of Music IV
THYR COM 2312, Aural Training IV
THYR COM 3410, Orchestration
Piano Proficiency
PRACTM 1140, Piano Proficiency
PRACTM 1150, Piano Proficiency
PRACTM 2160, Intermediate Piano Proficiency
PRACTM 2180, Intermediate Piano Proficiency
Music History and Literature
M H L T 1010, History of Western Music I
M H L T 1020, History of Western Music II
and at least one upper level history course 4000 – 4280.
Applied Music
AP MUS 1460, AP MUS 3460, AP MUS 4460, Seminar in Pedagogy and Literature
In addition to the core curriculum, students must fulfill the requirements for the specific degree program or emphasis area as listed below:
Learning Outcomes for All Music Degrees
- Students will demonstrate the solo and ensemble performance skills to become a professional musician.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge in music theory, music history, music literature, to become a professional musician.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to speak and write clearly and effectively about music.
Bachelor of Arts in Music
In addition to the required core curriculum, candidates must complete the following:
M H L T 1090, Non-Western Music I,
PRACTM 2510, Conducting I
PRACTM 3920, Senior Research
Applied Area
8 credit hours of private lessons
Ensemble
4 hours maximum credit
Foreign Language
Candidates for the B.A. degree in Music are required to complete 13 credit hours or the equivalent in proficiency in one foreign language. Please see the College of Fine Arts and Communication’s Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for additional information about the foreign language requirement.
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
In addition to the required music core curriculum, candidates must complete the following:
General Education Requirements
At least one course from two of the following fields: music (excluding applied music), art, foreign language, Western and non-Western cultures, philosophy, literature, classical studies, and theatre and drama. All of the courses in the General Education Requirement Area must be a minimum of two semester hours. Other General Education requirements include the following:
Communication Skills
At least two courses in English composition and one in oral communications.
Social Studies
Courses in American history, American government and general psychology.
Natural Science
One course in physical or earth science; one course in a biological science. At least one of these courses must have a laboratory component.
Mathematics
One college-level mathematics course.
Applied Area
7 credit hours of private lessons
Practicum
PRACTM 2510, Conducting I
Instrumental Certification
PDGOGY 1250, 1260, 1270, 1280, Instrumental Techniques
PRACTM 2610, Elementary School Instrumental Literature Laboratory
PRACTM 3521, Conducting II – Instrumental
PRACTM 3620, Junior – Senior High School Instrumental Literature Laboratory
Vocal Certification
PRACTM 1250, Singer's Diction: English, Italian and German
PRACTM 1260, Singer's Diction: Latin, French, and Spanish
PRACTM 2611, Elementary School Choral Literature Laboratory
PRACTM 3190, Intermediate Piano Proficiency
PRACTM 3290, Intermediate Piano Proficiency
PRACTM 3522, Conducting II – Choral
PRACTM 3621, Junior – Senior High School Choral Literature Laboratory
THRY COM 3420, Choral Arranging
Vocal certification students whose applied area is not voice must consult an advisor for additional courses.
Ensemble
4 hours maximum credit
Curriculum and Methods of Teaching
*MUS ED 3570, Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Elementary School Music
*MUS ED 3670, Philosophic and Practical Foundations of the Secondary Music Education Curriculum
Instrumental Certification
*MUS ED 3680, Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Instrumental Music I
*MUS ED 3700, Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Instrumental Music II
Vocal Certification
*MUS ED 3710, Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Secondary Choral Music
*Must be taken in residence before enrolling in SEC ED 3293 and SEC ED 3294.
Proficiency Exam
Students working toward certification in choral/vocal or instrumental music K-12 are required to pass a proficiency examination before admission to student teaching in music, usually before or during the sixth semester of their program.
Professional Education and Student Teaching
Level I Courses :
TCH ED 2209, Foundations of Teaching and American Schools
TCH ED 2212, Introduction to Learners
Level II Courses:
TCH ED 3312, Psychology of Teaching and Learning
TCH ED 3313, The Psychology and Education of Exceptional Individuals
TCH ED 4320, Classroom Management
TCH ED 4391, Teaching Reading in Secondary School Content Area
Level III Courses :
SEC ED 3293, Student Teaching in Music, K-6
SEC ED 3294, Student Teaching in Music 7-12
Learning Outcomes for Music Education Students
- Students will demonstrate the solo and ensemble performance skills to become a professional music educator.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge in music theory, music history, music literature, to become a professional music educator.
- Students will demonstrate pedagogical skills and knowledge of resources to become a professional music educator.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to speak and write clearly and effectively about music.
Bachelor of Music with an Emphasis in Performance
In addition to the required music core curriculum, candidates must complete the following:
M H L T 1090, Non-Western Music I,
PDGOGY 1560, Piano Pedagogy (Keyboard students only)
PRACTM 2510, Conducting I
THRY COM 3110, Analysis of Twentieth-Century Techniques
THRY COM 3120, Tonal Counterpoint
PRACTM 3190, Intermediate Piano Proficiency (voice majors only)
PRACTM 3290, Intermediate Piano Proficiency (voice majors only)
PRACTM 3521 or PRACTM 3522, Conducting II
PRACTM 3920, Senior Research
Music History and Literature
An additional upper level course M H L T 4000-4280, is required.
Applied Area
12 credit hours of Applied Music, including 8 credit hours of AP MUS 4440-4459 level, including required junior and senior recitals.
Students in Applied Music must pass a junior-standing exam to confirm their level of performance skills for enrollment in AP MUS 4440-4459.
Ensemble
Participation is required as follows:
Large Ensemble--4 hours maximum credit
Chamber Ensemble/Accompanying--6 hours
Foreign Language
Candidates pursuing this emphasis area with an applied area in voice must complete two semesters of one foreign language selected from French, German, or Italian.
Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in Business
In addition to the required music core curriculum, candidates must complete the following:
Additional general education requirements, prerequisites to the required business administration courses:
PSYCH 1003, General Psychology, or SOC 1010, Introduction to Sociology ECON 1001, Principles of Microeconomics
Applied Area
8 credit hours of applied music
Music History and Literature:
M H L T 1090, Non-Western Music I
One additional course from MHLT 4000 – 4459 is required.
Practicum
PRACTM 2510, Conducting I
Ensemble
4 hours maximum credit
Internship
PRACTM 4920, Internship (replaces PRACTM 3920 Senior Research in Core Curriculum)
English
One of the following English courses is required:
ENGL 3100, Advanced Expository Writing
ENGL 3120, Business Writing
ENGL 3130, Technical Writing
Business Administration
The following courses in business administration are required:
ACCTNG 2400, Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
ACCTNG 2410, Managerial Accounting
MGMT 3600, Management as a Behavioral Science I
MKTG 3700, Basic Marketing
Two courses selected from the following list must also be taken:
ACCTNG 3441, Income Taxes
BUS AD 3900, Business Law: Contracts, Sales, Secured Transactions, Bankruptcy
BUS AD 2900, Legal Environment of Business
FINANCE 3500, Financial Management
INFSYS 1800, Computers and Information Systems
MGMT 3611, Advanced Management and Organizational Behavior
MGMT 3621, Human Resource Management
MGMT 3622, Industrial and Labor Relations
MKTG 3710, Consumer Behavior
Curricula for Minors
Minor in Music
Candidates must complete the following courses (26 hours):
Music Theory
THRY COM 1301, Theory of Music I
THRY COM 1302, Aural Training I
THRY COM 1311, Theory of Music II
THRY COM 1312, Aural Training II
Music History and Literature
M H L T 1010, History of Western Music I or
M H L T 1020, History of Western Music II
Any M H L T course 4220-4280
Applied Area
4 credit hours of private lessons
Ensemble
2 credit hours (4 hours maximum credit)
Six additional credit hours to be chosen from courses such as the following:
PRACTM 2160, Intermediate Piano Proficiency (Prerequisite: PRACTM 1150)
PRACTM 2180, Intermediate Piano Proficiency
THRY COM 2301, Theory of Music III
THRY COM 2302, Aural Training III
THRY COM 2311, Theory of Music IV
THRY COM 2312, Aural Training IV
THRY COM 3410, Orchestration
Music education methods courses and instrumental techniques courses may not be taken to complete this minor.
Non-keyboard players are required to pass an exam of piano proficiency PRACTM 1150 or equivalent.
A GPA of 2.5 for all music hours is required to complete this minor.
Minor in Music Education
The minor in music education is designed to provide a second classification area in choral/vocal, grades K-9 for students enrolled in other education programs that lead to initial teaching certification.
Candidates must complete the following courses (41 hours):
Music Theory
THRY COM 1301, Theory of Music I
THRY COM 1311, Theory of Music II
THRY COM 1302, Aural Training I
THRY COM 1312, Aural Training II
Music History and Literature
M H L T 1010, History of Western Music I
M H L T 1020, History of Western Music II
Music Education
MUS ED 3570, Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Elementary School Music*
MUS ED 3670, Philosophic and Practical Foundations of the Secondary Music Education Curriculum*
*Elementary education majors will omit Music 3770 from their regular elementary program to take these courses. Also required, as applicable, is SEC ED 4399, Student Teaching.
Practicum
PRACTM 1140/1150, Piano Proficiency
PRACTM 2160/2180, Intermediate Piano Proficiency
PRACTM 2510, Conducting I
PRACTM 2611, Elementary School Choral Literature Laboratory
PRACTM 3621, Junior-Senior High School Choral Literature Laboratory
Ensemble
EN PER 1400/1410, Chorus or University Singers
Applied Music, voice (at least 2 hours must be private rather than class voice)
Students must receive at least a C- in each music course and maintain a 2.5 GPA in all music courses except that Chorus/Singers is not included in the GPA.
Minor in Jazz Studies
Candidates must complete 31 credit hours from the following:
Music Theory
THRY COM 1301, Theory of Music I
THRY COM 1302, Aural Training I
THRY COM 1311, Theory of Music II
THRY COM 1312, Aural Training II
Music History and Literature
M H L T 1020, History of Western Music II
M H L T 1070, Introduction to Jazz
Applied Area
4 credit hours of private lessons
Piano Proficiency
PRACTM 1140/1150, Piano Proficiency
PRACTM 2160, Intermediate Piano Proficiency
PRACTM 2170, Jazz Keyboard Harmony
Ensemble
2 credit hours minimum, to be selected from:
EN PER 1542, Jazz Combo
EN PER 1545, Chamber Ensemble Voice
EN PER 1550, Jazz Ensemble
Graduate Study
Master of Music Education
The master of music education degree is designed to enable music specialists in grades K-12 to pursue continued professional growth in an emphasis area of their choice: choral, general music, instrumental, or music technology.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the program requires a bachelor of music in music education (or equivalent) degree, admission to the Graduate School, and three letters of recommendation.
A written examination in music education (including applications of music history and music theory/ear-training) will be taken during the first semester or term of enrollment in the program for advising purposes and to identify the possible need for review in the areas of music theory and history.
The program requires completion of 32 hours of graduate credit, 22 of which must be earned in residence.
Required Courses and Options:
Each candidate will choose one of the following emphasis areas:
Choral music education
Instrumental music education
General music education
Music education and technology
The minimum 32-hour program includes the following requirements.
Major Area (9 credit hours)
MUS ED 5810, Foundations of Music Education (3)
MUS ED 5910, Music Education Research (3)
MUS ED 5990, Master's Project in Music Education (3)
Advanced Methods (3 credits from the following)
MUS ED 5510, Graduate Instrumental Methods (3)
MUS ED 5610, Graduate Choral Methods (3)
MUS ED 5710, General Music: A Model for Multi-Faceted Musical Learning (3)
Choose 9 credits from the following:
M H L T 5010, Studies in Style and Performance (3)
MUS ED 5620, Guitar in the Classroom (3)
MUS ED 5750, Microcomputer Applications in Music Education(3)
MUS ED 5760, Microcomputer Assisted Instruction Curriculum Development in Music (3)
MUS ED 5770, Graduate Microcomputer Applications in Music (3)
MUS ED 5920, Psychology of Music (3)
PRACTM 5020, Choral Literature (3)
PRACTM 5210, Graduate Conducting (3)
THRY COM 5110, Scoring and Arranging (3)
Cognate in Education
Choose one 3-credit curriculum course such as:
SEC ED 6415, The Secondary School Curriculum (3)
ELE ED 6422, Curriculum Construction in Elementary Schools (3)
Choose one other 3-credit education course such as:
ED REM 5730, Educational Statistics (3)
ED REM 6707, Classroom Testing and Measurement (3)
ED REM 6710, Educational Research Methods (3)
Electives
Choose 5 credits from elective courses such as:
AP MUS 5430, Special Applied Studies (1)
AP MUS 5440, Graduate Applied Studies (1)
EN PER 5310, Graduate Chamber Ensemble (0)
EN PER 5490, Graduate Ensemble (1)
ED REM 6710, Educational Research Methods (3)
ED TECH 5340, Selection and Utilization Education Media (3)
MUS ED 4010, Marching Band Techniques (3)
MUS ED 5060, Graduate Workshop in Music Education (1-3)
MUS ED 5130, Teaching Music Theory in the High School (3)
MUS ED 5510, Graduate Instrumental Methods (3)
MUS ED 5610, Graduate Choral Methods (3)
MUS ED 5620, Guitar in the Classroom (3)
MUS ED 5710, General Music: A Model for Multi-Faceted Musical Learning (3)
MUS ED 5750, Microcomputer Applications in Music Education (3)
MUS ED 5760, Microcomputer Assisted Instruction: Curriculum Development in Music
MUS ED 5770, Graduate Microcomputer Applications in Music (3)
MUS ED 5800, Musical Acoustics (3)
MUS ED 5820, School Music Administration and Supervision (3)
MUS ED 5830, Contemporary Music Education (3)
MUS ED 5840, Problems of Urban Music Education (3)
MUS ED 5920, Psychology of Music (3)
MUS ED 5950, Special Problems in Music Education (3)
PDGOGY 5740, Techniques of Group Keyboard Instruction (3)
PRACTM 5020, Choral Literature (3)
PRACTM 5030, Band Literature (3)
PRACTM 5210, Graduate Conducting (3)
SPEC ED 6412, Psychology of Exceptional Children (3)
THRY COM 5110, Scoring and Arranging (3)
THRY COM 5120, Advanced Composition Techniques (3)
Career Outlook
Undergraduate
A music degree builds the foundation for a career in professional performance, for teaching in a school or private studio or for serving as a church music director. A music degree may also prepare one for positions in the music industry (recording, publishing, radio programming, manufacturing, or music retail). A trained artistic mind can also be valuable in the fields of advertising, public relations, and consumer services.
A number of UMSL music graduates have been readily accepted into outstanding graduate programs, including our own Master of Music Education degree program. Many are pursuing successful careers in music education, business, and industry, or as professional performers.
Graduate
Many graduate students in music education will already hold full-time music teaching positions. A graduate degree in music education allows for continued professional growth. Music specialists may refine their teaching expertise, add to their understanding and knowledge about music and educational processes, become more specialized in a specific emphasis area of music education (choral, instrumental, general music or music technology), or any combination of these professional growth areas.
Graduate-level work in music education is often required to renew a teacher's certificate or to satisfy professional growth requirements specified by an employing school or school district or to advance to new positions within the field of music education.