One Degree, Three Tracks
The MA in Music Program offers three degree tracks: Musicology (32 credits), Music Theory (32 credits), and Integrative Music Theory and History (34 credits). All three tracks provide an interdisciplinary approach to the field of music scholarship and culminate in a thesis.
MA in Music with Track in Musicology
The MA in Music with Track in Musicology emphasizes the development of a broad knowledge of music of all periods while cultivating one or more areas of specialization. Students in the program benefit from coursework in music history and theory as well in an area outside of music (known as a “cognate area”) which relates to their particular musicological interest. The program culminates in a thesis in the student’s area of specialization.
Musicology Track adviser: Dr. Marica Tacconi (mst4 at psu.edu)
- Music 500: Introduction to Music Reference (2 credits)
- Music 572: Musicology Seminar (3)
- Music 573: Integrative Seminar (3)
- Music History* (6-9)
- Music Theory** (3-6)
- Cognate Area*** (6)
- Music 600: Thesis (6)
* Select from 461W (Antiquity to 1600), 462W (1550–1750), 463W (1700–1900), 464W (1850–present).
** Select from 431 (Advanced Tonal Analysis), 433 (Special Topics in 20th-Century Theory), 531 (Analytical Techniques), 532 (Schenkerian Theory and Analysis).
*** The Musicology MA requires that students take 6 credits in an area outside of music (known as a “cognate area”). These courses are selected in consultation with the student’s academic adviser, and should preferably be related to the student’s particular musicological interest and thesis topic.
At least 18 credits (including the thesis) must be at the 500 level or higher. Additional Graduate Council policies are found under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies.
MA in Music with Track in Music Theory
The MA in Music with Track in Music Theory is designed as a specialized degree in theoretical and analytical approaches to musical styles and works. The program orients students to current modes of research and analysis from a music theoretical perspective. It has the advantage of offering depth (seminars and thesis work) as well as a broad base of courses required by most doctoral programs.
Music Theory Track adviser: Dr. Taylor Greer (tag1 at psu.edu)
- Music 500: Introduction to Music Reference (2 credits)
- Music 532: Schenkerian Theory and Analysis (3)
- Music 472: 18th-Century Counterpoint (2)
- Music 574: Theory Seminar (3)
- Music History* (3)
- Music Theory** (5)
- Music Electives (in consultation with adviser) (5)
- Elective (in consultation with adviser) (3)
- Music 600: Thesis (6)
* Chosen from 461W (Antiquity to 1600), 462W (1550–1750), 463W (1700–1900), 464W (1850–present), 572 (Musicology Seminar), 573 (Integrative Seminar).
** Chosen from 431 (Advanced Tonal Analysis), 433 (Special Topics in 20th-Century Theory), 435 (Score Reading), 438 (Figured Bass), 471 (16th-Century Counterpoint), 531 (Analytical Techniques), 573 (Integrative Seminar), 574 (Theory Seminar).
At least 18 credits (including the thesis) must be at the 500 level or higher. Additional Graduate Council policies are found under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies.
MA in Music with Integrative Track in Music Theory and History
The MA in Music with Integrative Track in Music Theory and History is designed to integrate historical, theoretical, and analytical approaches to musical styles and practices. Students benefit from integrative graduate seminars led by both musicology and music theory faculty, advanced coursework in music pedagogy, and an integrative thesis experience.
Integrative Track adviser: Dr. Mark Ferraguto (mcf18 at psu.edu)
- Music 500: Introduction to Music Reference (2 credits)
- Music 573: Integrative Seminar (6)
- Music History* (6)
- Music Theory** (6)
- Music 533: Pedagogy of Theory and History (2)
- Electives (6)
- Music 600: Thesis (6)
* Chosen from 461W (Antiquity to 1600), 462W (1550–1750), 463W (1700–1900), 464W (1850–present), 572 (Musicology Seminar).
** Chosen from 431 (Advanced Tonal Analysis), 433 (Special Topics in 20th-Century Theory), 531 (Analytical Techniques), 532 (Schenkerian Theory and Analysis).
At least 18 credits (including the thesis) must be at the 500 level or higher. Additional Graduate Council policies are found under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies.
Course Topics
Course topics vary each semester. Recent offerings have included:
- After Apollo: Stravinsky’s Path through the Models of Bach (Music 433)
- American Music in the 1950s (Music 464W)
- Brahms, Bruckner, Mahler & Schoenberg (Music 431)
- Claudio Monteverdi and His Contemporaries (Music 572)
- Critical Editing for Social Justice (Music 573)
- Exploring How Asian Music Influenced 20th-Century Western Music (Music 531)
- Film Music (Music 431)
- Love Scenes in Early Sound Films (1927-1939) (Music 574)
- Masterworks and Neglected Gems of 17th-Century Music (Music 572)
- Mozart’s Last Year (Music 463W)
- Music and National Identity (Music 463W)
- The Music of Olivier Messiaen (Music 573)
- Music Since 1945 (Music 574)
- Musical Rhetoric and the Vocal Music of J. S. Bach (Music 531)
- Musical Salons & Stages in Fin-de-Siècle Paris (Music 431)
- Seminar in Historical Performance Practices (Music 462W)
- The Sound of the Anthropocene: Music, Humans, and Nature on a Changing Planet (Music 464W)
- Women Making Music (Music 573)
Thesis
The thesis is the culmination of the student’s academic journey at Penn State. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions and work closely with their adviser to choose a topic. A proposal is due in the first semester of the second year. To see a list of previous MA theses, click here.
Language Proficiency
A reading examination in a foreign language appropriate to the student’s thesis research, as determined by the student’s thesis adviser, must be passed prior to the completion of the degree.
Comprehensive Examination
An oral examination focusing on the student’s thesis research area and coursework must be successfully completed in the final semester.
Funding
We are pleased to offer a limited number of teaching assistantships to qualified applicants. These awards include full tuition remission, health insurance, and a generous living stipend ($22,770 for academic year 2023–24).
How to Apply
Applicants to the MA program should plan to submit the following materials:
- A statement of purpose (maximum of 2 pages) outlining long-range professional goals and how pursuing the MA in Music at Penn State will help you attain these goals
- A writing sample on a musical topic such as a research paper or thesis chapter (maximum of 20 pages) showing evidence of scholarly potential
- Names and email addresses for two faculty references (Penn State will contact your references directly)
We do not require the GRE. Additional application requirements are found on the School of Music’s Graduate Application Process handbook.
Prospective applicants should contact Prof. Mark Ferraguto (mcf18 at psu.edu) with any questions about the application process or the program.
Application Deadline
Applications received by February 15 will be given full consideration for admission and graduate assistantship funding.