Degree Programs

This program offers candidates an opportunity to refine their teaching skills through a program involving performance, teaching, research, contemporary trends, and interaction with leaders in the field of music education. Applicants should have completed the requirements for New York State provisional certification, including successful practice teaching in music, or the equivalent requirements for another state. This program is offered both during the academic year and as a special summers-only option.

Degree Requirements

Specific requirements for the degree program are found in the Ithaca College graduate catalog.

Master of Music or Master of Science in Music Education, Suzuki Emphasis

The Suzuki emphasis is open to candidates whose major performance areas are violin or viola. There is a two-year residence requirement. Candidates are required to attend a teacher training institute during the summer between the two years of residency. Candidates must meet the audition requirements expected of all performance degree applicants and are required to present a recital during their course of study. Acceptance into the Suzuki portion of the degree is subject to approval of the director of Suzuki emphasis at the end of the first term of study.

Degree Requirements

Specific requirements for the degree program are found in the Ithaca College graduate catalog.

Master of Music in Composition

Applicants must submit representative samples (at least three) of their original work in order to demonstrate evidence of advanced achievement and talent. Scores should exhibit a variety of instrumentation and/or vocal forces. Whenever possible, applicants should submit recordings of their works.

Degree Requirements

Specific requirements for the degree program are found in the Ithaca College graduate catalog.

Master of Music in Conducting

The degree program offers professional training in the four major conducting areas – choral, music drama (opera and music theater), orchestral, and wind. In addition to studying primarily with a major area professor, the student studies privately with professors in two minor conducting areas. There is a two-year residency requirement. Each student must conduct, in separate recitals, a complete program in the major area and a particular program in each minor. Applicants are required to submit a list of compositions studied for conducting during the past three years, indicating those works conducted in public performances. The list may also include works studied beyond the three-year minimum. An in-person audition is required for all applicants, including an interview, live conducting in the major area, and performance in the principal performing area. Applicants are required to submit an initial screening videotape of a performance or rehearsal they conducted recently. This tape should be submitted before January 30; its purpose is to aid in the assessment of conducting competence. The tape will be evaluated before scheduling the audition. Music drama candidates must audition on piano at the level of a senior performance major.

Not more than one student will normally be admitted each year in each area, and each student will be awarded a conducting assistantship. Major-field course work includes both applied conducting (score reading, score analysis, and conducting with major ensembles) and three literature courses in the major and minor conducting areas.

Degree Requirements

Specific requirements for the degree program are found in the Ithaca College graduate catalog.

Master of Music in Suzuki Pedagogy

The degree program is open to candidates whose major performance areas are violin or viola. Graduates of this program are highly sought-after by Suzuki schools and teaching centers throughout the United States. There is a two-year residence requirement. String candidates are required to attend the Suzuki Teacher Institute during the summer between the two years of residency. Although specific audition requirements vary, all candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform a recital successfully during the period of degree study. They must meet the audition requirements expected of all performance degree applicants.

Specific requirements for the degree program are found in the Ithaca College graduate catalog.

Master of Music in Performance

Graduate performance study at Ithaca College prepares students for professional-level performance, teaching, or doctoral study; candidates must therefore demonstrate attainment of a high level of skill in their respective performance areas. The performance audition should be at least at the level required for completion of the bachelor of music degree in performance at Ithaca College or a similar high-level music institution. Applicants who submit a tape may be asked to perform in person; all percussion auditions must be live and in person.

Degree Requirements

Specific requirements for the degree program are found in the Ithaca College graduate catalog.