Master of Music (MMus) Thesis-based, Specialization in Performance
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Students should consult the Graduate Program Director before registering in courses.
In addition to Faculties of Graduate Studies and Arts requirements, Music, excluding qualifying courses, requires:
6 units of graduate courses in Music Theory and Composition, Sonic Arts or Music History and Literature
3-unit graduate Music course, and
6 units of approved graduate courses in any area.
No more than 6 units may be from independent study courses course and course.
Diagnostic tests in music history and theory will be given to all entering master’s students in order to determine if qualifying work in these areas is required. Qualifying work, if required, is normally completed in the first year of study.
Language
While there are no formal second-language requirements for the various programs of the Master of Music degree, students may be required to attain proficiency in a language other than English where this is deemed appropriate for the proposed thesis/project.
Graduate students in the MMus Performance program are required to participate in one of the large ensembles for the duration of their degree and pianists are required to volunteer as accompanists. In lieu of the large ensemble requirement, pianists have the option to accompany two hours per week in a vocal or instrumental studio. Another option for pianists is to accompany a Junior or a Senior recital. The head of the performance area will make all ensemble or accompanying assignments. Students in graduate programs other than performance are not required to participate in an ensemble, although such participation is encouraged.
All master’s degree programs require a thesis or recital or project equivalent (see below), prepared under the guidance of a supervisor and approved by the Music Graduate Studies Committee.
The thesis is interpreted to be two public recitals featuring solo performances and chamber music. At least one Canadian work should be included in one of the recitals. The examining committee will evaluate the candidate’s performance in both of the recitals. Recital proposals are to be submitted to the Graduate Program Administrator for approval by the Graduate Committee at least two months before each performance.
Advanced Credit
The applicant must make Advanced Credit requests as part of the admission process. Credit will not be given for course work taken as part of another completed degree/diploma or for courses taken to bring the grade point average to a required level for admission.
Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)
The Music program in the School of Creative and Performing Arts will not permit the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade) for any course offered by the Music Program.
Students may not choose the CG grade for a course taken extra to load.
The use of the CG grade will affect students' eligibility for internal awards.
Time Limit
Maximum completion time is five years for the Master of Music programs.
Supervisory Assignments
The Graduate Program Director will function as the interim supervisor for all newly admitted students during their first term. This arrangement will allow students to use their first term as an opportunity to meet with faculty and to secure a permanent supervisor.
Required Examinations
A comprehensive oral examination based upon the literature of the instrument and more extensively upon the repertoire of the approved recital programs is required. This examination must be satisfactorily completed at least six weeks before the date of the second public performance required for the degree.
Thesis Examinations
In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Thesis Examinations, the program requires:
Scheduling of the Examination
All members of the Supervisory Committee must have reviewed the student’s draft thesis document before an examination can be scheduled.
Composition of the Committee
Normally, the Internal Examiner is external to the home program.
Thesis examinations of written theses are open.
Financial assistance may be available to qualified students. For information on awards, see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this Calendar and the program's website.