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MASTER OF MUSIC

MM Concentrations in: Music Education or Jazz Pedagogy

Jeremy Wiggins, M. M., Graduate Coordinator, Phone: (203) 837-8354
VPAC 307 wigginsj@wcsu.edu
Michelle McKiernan, Department Secretary, Phone: 203) 837-8350
VPAC 218 mckiernanm@wcsu.edu
Fax: (203) 837-8630

 

Faculty:   Wiggins, J., Greene, J., Doiron, M., Isaacs, K., Callaghan, M., O’Grady, D., Begian, J., Larsen, L., Jimenez, F., Satarasinghe, O.

 

Program Overview

The Master of Music (M.M.) program at Western Connecticut State University offers two concentrations: Music Education and Jazz Pedagogy. Designed for music educators, performers, and practitioners, this graduate program enhances professional skills, artistic growth, and pedagogical expertise. It also provides the necessary coursework for permanent teaching certification, meeting the high standards set by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), of which WCSU is an accredited institutional member.

Students will develop competencies in areas such as music pedagogy, theory, repertoire, improvisation, conducting, and educational techniques. Both concentrations are tailored to the needs of working professionals, with flexible course offerings delivered in a hybrid format. Online classes are offered during the fall and spring semesters, with short in-person residencies held in the summer. Each concentration consists of 30 credits and can be completed in two years.

  • The Music Education concentration is ideal for current K-12 music educators seeking to maintain certification while advancing their careers.
  • The Jazz Pedagogy concentration is suited for jazz performers and educators aiming to deepen their expertise in teaching jazz.

 

Master of Music in Music Education

Core Courses   15 SH
MUS 500 Introduction to Music Research 1 SH
MUS 520 Form and Analysis 3 SH
MUS 528 Pedagogy of Improvisation 3 SH
MUS 523 Conducting 3 SH
MUS 540 or MUS 507 Topics in Music History   -or-  Jazz Styles and Analysis 3 SH
MUS 545 or MUS 517 Topics in Music Lit.  -or-  The Blues: Musical, Historical Contexts 2 SH
Studies in Major Field 9 SH
MUS 536 Topics in Music Education 3 SH
           Choose2 from the below:
MUS 535 Contemporary Strategies in Elem. Music Ed.  3 SH
MUS 533 Choral Techniques and Materials 3 SH
MUS 534 Instrumental Techniques and Materials 3 SH
Electives 4 SH
Final Project 2 SH
MUS 590 Music Department Seminar  2 SH
Total Semester Hours   30 SH

 

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Master of Music in Jazz Pedagogy 

Core Courses   12 SH
MUS 500 Introduction to Music Research 1 SH
MUS 520 Form and Analysis 3 SH
MUS 528 Pedagogy of Improvisation 3 SH
MUS 523 Jazz Styles and Analysis 3 SH
Choose 1 from the below:
MUS 545 or MUS 517 Topics in Music Literature  – or – The Blues: Musical, Cultural, Historical Contexts 2 SH
Performance Requirements 6-7 SH
Jazz Ensembles (Large Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Jazz taken for 4 semesters, 4 SH total) * 4 SH
MUS 510 Applied Lessons (taken for 2 semesters, 2 SH total)  2 SH
MUS 533 Applied Jazz Piano for Non-Pianists ** 1 SH
Studies in Major Field 7 SH
MUS 506 Topics in Jazz Pedagogy 2 SH
MUS 502 Arranging for the Jazz Educator 3 SH
MUS 505 Rhythm Section Lab 2 SH
Electives 3-4 SH
Final Project 2 SH
MUS 590 Music Department Seminar 2 SH
Total Semester Hours 30-32 SH  

Note: Courses with “XX” designation are awaiting the assignment of a course number.

*Ensemble requirements can be completed during the academic year or summer term.

**Students who claim Piano as their major instrument are omitted from this requirement and can take a different elective course in place of this class.

 

Program Goals & Objectives

The Department of Music at Western Connecticut State University is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment that supports the professional and artistic growth of its students. The Master of Music program aims to:

  • Equip students with advanced pedagogical, theoretical, and performance skills necessary for careers in music education and jazz pedagogy, while also preparing them for a terminal degree in music. This goal is attainable through the following objectives:
    1. Provide students with the tools to effectively analyze, teach, and perform music, incorporating comprehensive theoretical and structural understanding.
    2. Offer in-depth study of music history, literature, and diverse genres to enhance students’ ability to teach and perform within various musical traditions.
  • Deliver a curriculum that incorporates modern teaching methodologies, including contemporary strategies for both classroom and ensemble settings in music education and jazz pedagogy.
  • Cultivate the creative, intellectual, and artistic abilities of students by promoting lifelong engagement with music and advocating for diverse musical traditions and practices. This goal is attainable through the following objectives:
    1. Provide opportunities for students to engage in high-quality performances, masterclasses, and workshops with peers, faculty, and renowned guest artists.
    2. Instill in students the importance of lifelong learning and advocacy for the arts, encouraging them to be informed and passionate contributors to the musical community.
  • Foster a collaborative environment that supports the ongoing creative and professional development of students and faculty, providing a model for continuous growth and innovation.
  • Provide meaningful cultural contributions and services to the university, local community, and the broader musical world by supporting performance, education, and collaborative opportunities. This goal is attainable through the following objectives:
    1. Offer educational and performance experiences that demonstrate the value of music and the arts to students, their families, and the wider community, promoting cultural appreciation and involvement.
    2. Serve as a resource for music educators and performers, particularly in the areas of PreK-12 education and jazz pedagogy, supporting the professional growth of music teachers in the region.
  • Develop students’ skills in self-discipline, problem-solving, and communication through personalized academic advising and mentorship, equipping them for professional success.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

The program goals and objectives are attainable through the following learning outcomes:

  1. Students will use concepts of music theory and form to inform music practice, analyze musical scores, and create musical compositions.
  2. The students will master topics in music history and literature through writing, research, and the use of constructive discourse.
  3. The students will demonstrate mastery in content knowledge in both affective and cognitive domains in music education and jazz pedagogy by conducting, performing, reading and writing research, and utilizing contemporary methodology and pedagogy.
  4. The students will have opportunities to create, perform, evaluate, and connect to musical performances.
  5. The students will serve as a resource for regional educators to learn and apply content knowledge, skill, contemporary methodologies, and pedagogy.
  6. The students will utilize constructive discourse to develop, evaluate, and create research projects for the purpose for presentation to students, peers, and faculty.

 

Admission Requirements

All applicants must submit a completed application form.

M.M. in Music Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Music
  • Conditional teaching certificate
  • Interview with Music Education Faculty

M.M. in Jazz Pedagogy

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Music
  • Audition/Interview with Jazz Faculty

Upon offer of admission and acceptance, students will take entrance exams in music theory and music history. Students who do not pass the theory and history entrance exams will take MUS 527, The Structure of Music, and/or MUS 539, Music History Review, offered as asynchronous online courses. These two remedial courses will not count towards the degree requirements.

Degree Program Requirements

The M.M. in Music degree will be conferred upon matriculated students who have completed 30 graduate credits at Western Connecticut State University (minus transferred credits), and a final project researched and written by the student under the guidance of a thesis advisor and committee.
Transfer of Courses

WCSU accepts as transfer credit toward a graduate degree course work that was completed at a college or university regionally accredited as a degree-granting institution at the time the course work was completed. No more than nine hours of transfer credit will be accepted, except in the case of work completed at another campus of the Connecticut State University system; however, a student must complete at least 15 semester credits in residence (including final project/recital and/or comprehensive examination), as required for particular programs.