The Master of Music degree combines advanced studies in an applied area of specialization with graduate-level academic study in bibliographic research, musicology, and music history. The degree prepares students to be professional performers, conductors, composers, teachers, and researchers, according to their area of specialization. The master of music degree is often required as the minimum teaching credential for university, college, and conservatory instrumental or vocal teaching positions, and in some areas of specialization are considered a terminal degree.

Concentrations (Required) and Options Available

• Thesis
  • Composition
  • Music Theory
  • Music Education
  • Musicology
• Project (Recital)
  • Choral Conducting
  • Collaborative Piano
  • Instrumental Conducting
  • Jazz
  • Music Education
  • Performance (Organ, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Voice, or Winds)

Campus Code

Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures

• Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree that is approximately equivalent in music requirements to degrees conferred by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a major appropriate to the applicant’s prospective area of concentration on the master’s level.
• In addition to applying to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Graduate School, applicants must apply to the School of Music through the Acceptd portal on the School of Music website.
• Applicants who plan to pursue the concentration in performance or music education are required to audition for the appropriate area faculty.
• Applicants for admission to the program in composition must submit scores and recordings of representative works.
• Applicants for the concentration in jazz, if appropriate, must audition in jazz improvisation and jazz piano proficiency and interview with members of the faculty in this area.
• Applicants for the concentrations in choral conducting and voice must send pre-screening materials. See the School of Music website for details.
• Other applicants are required to have an interview with members of the faculty of the prospective area of concentration.
• All entering master’s degree students are required to take diagnostic examinations in music theory, ear-training, and musicology. These examinations are given by the School of Music at the beginning of each semester. See the School of Music website.

Thesis Option

• Composition. This concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in music composition. Graduates of this program are qualified to pursue careers as teachers of music composition-related subjects on the college level and to pursue doctoral study in music composition.
• Music Education. This concentration is designed for persons who hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music or Music Education and certification to teach music in the public schools. Students seeking initial certification should consult with the coordinator of music education about additional requirements.
• Music Theory. This concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in music theory. Graduates of this program are qualified to pursue careers as teachers of music theory-related subjects on the college level and to pursue doctoral study in music theory.
• Musicology. This concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in historical musicology and ethnomusicology. Graduates of this program would be qualified to pursue careers as teachers and researchers of musicology-related subjects at the college level and to pursue doctoral study in historical musicology or ethnomusicology.

Credit Hours Required

33 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

• Minimum of 6 credit hours of MUSC 500  
• Coursework in music bibliography, musicology and music theory and allow for elective courses.
• Specific curricula are available in the School of Music Graduate Guide.

Non-Course Requirements

• Preparation and defense of a thesis
• A written and oral final examination

Project (Recital) Option

• Choral Conducting. This program is designed for students who intend to pursue careers as conductors of school, church, or community choral ensembles. Graduates of this program would also be qualified to pursue doctoral work in choral conducting.
• Collaborative Piano. This program is designed for accomplished pianists who intend to pursue careers in vocal coaching or accompanying.
• Instrumental Conducting. This program is designed for students who intend to pursue careers as conductors of school or civic instrumental ensembles. Candidates for this degree may focus on either band or orchestral conducting. Graduates of this program are qualified to pursue doctoral work in conducting.
• Jazz. This program is designed for accomplished jazz musicians who intend to pursue careers as performers or teachers in the field of jazz.
• Music Education. This concentration is designed for persons who hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music or Music Education and certification to teach music in the public schools. Students seeking initial certification should consult with the coordinator of music education about additional requirements.
• Performance. This program is designed for accomplished musicians who intend to pursue careers as performers or teachers. Graduates of this program are qualified to pursue doctoral work in their area of specialization.

Credit Hours Required

33 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

• All concentrations require coursework in music bibliography, musicology and music theory and allow for elective courses.
• Specific curricula are available in the School of Music Graduate Guide.

Non-Course Requirements

• A written and oral final examination, and recital.