Catalogue 2004-05

• USC Thornton School of Music
  • Undergraduate Degrees
  • Graduate Degrees
    • Admission-Audition Requirements
    • Master of Music
    • Master of Music Education
    • Master of Arts
    • Non-Degree Programs
    • Doctor of Musical Arts
    • Doctor of Philosophy
  • Courses of Instruction

Graduate Degrees

Admission-Audition Requirements

Applicants to graduate programs in the Thornton School of Music must submit the music supplementary application in addition to fulfilling all USC graduate admission requirements. Applicants to all doctoral programs, the M.A. in Music History and Literature and the M.A. in Early Music must also submit scores from the general test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Any applicant whose first language is not English must also submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Any test scores that are more than five years old at the time of application will not be accepted.

Additional requirements for specific graduate programs are detailed below.

Choral Music

Applicants must submit the following: a brief resume detailing conducting experience; a statement of objectives; a repertoire list divided into categories of works sung, works studied and works conducted; three letters of recommendation; a videotape of both a choral ensemble performance and rehearsal conducted by the applicant, including choral works from several periods and styles, with at least one being a 20th century work. Master of Music applicants should have a minimum of two years' experience as the regular conductor of a choral ensemble. Doctor of Musical Arts applicants should have a minimum of four years' experience.

Composition

Applicants must submit the following: three carefully prepared scores and audio recordings of recent works; a complete list of all compositions, including dates and media; a statement of objectives; resume; transcripts from all universities attended. An on-campus interview with the composition faculty is encouraged but not required. Admission to graduate programs in composition is highly competitive and is limited to approximately six new students per year.

Conducting

Applicants must submit the following: a repertoire list, clearly indicating both works conducted in rehearsal and those conducted in performance; an unedited videotape from the orchestra's side of the podium, no less than 30 minutes in length, of which half should be of the applicant in rehearsal; a statement of objectives; three letters of recommendation; resume. Selected applicants will be invited to present a live audition with the university. Such applicants will be contacted to determine repertoire.

Jazz Studies

Applicants must submit a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required, for which three to five selections of contrasting styles, taken from the standard solo jazz literature, should be prepared on the applicant's primary instrument. For instrumentalists, two of these selections must be Joy Spring and All the Things You Are; for vocalists, two of these selections must be How High the Moon (medium/up) and Body and Soul (ballad). Lead trumpet players may also include excerpts from ensemble literature or standard exercises and may perform a lead trumpet part with the original recording. Drummers should perform a snare drum etude or rudimental snare drum solo, as well as a standard jazz tune on drumset (playing the melody, the form and a solo), must be able to play swing, bebop, latin and funk or rock, and must demonstrate the use of brushes on drumset. Jazz vocalists should memorize and perform 32 bars of an improvised solo from the jazz discography (such as Ella Fitzgerald's solo from Blue Skies, Coleman Hawkins's solo from Body and Soul, etc.). All applicants must be prepared to demonstrate skills in jazz improvisation and sight-reading. Most applicants will also be asked to sit for a written examination consisting of listening excerpts, basic jazz theory and jazz history.

Music Education

Applicants must submit the following: a resume listing group teaching experience (one year experience or more for M.M. and M.M.E. applicants, three years' experience or more for D.M.A. applicants); brief statement of objectives and professional goals; academic transcripts from all universities attended; writing sample (essay or research abstract on a music education topic for M.M. and M.M.E. applicants, a copy of the master's thesis or written project on a music education topic for D.M.A. applicants); an audition tape, approximately 15 minutes in length, of the applicant's solo performance field; three letters of recommendation.

Music History and Literature

Applicants must submit the following: a statement of objectives and professional goals; academic transcripts from all universities attended; three letters of recommendation; writing sample (one or two historical or analytical term papers for M.A. applicants, a copy of the master's thesis for Ph.D. applicants). If a thesis was not required for the applicant's master's degree, one or two historical or analytical term papers may be submitted.

Performance

A performance audition is required for all applicants for admission to a performance major. In the case of some programs, additional materials are also required. These various requirements are detailed below.

Early Music Performance

Applicants must submit the following: a statement of objectives and professional goals; resume; repertoire list; academic transcripts from all universities attended; at least one music history term paper; three letters of recommendation. An audition is also required, for which instrumentalists should prepare three or more selections from the Renaissance and/or Baroque literature, performed on historical instruments, and vocalists should prepare three or more selections from the Renaissance and/or Baroque literature with at least one example of Italian early Baroque music.

Guitar Performance

Applicants must submit a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list, as well as perform an audition, for which 20 minutes of contrasting solo and/or ensemble pieces from the classical guitar or studio/jazz literature should be prepared.

Harpsichord Performance

Applicants must submit a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list, as well as perform an audition, for which several representative solo works should be prepared. Applicants are encouraged to contact the keyboard studies office for information on specific audition requirements.

Keyboard Collaborative Arts

Applicants must submit a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. An audition, consisting of two sections, is also required. The piano solo section should include two piano solos, performed from memory from contrasting stylistic periods. The collaborative section should include two complete instrumental sonatas, four songs from contrasting stylistic periods and one aria, all performed with music. The collaborative repertoire must be selected from an approved list, available from the collaborative arts office. Applicants will be tested on sight-reading and may be asked to demonstrate skills in diction and translation.

Organ Performance

Applicants must submit a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. An audition is also required for which three or more selections from various stylistic periods of the standard organ literature should be prepared.

Piano Performance

Applicants must submit a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required. For the audition, M.M. applicants should prepare three solo selections, each from a different stylistic period of music, plus one standard etude; D.M.A. applicants should prepare four solo selections, each from a different stylistic period of music, plus one standard etude for the audition.

String Instrument Performance

Applicants must submit a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required. For the audition, M.M. applicants should prepare three or more selections from the standard literature, representing various stylistic periods of music; D.M.A. applicants should prepare a full concerto, one complete solo Bach work, one Romantic sonata and either a 20th century piece or a virtuoso piece. All harp applicants are encouraged to contact the harp professor for specific audition requirements.

Vocal Arts

Applicants must submit a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required, for which five or more selections of contrasting styles should be prepared. These selections should be memorized and demonstrate diction facility in two or more foreign languages. At least one operatic aria must be included.

Wind or Percussion Instrument

Applicants must submit a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required. For flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, and tuba three selections, representing various stylistic periods of music, should be prepared for the audition. These selections should be full-length pieces from the standard solo literature, although excerpts from ensemble literature may also be included. If any of the selections are taken from a multi-movement sonata or concerto, applicants need only prepare one movement of the piece. In addition, applicants should be prepared to play standard etudes of their choice as well as various scales and arpeggios. Percussion applicants are encouraged to contact the percussion professor for specific audition requirements.

Sacred Music

Applicants must submit the following: a brief resume detailing conducting experience; a statement of objectives; a repertoire list divided into categories of works sung, works studied and works conducted; three letters of recommendation; a videotape of both a choral ensemble performance and rehearsal conducted by the applicant, including choral works from several periods and styles, with at least one being a 20th century work. In addition to the conducting audition tape, an individual performance cassette tape or CD in voice, piano or organ may be submitted. Master of Music applicants should have a minimum of two years' experience as the regular conductor of a choral ensemble. Doctor of Musical Arts applicants should have a minimum of four years' experience.

Master of Music

Unit and Grade Requirements

Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the special requirements of their major department (see departmental advisor). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.

Transferred Credits

All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Transfer work must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate faculty chair and the chair's decision made no later than the end of the first year in either the master's or doctoral program.

Time Limit

The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.

Thesis Requirements and Guidance Committees

A thesis is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition and music education. For composition majors, it will consist of a work in three or more movements for four or more instruments; for music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music education department. Before registering for 594a Thesis, a student must choose a guidance committee composed of three regular faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two come from the home department. The chair of the guidance committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.

Master's Recital

At least one public recital is required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree with a major in choral music, composition, harpsichord, organ, strings or vocal arts. Two public recitals are required for majors in conducting, guitar, jazz studies, keyboard collaborative arts, wind and percussion instruments, and piano. Candidates should apply at the Music Operations Office for recital dates. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance of the recital.

Students majoring in conducting may complete the recital requirements with a formal public recital or with special projects assigned, approved and attended by faculty from the conducting department, who also judge the acceptability of all such performances.

Comprehensive Review

Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination or a specially designated course; it will cover relevant aspects of musical performance, literature and technique.

Master of Music in Choral Music

Prerequisite

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Music degree or its equivalent. Completed course work must include at least the following: Conducting MUCD 340, MUCD 343 and MUCD 441; Music History and Literature MUHL 331 and MUHL 332; Theory and Composition MUCO 232b, MUCO 233b and MUCO 338x. One year of German or French is strongly recommended. Applicants must have attained senior standing in a principal performance medium.

Keyboard Proficiency

A keyboard proficiency test will be given by the choral faculty during the student's first semester in residence to determine if additional study in keyboard is required.

Final Oral Examination

A final oral examination in choral literature, conducting and rehearsal techniques will be administered by the choral music faculty.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
MUCM 440 (2), MUCM 541 (2), MUCM 542 (2), MUCM 543 (2), MUCM 590 (2)		10
MUCD 443 (2), MUCD 541 (6)		8
Ensemble		2
MUHL 570 (2), electives at 500 level (4)		6
MPVA 439 (2), MPVA 501VO (2)		4
Graduate recital		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Sacred Music

Prerequisite

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Music degree or its equivalent. Completed course work must include at least the following: Conducting MUCD 340, MUCD 343 and MUCD 441; Music History and Literature MUHL 331 and MUHL 332; Theory and Composition MUCO 232b, MUCO 233b and MUCO 338x. One year of German or French is strongly recommended. Applicants must have attained senior standing in a principal performance medium.

Keyboard and Voice Proficiency

Proficiency tests in keyboard and voice will be given by the choral and sacred music faculty during the student's first semester in residence to determine if additional study in either medium is required.

Final Oral Examination

A final oral examination in sacred music and related areas will be administered by the sacred and choral music faculty.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
MUCM 440 (2), MUCM 541 (2), MUCM 542 (2)		6
MUCH 473 (2), MUCH 570 (2), MUCH 571 (2), MUCH 572 (2), MUCH 590 (2)		10
MUCH 474 or MPVA 439		2
MUCD 541		4
Ensemble		2
MUHL 570 (2), electives at the 500 level (2)		4
MPKS 501 (PI or OR) or MPVA 501		2
Graduate recital or project		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Composition

Prerequisite

The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in composition or theory.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Ensemble		2
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL 578 (2), electives at the 500 level (4)		8
Individual instruction 501 in any performance medium		4
MUCO 537 (8), MUCO 592 (2), MUCO 594ab (4)		14
Electives		2
Graduate recital		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Conducting

Prerequisite

The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree with a music major and have at least one year of experience conducting an orchestra.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
MUCD 550 (8)		8
Ensemble (preferably chamber music)		4
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL 575 (2), MUHL 591 (2)		6
One course from MUHL 573 (2), MUHL 574 (2), MUHL 576 (2), MUHL 577 (2) or MUHL 578 (2)		2
MUCO 501 (2), MUCO 502 (2)		4
Electives		6
Two graduate recitals		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Jazz Studies

Prerequisite

The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in jazz studies or its equivalent.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
MUEN 505 or MUEN 529 (4), MUEN 532 (4)		8
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL 578 (2), MUHL electives at the 500 level (2)		6
MUJZ 443 (2) or MUJZ 545 (2)		2
MUJZ 547 (2), MUJZ 553 (8)		10
Electives		4
Two graduate recitals		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Music Education

Prerequisite

The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in music education and have one year of teaching experience beyond supervised student teaching.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Ensemble		2
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL electives at the 500 level (6)		8
MUED 500 (2), MUED 594ab (4), electives (4)		10
MUED 502 (2) or MUED 503 (2) or MUED 505 (2)		2
Individual instruction (organ, piano, string instrument, vocal arts, or wind or percussion instrument)		4
Electives in music or education		4
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Performance (Keyboard Collaborative Arts)

Prerequisite

Applicants must hold the Bachelor of Music degree with a major in piano or keyboard collaborative arts or equivalent background as determined by the collaborative arts faculty.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL 578 (2), MUHL electives at the 500 level (4)		8
MPKS 481 (2), 553CP (8), 560 (2), 561 (2)		14
Electives in music which should include MPVA 442 and MPVA 479 if comparable courses have not been taken previously		8
Two graduate recitals, one with voice(s), the other with instrument(s)		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Performance (Classical Guitar)

Prerequisite

The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree with a major in music with guitar as the principal instrument.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
MUEN 526 (2), electives (2)		4
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL 578 (2), MUHL electives at the 500 level (2)		6
MPGU 427 (3), MPGU 553CG (8), MPGU 557 (4)		15
MPKS 481 (2)		2
Electives		3
Two graduate recitals		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Performance (Studio Guitar)

Prerequisite

The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree with a major in music with guitar as the principal instrument.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
MUEN 526 (2), electives (2)		4
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL 578 (2), MUHL electives at the 500 level (2)		6
MPGU 553SG (8), MPGU 558 (4)		12
Music electives		4
Electives		4
Two graduate recitals		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Performance (Harpsichord)

Prerequisite

The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in harpsichord or in another keyboard instrument.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Ensemble		2
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL 578 (2), MUHL electives at the 500 level (4)		8
MPKS 481 (2), MPKS 553HC (8)		10
Music electives (at least two from the 500 level)		6
Electives		4
Graduate recital		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Performance (Organ)

Prerequisite

The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in organ or equivalent.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Ensemble		2
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL 578 (2), MUHL electives at the 500 level (4)		8
MPKS 481 (2), MPKS 553OR (8)		10
Music electives (at least two from the 500 level)		6
Electives		4
Graduate recital		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Performance (Piano)

Prerequisite

The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree in piano or equivalent.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Ensemble		2
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL electives at 500 level (6)		8
MPKS 553P (8), MPKS 450a (2), MPKS 520 (6)		16
Electives		4
Two graduate recitals		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Performance (Violin), (Viola), (Violoncello), (Double Bass) or (Harp)

Prerequisite

The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in a string instrument or equivalent.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
MUCD 443		2
Ensemble 527 (2), electives (2)		4
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL 578 (2), MUHL electives at the 500 level (4)		8
MPKS 481		2
MPST 553 (8)		8
Music electives (at least two from the 500 level)		6
Graduate recital		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music in Performance (Vocal Arts)

Prerequisite

The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in vocal arts from USC or another university. Students who have not had formal training in foreign language, diction, vocal pedagogy, acting for singers, song literature and in Italian, French or German languages must show competency in these areas through examination or complete appropriate course work with a grade of B or higher.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Ensemble		2
MUHL 570 (2), electives at 500 level (2)		4
MPVA 443 (2), MPVA 540 (2), MPVA 541 (2), MPVA 553VO (8)		14
Electives in music (400 or 500 level)		5
Electives		5
Final examination		0
Graduate recital		0
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Comprehensive Review

A qualifying examination in vocal pedagogy, art song and oratorio literature and diction will be administered by the vocal arts faculty. Students are required to write extensive program notes for the degree recital.

USC Opera

USC Opera is an integral part of the Vocal Arts Department, providing career development opportunities for singers, coach/pianists, conductors and directors. The program includes instruction in opera history and literature, coaching techniques, stage direction, body movement for singers, stage training, role study and analysis.

The opera workshop is a repertory experience involving preparation and performance of operatic works and excerpts for performance both on and off the USC campus.

Master of Music in Performance (Flute), (Oboe), (Clarinet), (Bassoon), (Saxophone), (French Horn), (Trumpet), (Trombone), (Tuba) or (Percussion)

Prerequisite

The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in a wind instrument or percussion or equivalent.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
MUCD 443		2
MUEN 525 (4), large ensemble (4)		8
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL 578 (2), MUHL electives at the 500 level (4)		8
MPWP 481 or MPWP 482 (2), MPWP 551 (2), MPWP 553 (8)		12
Two graduate recitals
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Music Education

Prerequisites

The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree or its equivalent, with a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0.

Additional Requirements

Candidates must complete the equivalent of at least one year of full-time teaching prior to completion of the degree. Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units must be taken at the 500 level or higher. Students must complete at least 26 units at USC, including MUED 592 Final Project. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required of all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in music education. Students who transfer credit must achieve this average on all combined transfer or residence units.

Candidates whose undergraduate degrees are not from USC must achieve passing scores or take assigned course work in all areas of the USC Music Graduate Entrance Examinations. The complete battery of examinations must be taken at the time the candidate registers for the first graduate course.

Candidates other than USC graduates may not enroll in 500-level music history courses or 400-level conducting, theory, or composition courses without having passed the appropriate sections of the Music Graduate Entrance Examinations.

The culmination of the degree will consist of a creative project developed under the guidance of a member of the music education faculty. Projects must be reported in written form but need not be limited to traditional written material. Candidates may produce, design, arrange or implement innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific application in school or community musical settings.

Transferred Credits

Up to 4 units of graduate credit of B (3.0) or higher may be transferred. Courses must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
MUED 500 (2), MUED 592 (2)		4
MUED 502 (2) or MUED 503 (2) or MUED 505 (2)		2
Electives in music education		6
Electives in music		6
Electives		12
Comprehensive review		0
		30

Master of Arts

This degree is under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations.

Departmental Requirements

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of scores on the Graduate Record Examinations, transcripts of previous college courses, a research paper and letters of reference.

Regular (classified) standing is achieved when the general test of the Graduate Record Examinations has been taken, and when the Music Graduate Entrance Examinations have been completed satisfactorily. Remedial course work, if recommended, may be substituted for repetition of examinations.

Language Requirement

Students are required to demonstrate a reading knowledge by passing an examination in one foreign language chosen by the student from among French, German, Italian or Latin. This requirement must be passed prior to the comprehensive examination.

Prerequisites

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree with a major in music or the equivalent, and a substantial background in languages, arts and letters.

Degree Requirements for the Music History and Literature Emphasis

requirements		Units
MUHL 570		2
MUHL courses numbered 600-699		6
Courses in history, language, literature or the arts other than music		8
Courses drawn from: MUHL 500-699, MUCO 501 and MUCO 502		8
Electives		6
		30

Degree Requirements for the Early Music Performance Emphasis

Requirements		Units
MUEN 550		3
MUHL 570 (2), MUHL 572 (3), MUHL 574 (2), MUHL 575 (2), MUHL 589 (2), MUHL 591 (2), MUHL 594ab (2-2),		17
MPEM 450 (2), MPEM 553 (5)		7
Elective in music		2
Electives in letters, arts and sciences		4
		33

The thesis will include the planning, research, preparation and leadership of a full-length program in early music. This practical work will be supported by a written essay that deals, as appropriate, with historical data sources, authentic performance practices and a stylistic assessment of the repertoire that is performed. In lieu of a comprehensive examination, candidates for the Early Music Performance Emphasis will be required to pass periodic reviews to demonstrate progress.

Non-Degree Programs

Artist Diploma Program

This program is designed for young artists of exceptional ability and musical sensitivity who plan careers as solo performers. The Artist Diploma Program provides young artists with the opportunity to devote their full time to concentrated study and practice for the duration of their assigned programs.

Entrance Requirements

Following the recommendation of the student's major department, a performance audition, consisting of a full-length recital before the Artist Diploma Committee, is required.

Curriculum Requirements

A minimum of 16 units at the 754 level (from MPEM, MPGU, MPKS, MPST, MPVA or MPWP) and four full-length recitals are required.

Graduate Certificate Program in Performance

This graduate-level program is designed for students who have completed their undergraduate education in music, or its equivalent, and intend to concentrate their energies on the full-time development of their discipline.

Entrance Requirements

A performance audition is required with repertory to be determined by the student's primary department.

Curriculum Requirements

The requirements for this program consist of 16 units of Graduate Certificate Performance (4 units per semester of MPEM 554, MPGU 554, MPKS 554, MPST 554, MPVA 554, MPWP 554 or MUJZ 554). Graduate Certificate Performance encompasses individual instruction, studio class and two ensembles or the equivalent as appropriate to the discipline.

Graduate Certificate Program in Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television

This one-year program is designed for students who hold the Bachelor of Music in Composition or its equivalent.

Entrance Requirements

1. Five to eight minutes of music the student has composed, recorded on a chrome-tape audiocassette (non-Dolby). Send a copy, not the master. Music should show fluency in a number of styles. Include a cassette contents sheet which lists title, duration and any additional information concerning the music.

2. A score or sketch for three pieces of music recorded on the audiocassette. The preferred score size is 8.5" x 11" paper.

3. If available, a VHS videocassette of a completed project(s).

Curriculum Requirements		Units
MUCO 440ab (4), MUCO 442ab (4), MUCO 443ab (4), MUCO 520 (2), MUCO 522ab (4), MUCO 523ab (4), MUCO 545 (4), MUCO 560ab (4)		30

Doctor of Musical Arts

Degree Prerequisites

D.M.A. applicants must complete the appropriate master of music degree program or its equivalent.

Admission

Refer to School of Music Graduate Degrees, Admission Requirements.

Graduate Record Examinations

Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to the Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.

Graduate Committee Interview

Before the completion of 16 units beyond the master's degree and before permission to present the second doctoral recital is requested, doctoral students must submit a detailed curriculum vitae to the Graduate Committee of the School of Music summarizing their background and objectives. The student will be evaluated on musicianship and general academic qualifications, teaching experience and the validity and quality of creative, literary or performance projects submitted. The committee determines the student's continuation in the program, proposed areas of concentration and the guidance committee members.

Course Requirements

Each student is required to prepare four areas of concentration: the major field, an academic field (chosen from among musicology, theory and analysis, music education, choral music or sacred music), and elective areas selected in consultation with an advisor from two of the following: theory or compositional skills (composition, counterpoint, orchestration, band arranging or choral arranging); performance, early music or jazz studies; music education; sacred or choral music; conducting; performance pedagogy; electroacoustic media; a field outside of music. The academic field may not duplicate a major or an elective field. Admission to elective and academic fields must be approved by the department concerned, prior to the Graduate Committee interview.

The elective and academic fields are supported by courses that are determined by the department in which these fields are administered. Six to 8 units are taken in elective fields; 8 to 12 units in the academic field. No more than two of the four fields may be under the guidance of the same department within the School of Music, and at least one of the elective fields must result in a written examination as part of the qualifying examinations.

Required courses for each major curriculum are listed subsequently in this catalogue. Special requirements in any of the four areas of concentration (if any) are determined by the guidance committee member responsible for that area.

A minimum of 65 graduate units beyond the bachelor's degree are required to complete the degree. Fifty-five or more units must be in music, 12 of these beyond the master's level must be in the major. At least 40 of these must be at the 500 level or higher. All course work earned under these requirements for a doctoral degree is considered to be obsolete after 10 years from the date of completion of such work and may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.

Residence Requirement

A minimum of two years of full-time study beyond the Master of Music degree is required for the Doctor of Musical Arts. At least one year of full-time study beyond the master's degree (8 units or more per semester) must be in residence at USC.

Grade Point Average Requirements

A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate course units in music. A grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major.

Transfer Credit

The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree in music. Whether such credit is applicable toward a specific requirement in a major or minor field is determined by the chair of the department in the School of Music in which the subject is taught, pending approval by the dean of the Thornton School of Music. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate faculty chair and the chair's decision made no later than the end of the first year in either the master's or doctoral program. Transfer work must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the D.M.A. program to be applied toward that degree.

Foreign Language

A reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is required of all students. Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled one semester before the qualifying examination at the latest.

Guidance Committee

The guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member from each of the three other areas of concentration. At least three members of a committee must be drawn from tenured and tenure-track faculty.

The committee administers the written and oral parts of the qualifying examination. The committee continues to serve until the qualifying examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved, and the student is admitted to candidacy. For students in curricula which require recitals, the guidance committee serves as the recital committee and is responsible for the format, content, scheduling, and approval of the required performances.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination for the D.M.A. is administered by the student's guidance committee. It is comprehensive, partly written and partly oral, and designed in part to test the student's fitness for independence as a performer, composer, teacher, researcher and/or scholar. The student must obtain permission from the guidance committee to take the qualifying examination and schedule it at least two months in advance to ensure the committee's availability. The examination may be taken either during the final semester of course work (except dissertation or individual instruction) or within two semesters immediately after, provided that all members of the guidance committee are available to administer it. In degree programs that require the presentation of four major recitals, at least two major recitals must be presented prior to the administration of the qualifying examination. Qualifying examinations will not be scheduled during summer sessions except under extraordinary circumstances and only with the written approval of all guidance committee members. All portions of the examination must be completed within one month.

Written examinations are prepared and read by the guidance committee. All of the student's areas of concentration, except performance, conducting and composition, will be covered in a written examination or comparable project. The examination in performance, conducting or composition normally is a public recital, evaluated by appropriate members of the guidance committee. If the written examination is judged to be satisfactory, an oral examination is then given. This examination covers in depth topics discussed in the written examinations and/or new material, particularly when a recital in one or more areas of concentration has been presented.

All members of the guidance committee must be present at the oral examination and render a judgment on the acceptability of the qualifying examinations as a whole. The examinations will be reported as passing if there is no more than one dissenting vote on the guidance committee. A student must pass both the written and oral examinations to pass the qualifying examination. A pass on the examination cannot be made contingent upon any form of additional work.

If a student fails the qualifying examination, the guidance committee may permit the student to repeat it once at a mutually satisfactory time within a period of not less than six months nor more than one year from the date of the first examination. A student may not take the qualifying examination more than twice.

Admission to Candidacy

Admission to candidacy occurs after the student has passed the qualifying examination, upon formal action of the dean of the Thornton School. The dissertation, treatise, or one final recital must be completed after admission to candidacy.

Doctoral Dissertation

A dissertation based on original investigation is required of candidates in sacred music, composition, and music education, and a treatise is required in choral music. Either document must reveal scholarly ability, technical mastery, capacity for independent research and originality in creative thought.

Dissertation Committee

After the guidance committee recommends admission to candidacy and approves the dissertation or treatise topic, it is reduced to three members. This smaller committee guides the student through the completion of the final project. Additional members may be added at the discretion of the chair of the committee if the topic requires special expertise.

Registration

The student must register in 794 Dissertation each semester after admission to candidacy until degree requirements are completed. Registration for the dissertation in no less than two regular term semesters following admission to candidacy entitles the candidate to supervision by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters, the candidate must register for 794 each semester thereafter until the document has been accepted. No more than 8 units of credit in 794 may be accumulated regardless of the number of semesters the candidate may be required to register.

A candidate who must withdraw temporarily from registration in 794 for a semester must formally report this before the beginning of that semester to the Office of Student Services, Thornton School of Music, requesting by petition a leave of absence. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from the guidance committee or to the use of university facilities. A leave of absence does not change the candidate's responsibility for meeting the time schedules for the completion of degree requirements. Leave will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.

Format for Theses and Dissertations

All theses and dissertations submitted for requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations in format and method of preparation. See Doctoral Dissertation.

Defense of the Dissertation

After meeting all requirements including the qualifying examination, the candidate must defend the dissertation. This defense occurs to determine for the committee that the candidate has attained the stage of scholarly advancement and power of investigation demanded for recommendation to the doctorate. While this oral defense is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend its acceptance or denial. The recommendation must be unanimous.

Departments differ in their ordering of these final steps, some holding the oral defense prior to approval for final typing, some holding it after the final typing. The following schedules apply in the two cases.

Defense of the Dissertation Prior to Approval for Final Typing

In this case a candidate defends the dissertation on the basis of an approved preliminary copy. If the defense is satisfactory, the committee then signs the approval for final typing; if additional work is required, the form is left unsigned until that work has been approved.

At the time the approval for final typing reaches the dean of the Thornton School of Music, the candidate submits the typed copy for the abstract of the dissertation.

The final typewritten copy of the dissertation, together with signed signature sheet and approval cards, must be presented to the Thesis Editor, the Graduate School, GFS 315, at least two weeks prior to the end of the semester in which the degree is to be received. Approval of format and acceptance by the Graduate School must be presented to the dean of the Thornton School of Music at least one week before the end of the semester.

Defense of the Dissertation Subsequent to Final Typing

At least seven weeks before the scheduled date of the defense of the dissertation, written approval for final typing by all members of the candidate's dissertation committee must be filed with the dean of the Thornton School of Music. The typed copy for the abstract of the dissertation is due at this time.

At least five weeks before the date of the final oral examination, the original copy of the final draft of the dissertation, accompanied by a signature sheet and cards of approval signed by all members of the dissertation committee, must be submitted to the Thesis Editor for approval. This final draft must conform to the regulations provided by the university. See Doctoral Dissertation.

Abstract of Dissertation

Since the abstract of the dissertation is published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and be representative of the final draft of the dissertation.

Time Schedule

The D.M.A. is established on the assumption that a well-qualified student can complete it in three years of full-time work. If the student pursues part-time graduate study, or if the field of graduate work is not that of undergraduate study, more time may be required.

The time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is six years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.

Basic D.M.A. Curriculum

required for all D.M.A. candidates		Units
MUCD 441 (2), MUCD 443 (2)		4
MUCO 501 (2), MUCO 502 (2)		4
MUED 505		2
MUHL 570		2
MUHL electives numbered 500 through 695		6
Ensemble		2
		20

Courses with similar content taken for graduate credit in another accredited institution may be substituted, subject to departmental approval. Master's degree credit for ensemble taken at USC may fulfill this requirement, subject to departmental approval.

Choral Music Major

A keyboard proficiency test will be given by the choral faculty during the student's first semester in residence to determine if additional study in keyboard is required.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Basic D.M.A. curriculum		20
MUCM 440* (2), MUCM 541* (2), MUCM 542* (2), MUCM 641 (2), MUCM 643 (4), MUCM 694 (2), MUCM 790 (2)		16
MUCH 571		2
MUCD 641 (6), MUCD 653 (2)		8
Ensemble (500 level; choral music majors must participate in a choral ensemble each semester if enrolled for 4 or more units)		2
MPVA 501 (2), MPVA 439 (2)		4
MUCO 441		2
Electives		11
Conduct two principal choral concerts (at least one of which will include instrumental ensemble)		0
		65

Sacred Music Major

Proficiency tests in both keyboard and voice will be given by the choral and sacred music faculty during the student's first semester in residence to determine if additional study in either area is required.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Basic D.M.A. curriculum		20
MUCM 440* (2), MUCM 541* (2), MUCM 542* (2), MUCM 641 (2), MUCM 643 (2)		10
MUCH 473* (2), MUCH 474* (2), MUCH 570 (2), MUCH 571* (2), MUCH 572 (2), MUCH 790 (2), MUCH 794ab (2-2)		16
MUCD 641 (2-2)		4
MUEN 510 or MUEN 511 or MUEN 512		2
MPVA 439		2
Individual instruction 501 (P, OR or VO)		3
MUCO 434 (2) or MUCO 441 (2)		2
Electives		6
Total required for degree		65

Dissertation Options

For the D.M.A. in sacred music there are two options for fulfilling dissertation requirements, the choice to be made by the candidate in consultation with the guidance committee.

Option I The candidate will write a dissertation conforming to USC regulations in format and method of preparation. Refer to Doctoral Dissertation.

Option II The candidate will present two lecture-recitals or a performance of a sacred choral work, or works, as the culmination of the historical and stylistic study of a circumscribed body of literature. This study and an analysis of the problems encountered in performance will be dealt with in a document which, although shorter than a dissertation, will conform to the technical requirements of Option I.

Composition Major

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Basic D.M.A. curriculum		20
MUCO 536 (4), MUCO 592 (4), MUCO 637 (4), MUCO 737 (4), MUCO 794ab (4)		20
Electives		25
Graduate recital		0
		65

Jazz Studies Major

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Basic D.M.A. curriculum		20
MUEN 532		4
MUJZ 443 (2), MUJZ 545 (2), MUJZ 547 (4), MUJZ 653 (8), MUJZ 688 (4)		20
Electives		21
Two recitals of original compositions and arrangements written while in the D.M.A. program		0
Lecture-recital in conjunction with an appropriate research project		0
		65

Music Education Major

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Basic D.M.A. curriculum		20
MUED 502* (2), MUED 503* (2), MUED 550* (2), MUED 601 (2), MUED 602 (2), MUED 603 (2), MUED 604 (2), MUED 790 (2), MUED 792 (2), MUED 793 (2), MUED 794ab (4)		24
Electives		21
		65

Performance Major

It is the objective of the performance curriculum to combine high standards of performance with intellectual accomplishments appropriate to a university degree. Candidates electing this major must present at least four major public appearances: two solo recitals and two other appropriate appearances. The exact format, content and scheduling of the four appearances are the responsibility of the candidate's guidance committee.

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Basic D.M.A. curriculum		20
Individual instruction 653 (take harpsichord, organ, string instrument, vocal arts, wind instrument or percussion for a maximum of 12 units)		12
Electives		33
Two solo recitals and two other appropriate performances		0
		65

Performance Major -- Piano

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Basic D.M.A. curriculum		20
MPKS 653 (12), MPKS 520 (6)		18
Electives		27
Four graduate recitals: two solo recitals, one chamber recital, and one lecture-recital		0
		65

Performance Major -- Keyboard Collaborative Arts

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Basic D.M.A. curriculum		20
MPKS 481 (2), MPKS 560 (2), MPKS 561 (2), MPKS 653 (12)		18
Electives		27
Four doctoral level recitals; one with voice(s), one with instrument(s), one lecture recital, and other recital as approved		0
		65

The exact format, content and scheduling of the four graduate recitals are the responsibility of the candidate's major professor.

Performance Major -- Early Music

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Basic D.M.A. curriculum*		20
MPEM 653 (8); MPEM 650 (4)		12
MUHL 572 (3), MUHL 589 (2), MUHL 591 (2)		7
MUEN 650		4
Electives		22
Four graduate recitals: two as soloist and ensemble director, one lecture-recital, and one recital of the student's choice		0
		65

Performance Major -- Classical Guitar

Curriculum Requirements		Units
Basic D.M.A. curriculum		20
MPGU 653 (12), MPGU 427 (3)		15
MPKS 481		2
Electives		28
Two solo recitals and two other appropriate performances		0
		65

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in music is granted by the Graduate School. Candidates for the Ph.D. in music should also refer to the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations.

A substantial background in music and liberal arts is required. The appropriate master of arts curriculum is basic to the Ph.D. emphasis. Graduate course requirements for the Ph.D. are adapted to the needs and research interests of the individual student. A minimum of 60 post-baccalaureate units is required.

Foreign Language Requirements

Students are required to demonstrate a reading knowledge by passing an examination in German and one other foreign language chosen by the student from among French, Italian or Latin. With the permission of the chair of the guidance committee, a foreign language relevant to the dissertation may be chosen in place of French, Italian or Latin. The language requirement for the M.A. degree may be applied toward the Ph.D. Doctoral language requirements should be passed as early as possible, but, at latest, during the fourth semester of course work.

Screening Procedure

Before the completion of 16 units of graduate work at USC and with the approval of the department chair, students must be interviewed by the graduate committee of the School of Music. Continuance in course work will be contingent upon approval of the committee. Ph.D. candidates in musicology who did not receive an M.A. degree from USC must take the M.A. comprehensive exami-nation in historical musicology prior to the interview. Continuance in course work will be contingent upon passing these examinations.

Historical Musicology Emphasis

Requirements		Units
MUHL 570		2
Courses selected from MUHL 600-699		12
Electives in history, language, literature or arts other than music		8
Courses drawn from: MUHL 500-699, MUCO 501, MUCO 502		10
Electives in letters, arts and sciences		24
Dissertation (MUHL 794ab)		4
		60

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