2020-2021 Bulletin 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Music, MA


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Students accepted into the Master of Arts in Music program are expected to attend the program’s concerts and lectures-recitals. In addition, students are encouraged to take part in the performance groups of The Claremont Colleges.

Degree Requirements

Admission. Admission policies are detailed in the Admission  section of the Bulletin.

Coursework. A minimum of 32 units are required, except for concentrations in Historical Performance Practices and Church Music, which requires 36 units. Core courses and other requirements are detailed within the concentrations.

Language Requirement. Depending upon the program of study or research interest, reading proficiency in French, German, Italian, or Latin is required. A second language is required of students majoring in voice and choral conducting. The lanugage requirment must be completed prior to the scheduling of the written and oral qualifying examinations.

Qualifying Examinations.  Exams are administered once every semester. All students are required to take and pass written and oral qualifying exams.  In the event of initial failure, students have a second opportunity to take the exams during the next semester in which they are enrolled.

Recitals and Projects.  All recitals and projects must be approved by the program faculty. Unless program approval has been given, students must be enrolled in individual lessons during the semester in which a recital is presented.

Transfer Credit. The University’s policy on transfer credit  applies.  A maximum of six units are accepted and should be requested during the student’s first semester in the program. 

University Policies. University policies detailed in the Academic Policies  section of the Bulletin apply.

Concentration in Musicology


Additional Requirements


  • History courses (12 units)
  • Interdisciplinary course (4 units)
  • Master’s Thesis

Concentration in Composition


Additional Requirements


  • MUS 380 - Seminar in Composition (8 units)
  • Electives, Interdisciplinary course (8 units)
  • Master’s Thesis Composition

Concentration in Performance


Individual Lessons (8 units)


MUS 230-293

Additional Requirements


  • Electives (8 units)

Concentration in Historical Performance Practices


Additional Requirements


  • MUS 304 - History of Performance Practices (4 units)
  • MUS 230-293 - Individual Lessons (8 units)
  • Elective (4 units)
  • Interdisciplinary Course (4 units)
  • Recital
  • Master’s Thesis

Concentration in Church Music


The Church Music concentration requires students to select a major in either organ or choral conducting.

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