Music, M.M.
A degree designed to offer a comprehensive education in various musical disciplines, allowing you to focus on your specific interests and career objectives.
“I’ve seen firsthand how the fine arts positively impact the lives of students, and it’s such a privilege to be able to use this recognition to promote the importance of fine arts education in schools.”
Hannah Gadd (BM in Music '13; MM in Music, emphasis in Choral Conducting '15)
Choral Director at Lafayette Middle and High Schools. Mississippi Teacher of the Year, 2019
About the Master of Music in Music
The Department of Music in the College of Liberal Arts offers the M.M. in Music. It is an advanced, professional degree designed to develop a particular area in music to a high level of specialization.
Students choose from the following emphases:
- Choral conducting
- Collaborative piano
- Ethnomusicology
- Musicology
- Music education
- Music performance in woodwind, brass, string, or percussion instruments, piano, and voice
- Music theory
On this Page…
Program Information
Program Type
Master's Program
Area of Study
Arts
School
Degree
M.M. in Music
Program Location
Emphases
Choral Conducting, Collaborative Piano, Ethnomusicology, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Musicology
Required Credit Hours
30
Getting into the Master of Music Program
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15
The Department of Music welcomes student applications with the following materials. Additional details are found on the department website.
- Complete the Graduate School’s Online Application.
- Pay the application fee ($60).
- Submit official transcripts.
- International applicants whose first language is not English may be required to submit scores from an acceptable English language proficiency test.
- Upload Supplemental Application materials for the Department of Music to the link provided by the online application.
- Statement of purpose.
- Take diagnostic exams in music history/literature and music theory.
- Three letters of recommendation: provide contact information for three recommenders who can address your aptitude for graduate studies.
Applicants should have at least a 3.00 GPA on their undergraduate degree in music. Different emphases have particular application requirements that are discussed in more detail on the department website.
- Applicants to music education, ethnomusicology, musicology, or music theory submit a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score.
- Applicants to music performance or choral conducting must audition, with a few exceptions.
- Applicants to musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and music education are required to submit a writing sample.
Scholarships
- Apply to UM Graduate School.
- Complete and submit UM Music’s Scholarship Application Form (deadline February 15 for full consideration).
Graduate Assistantships
Assistantships for full-time masters students start at $5,750, waive out-of-state portion of tuition (a value of $17,568), and waive 75% of the in-state portion tuition (a value of $6,939). Additional scholarships could further boost the value of the total package. Students with a graduate assistantship also receive subsidized health insurance.
Assistantship assignments are based on your interests and strengths and the needs of the department. You must apply for an assistantship to be considered.
To apply for an assistantship:
- Download and complete the application form: UM Music Graduate Assistantship Application form
- Email the completed application to Dr. Rhonda Hackworth, rshackwo@olemiss.edu.
- Letters of recommendation should be sent directly to Dr. Rhonda Hackworth from the recommenders.
Applications submitted by March 1st will receive priority consideration. After March 1st, assistantships will be awarded if positions are still available.
The Graduate School’s financial aid webpage lists a variety of funding possibilities, including summer support and a recruiting fellowship program that promotes academic excellence and access to graduate education to groups who are historically underrepresented.
Welcome from the Coordinator of Graduate Programs
As you embark on an exciting journey of advanced study, research, and musical exploration, we are thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant and dynamic community. Our department is dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages creativity, academic excellence, and professional growth. We are excited to see the contributions you will make in your graduate study and look forward to supporting you in achieving your goals.
Rhonda Hackworth
Associate Professor of Music Education
Master of Music Emphases Curriculum
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Choral Conducting complete the following 34 credit hours of courses.
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- Mus 562: Advanced Choral Literature
- 3 credit hours of Music History, Literature, Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory/Composition
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory, Composition, Musicology, Literature, or Ethnomusicology
- Mus 524: Advanced Choral Methods
- Mus 529 or 605: Vocal Pedagogy
- Mus 521: Advanced Singer's Diction I
- VOIC 652: Applied Voice
- 2 credit hours of Choral Ensemble
- Mus 613: Directed Individual Study in Choral Music
- Mus 616: Advanced Conducting
- Mus 695: Public Recital
In addition to course work, students complete a recital and must pass a final comprehensive oral examination.
Explore your potential with other musicians
Whether you aspire to collaborate with singers or instrumentalists, we have a myriad of opportunities for you to pursue your goals as a pianist. Perform recitals, chamber music, symphonic repertoire, and so much more while studying with distinguished and experienced piano faculty at UM Music.
Faculty contact: Adrienne Park
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Collaborative Piano complete the following 34 credit hours.
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- Voice 521: Advanced Singer's Diction I
- Voice 523, 524: Advanced Coaching I, II
- Mus 537, 538: Instrumental Chamber Ensemble
- 3 credit hours of Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory, Composition, Musicology, Literature, or Ethnomusicology
- 8 credit hours of applied piano performance (Pian 541 or higher)
- 4 credit hours of public recital
- 4 hours of music electives from:*
- Mus 500 German for Musicians
- Mus 521 Advanced Singer's Diction I
- Mus 522 Advanced Singer's Diction II
- Mus 532 University Orchestra
- Mus 534 University Band/Wind Symphony
- Mus 539 Concert Singers
- Mus 545 University Chorus
- Mus 595 Opera Theatre Workshop V
- Mus 596 Opera Production Workshop V
- Mus 623 Advanced Song Literature
- Mus 624 Advanced Opera
- *other elective courses maybe chosen at the discresion of the academic advisor
Learn about the rich and diverse music cultures of the world
Explore the human experience of music and the ways in which it intersects with communities, institutions, and other disciplines. Intensify your training to include multicultural perspectives through our diverse course offerings taught by expert ethnomusicologists.
Faculty contact: George Worlasi Kwasi Dor
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Ethnomusicology complete the following 24 credit hours plus a thesis.
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- Mus 680: Intro to Ethnomusicology
- Mus 682: Ethnographic Methods and Transcription
- Mus 697: Thesis
- Mus 575: Perspectives in World Music
- Mus 576: Ethnomusicology Seminar
- 3 credit hours of Graduate Music Theory
- 3 credit hours of Graduate Musicology
- 3 semesters of African Music Ensemble
- 3 credit hours of elective in music or another department (Anthropology, Sociology, Southern Studies)
In addition to course work, students must complete a thesis and must pass a thesis defense.
Grow your skill in brass, woodwind, strings, or percussion
Whether you aspire to be a teacher, performer, or connect music to other fields of study, we have a myriad of opportunities for you to pursue your goals.
Hone your playing on trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, or saxophone in studio lessons, and perform various genres in large and small ensembles.
Perform with a passionate group of gifted peers and study with world-renowned faculty. Whether your instrument is violin, viola, cello, or double bass, we have a place for you.
Join one of the most diverse percussion programs in the country.
Hone your playing on drum set, orchestral percussion, solo marimba, timpani, chamber percussion, jazz vibes, and world percussion, and perform a variety of genres in large and small ensembles. Whatever your musical goals, let the accomplished Percussion faculty at UM Music guide you every step of the way.
Faculty contact: Micah Everett
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Performance complete the following lists of courses.
Concentration in Instrumental Performance - 33 credit hours
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- 3 credit hours Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours Music Theory
- 3 credit hours of Music theory, composition, Musicology, literature, or Ethnomusicology
- 8 credit hours of Music Performance 541 or higher
- Mus 565: Instrumental Solo Literature
- One from
- Mus 561: Symphonic Lit
- Mus 563: Chamber Lit
- Mus 607: Advanced Wind Band Lit
- Mus 605: Pedagogy of Music Performance
- 2 credit hours of Wind Ensemble or Orchestra
- 2 credit hours of Instrumental Chamber Ensemble
- Mus 695: Public Recital
In addition to coursework, students must complete a recital and pass a final written examination.
Bring your passion for music into the classroom
Whether you want to inspire as a teacher, lead as an administrator or explore exciting areas of research, let your journey begin at the University of Mississippi.
You can choose from four areas of emphasis: band, choral, keyboard, or orchestra. From classroom to stage, our acclaimed faculty will bring your music education goals into focus and help you succeed as a music educator.
Faculty contact: Rhonda Hackworth
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Education complete the following 32 credit hours.
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- 3 credit hours of Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory, Composition, Musicology, Literature, or Ethnomusicology
- Mus 619: Foundations of Music Education
- Mus 620: Music Education Research
- 3 credit hours for Music Education from:
- Mus 523
- Mus 524
- Mus 525
- Mus 536
- Mus 551
- 5 credit hours for music electives
- 6 credit hours Mus 697: Thesis or 6 credit hours of music education courses for students who elect the nonthesis option
Understand the music you love on a deeper level
Forge links with your solo instrument, ensemble performances, historical context, and philosophy of music as our nationally recognized faculty address all aspects of musical analysis. UM Music’s unique approach to music theory will prepare you for a professional career in music.
Faculty contact: John Latartara
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Theory complete the following 36 credit hours.
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- 9 credit hours of Graduate Music Theory courses
- 6 credit hours of Graduate Musicology courses
- 6 credit hours of Graduate Ethnomusicology courses
- Mus 559: Special Topics in Music Theory
- Mus 630: Schenkerian Analysis
- 6 credit hours of Mus 697 Thesis
Study music history in a small and tight-knit community of scholars
Focus on music in all its manifestations from traditional notated repertories to a wide range of oral and improvised practices. Receive personalized attention as your hone your craft as a thinker, writer, presenter, and listener of music. Students in the program also have direct access to the rich musical and cultural legacy of the region, the vast holdings of the University of Mississippi’s world-renowned Blues Archive, as well as the rich literary history of the City of Oxford.
Faculty contact: Thomas Peattie
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Musicology complete the following 36 credit hours.
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- 9 credit hours of Graduate Musicology courses
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory course
- 6 credit hours of Graduate Ethnomusicology courses
- Mus 559: Special Topics in Music Theory
- 3 credit hours of graduate music elective
- 3 credit hours of graduate elective outside of music
- 6 credit hours of Mus 697: Thesis
In addition to course work, students must complete a thesis and pass a final written comprehensive examination and thesis defense.
Explore your potential
Whether you aspire to be a teacher, performer, or connect music to other fields of study, we have a myriad of opportunities for you to pursue your goals as a pianist.
Continue your musical journey at UM Music with distinguished and experienced piano faculty who will nurture your talent and allow you to realize your potential.
Faculty contact: Ian Hominick
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Performance complete the following lists of courses.
Concentration in Piano Performance - 32 credit hours
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- 3 credit hours in Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours of Graduate Music Theory course
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory, Composition, Musicology, Literature, or Ethnomusicology
- 8 credit hours of Piano Performance (Pian 541 or higher)
- Mus 608: Advanced Keyboard Lit
- Mus 605: Pedagogy of Music Performance
- 6 credit hours of music electives
- Mus 695: Public Recital
In addition to coursework, students must complete a recital and pass a final written examination.
Let your voice be heard
Whether you aspire to be a teacher, performer, or connect music to other fields of study, we have a myriad of opportunities for you to pursue your goals as a singer. Study in a program that is catered to your interests and abilities: solo voice, opera, choir - you can do it all at UM Music. Our world-class faculty is here to guide you to the next level of vocal excellence, whether you picture yourself in the classroom, in front of a choir, or on the operatic stage.
Faculty contact: Jos Milton
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Performance complete the following lists of courses.
Concentration in Vocal Performance - 36 credit hours
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- Mus 521: Advanced Diction I
- Mus 522: Advanced Diction II
- 3 credit hours Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory, Composition, Musicology, Literature, or Ethnomusicology
- 8 credit hours of Voical Performance (Voic 541 or higher)
- Mus 595: Opera Theatre Workshop V
- Mus 596: Opera Production Workshop V
- Mus 597: Opera Theatre Workshop VI
- Mus 598: Opera Production Workshop VI
- Mus 623 or 624: Adv. Song Lit. or Adv Opera/Oratorio Lit.
- Mus 605: Pedagogy of Music Performance
- Mus 523: Advanced Coaching I
- Mus 524: Advanced Coaching II
In addition to coursework, students must complete a recital and pass a final written examination.
Video: Get to Know the Department of Music
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?