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Music

Graduate Programs

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The Master of Arts in Music degree offers graduate students the option of studying Music Education, Music History and Literature, Music Performance, Composition, or Jazz Studies as areas of emphasis. Music Education and History have a thesis and non-thesis options.

To be admitted to a graduate program in music, applicants should follow the admissions process described in the Graduate Catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website.

In addition, applicants must

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a major in music or the equivalent.
  • Submit an application to the School of Music with this form.
  • Have an interview with the School Chair, Graduate Coordinator, and other graduate faculty.
  • Have an audition on the major instrument (Performance) or a portfolio of previous academic work and/or professional work (Composition, Music Education, Music History).

Potential graduate students should contact Dr. Henning Vauth (vauth@marshall.edu; 304-696-2337), the School of Music Graduate Coordinator, for more specific information.

Specific policies for graduate study can be found in the Marshall University Graduate Catalog and the Marshall University School of Music Graduate Student Handbook

Download the Marshall University Graduate Catalog

Graduate Assistantships are available to qualified students.  Contact Dr. Henning Vauth (vauth@marshall.edu; 304-696-2337) , Graduate Studies Coordinator for more information. Graduate admissions application.

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Music Education
Music education combines musicianship with hands-on teaching experience. Students learn to play instruments or sing while developing skills in music instruction through methods courses, peer teaching and classroom clinical experiences. The program culminates with a student teaching internship alongside a master teacher. Graduates are certified to teach band, orchestra, choir and general music for grades K-12.
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Performance
A degree in music performance prepares students for careers as professional musicians. Students study music theory and history while refining their skills through one-on-one instruction with faculty on their instrument or voice. Performance opportunities include ensembles and solo recitals. Graduates have gone on to careers in military bands and professional orchestras or continued their studies in graduate school.
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Jazz Studies
The Marshall University Jazz Studies Program prepares students for careers in today’s music industry through performance, teaching and professional training rooted in jazz traditions. Students gain experience in large and small ensembles, studio music and jazz education while studying with nationally recognized faculty in the Jomie Jazz Center. Graduates have performed worldwide, appeared on national broadcasts with Grammy-nominated artists and built careers in music performance, education and related fields.
Additional Information
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Music Composition
The Marshall University music composition program prepares students to write music for concert performance, film, television and gaming. Students study composition through private lessons with faculty while building portfolios and having original works performed by university ensembles. Graduates have gone on to compose for television, video games and professional ensembles around the world.
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History & Literature
One of two music degree options alongside the Music B.F.A., this program allows students to combine music studies with coursework outside the field to create a path tailored to their interests and career goals.
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