Degree Requirements

Composition

MM • Jazz Composition

Overview

The two-year Master of Music (M.M.) degree in Composition trains students to create music and convey their musical ideas through a variety of performance media. Students are expected to exhibit a thorough knowledge of the theoretical and historical basis of music and to develop strong pedagogical skills. A comprehensive general curriculum and optional concentrations in various areas of specialization help to prepare students for advanced careers as composers and teachers.

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Contacts

Administrative Contacts

Graduate Advisor | Director of Graduate Studies

James Buhler

Scholarships & Assistantships

Anne Hall

Graduate Admissions Coordinator

Daniel Seriff

HR Coordinator

Theresa Orendain

Graduate Coordinator

Marina Martinez

Operations & Scheduling

Page Stephens

Division Contacts

Director of Jazz Studies

Diego Rivera

Division Head, Jazz

John Fremgen

Faculty

Paul Deemer

Specialist in Jazz Trombone
John Fremgen

Associate Professor of Jazz Studies, Double Bass
Director, Alternative Improvisation Music Ensemble
Division Head, Jazz Studies
Sean Giddings

Lecturer in Jazz Piano
Adam Jackson

Lecturer in Drum Set
John Mills

Professor of Jazz Composition, Jazz Saxophone
Diego Rivera

Director of Jazz Studies
Director, Jazz Orchestra
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies & Jazz Saxophone
Mike Sailors

Professor of Practice in Jazz Trumpet
Bruce Saunders

Lecturer in Jazz Guitar
Omar Thomas

Assistant Professor of Composition

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Degree Requirements

The M.M. in Jazz Composition requires 30 hours of registered coursework, a comprehensive examination, and a recital.

Major Coursework

Major Coursework for the M.M. in Jazz Composition
Hours	Course Number	Course Title/Description
6	MUS 388K	Projects in Jazz Composition (2 semesters)
3	MUS 388T	Analytical Techniques
6	MUS 388	One semester of MUS 388C Composition and one graduate course in Music Theory
6	MUS 698A and MUS 698B	Thesis and Recital

The master’s composition recital must be approximately 30 minutes in length, must consist of works approved by the student’s composition instructor, and must be given no later than the student’s last semester in residence. Find recital scheduling procedures on the Butler School Operations website.

A comprehensive examination is required of all master’s degree candidates, usually in the final semester.

Supporting Coursework

Supporting Coursework for the M.M. in Jazz Composition
Hours	Course Number	Course Title/Description
3	MUS 387L or Mus 380	Advanced Studies in Music Literature or Advanced Studies in the History and Culture of Music
3	ENS 18x	Problems in Performance Practice (3 semesters)
3		One course chosen from any of the following areas: conducting, electronic/computer music, musicology, Music & Human Learning, music theory, or performance.

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Advising & Registration

For information about course registration, deadlines, adding and dropping courses and other policies, visit the Graduate School Academic & Registration Policies webpage.

Students who wish to take an independent study course need to fill out a Consent Form. Once the faculty member and Graduate Coordinator have approved your request, the bar to register for the course will be lifted.

To be eligible for fellowships, scholarships and assistantships, graduate students are required to be enrolled full-time (at least 9 hours).

All international students are also required to be enrolled full-time during each long semester, regardless of whether they receive funding from the Butler School of Music.

Transferring Coursework

A new master’s student may petition to transfer up to six credits of graduate level coursework completed at another institution, subject to approval by both the Butler School of Music Graduate Studies Committee chair and the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Detailed transfer regulations and forms for master’s students are maintained by the Graduate School.

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Graduation Timeline

Semester-by-Semester Overview

Prior to 1st semester

All students must take the diagnostic examinations in music history and music theory. Additional diagnostic exams are administered for students in composition, voice, jazz and music theory.

Semester 3

Registration for the following if required – MUS 698RA, 698A.
M.M. Piano Performance students take their group comprehensive exam.
With the approval of their studio teacher, some performance area students may perform their thesis recital.

Semester 4

Students must submit a completed M.M. degree check form to verify their completion of coursework.
Students must apply to graduate – check graduate school website for deadline.
Registration for the following if required – MUS 698RB, 698B, 398M.
M.M. String students take their group comprehensive exam.
All other students take individual comprehensive exams as arranged by their studio teacher (for performance area students) or their supervising professor (for academic area students).
Most performance area students perform their thesis recital.
M.M. Music & Human Learning – Non-Thesis Track complete their master’s project.
M.M. Music Theory, M.M. Music & Human Learning – Thesis Track and M.M. Composition students complete their master’s thesis or master’s report and submit it to the Graduate School.
M.M. Ethnomusicology and M.M. Musicology students complete their master’s report and submit it to the Graduate School.