Degree Requirements
Overview
In the two-year Master of Music (M.M.) in Music & Human Learning, students study the fundamental principles of human learning and behavior as applied to all aspects of musical activity. Individual courses of study are uniquely designed to broaden and refine the knowledge and skills of experienced music educators, preparing them for advanced careers as teachers and scholars in the various dimensions of research and professional music education.
Contacts
Administrative Contacts
Graduate Advisor | Director of Graduate Studies
Scholarships & Assistantships
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
HR Coordinator
Graduate Coordinator
Operations & Scheduling
Division Contacts
Faculty
-
Greg Cavazos
Assistant Professor of Practice in Music and Human Learning -
Robert A. Duke
Director, Center for Human Learning -
Suzanne Pence
Director, Treble Chamber Choir
Associate Professor of Music and Human Learning, Choral Conducting -
Laurie Scott
Associate Professor of Music and Human Learning
Director, The University of Texas String Project
Director, Musical Lives -
Amy Simmons
Senior Lecturer in Music and Human Learning -
Justin J. West
Assistant Professor of Music and Human Learning -
Marjorie Yankeelov
Lecturer in Music and Human Learning
Degree Requirements
The M.M. in Music & Human Learning (thesis) requires 30 hours of registered coursework, a comprehensive examination, a recital, and a master’s report.
Major Coursework
Hours | Course Number | Course Title/Description |
---|---|---|
3 | MUS 391 | Foundations of Music Education |
3 | MUS 384J | Experimental Research in Music & Human Learning I |
6 | MUS 698A and MUS 698B |
Master’s Thesis (2 semesters) |
6-10 |
Semester hours chosen from the following
MUS 383L, Seminar in Music & Human Learning MUS 384J, Advanced Studies in Music & Human Learning (other than Experimental Research) MUS 392, Psychology of Music MUS 393, Topics in Music & Human Learning |
A comprehensive examination is required of all master’s degree candidates, usually in the final semester.
Supporting Work
Hours | Course Number | Course Title/Description |
---|---|---|
3 |
MUS 398T or |
Pedagogy of Music Theory or |
3 |
MUS 379K MUS 380 MUS 387L |
Conference Course in Music Literature |
4 | Semester hours from other topics in music (not including Music & Human Learning), such as music history, music theory, performance, or ensemble. | |
0-3 | Up to 3 semester hours of upper-division or graduate level courses in performance or related fields outside of music. |
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.
View a List of Upcoming Courses offered by Musicology & Ethnomusicology
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.
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.
Important Links & Forms
BSOM Graduate Handbook 2024-2025
Academic
Office of Graduate Studies
Including fellowship, employment, and TA and AI information
Texas Global, International Student Scholars
Registrar
Registration, course schedules, registration bars, etc
Consent Form for independent study or other restricted individual instruction courses
My UT
One-stop shop for tuition bill, your course schedule, etc….
Financial
Merit-Based Music Scholarships
Graduate Student Travel Award Application
School of Music Travel Award Application
TA and AI Assistance – Tuition Reduction Benefit
Living in TX as a new student
Establishing Residence in Texas
On-Campus Procedural Info
Butler School Internal Operations Website
Parking & Transportation
UT parking permits, maps, shuttle routes, etc.
Information Technology Services
UT EID help
Health & Wellness
Career Assistance
Forms
For Master's students
For DMA/PhD students
- Course Substitution Petition Form
- DMA/PhD Course Outline
- How to fill out your Course Outline
- Request for Final Oral Examination ("Pink" sheet)
For Artist Diploma students
General forms
- Graduate School Travel Award Application
- School of Music Travel Award Application
- Consent Form - for ind. study or other completely restricted individual instruction courses