About

Are you interested in delivering inspired performances at the highest level of musicianship? Do you want to move audiences through your artistry?

Whatever your instrument, performing is a central piece of your education, both as an undergrad and as a grad student, and it is an experience not to be missed.

It is a crucial part of developing your talent. It is an opportunity to join your classmates and oftentimes your professors in the thrill of a recital in front of an enthusiastic and appreciative audience on campus and on the road. At ECU, you will find yourself on stage a lot.

Your opportunities here are enormous. ECU is a place where the arts hold sway. Performance is part of everyday life, not only for those studying music but also for those in our excellent art, dance, and theatre programs. There is an extensive schedule of events featuring students, faculty members, and visiting artists, making East Carolina a lively center for artistic activity. So you will perform, and you will have the chance to learn from and be entertained by others in concerts, plays, musicals, operas, and exhibitions.

There are many established student ensembles that perform regularly, in addition to groups pulled together for specific projects and productions. Your education is designed to give you the opportunity to be part of one or more of these groups. Many tour each year and perform throughout the United States and abroad. They have appeared by invitation at state, regional, national, and international conventions and festivals in locations including Anaheim, Montreux, Vienna, New Orleans, Jacksonville, New York City, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.

ECU Advantage

Alumni from the ECU School of Music hold faculty positions in music schools across the country, are represented in the top military bands, and can be found on the world's greatest stages performing with orchestras, opera companies and in recital.

What You Will Study

Note: This degree's Suzuki violin pedagogy concentration and music education concentration with Suzuki violin pedagogy area of emphasis have been discontinued. Students can complete the Suzuki violin pedagogy course of study through the School's Suzuki Pedagogy Certificate. 

Program Coordinator: Jay Juchniewicz (A210 Fletcher Music Center; 252-328-1251; juchniewiczj@ecu.edu)

Contact Information by Concentration Area

 The degree requires a minimum of 30-38 s.h. as follows:

1. Core - 12-13 s.h.
  • MUSC 6006 - Music Structure and Style OR
  • MUSC 6016 - Music Structure and Style

  • MUSC 6838 - Research for Practitioners in Music Education OR
  • MUSC 6887 - Introduction to Research in Music

  • 6 additional s.h. in advanced theory, analysis, history, or literature
    • Note:

    Students in the music education concentration will take MUSC 6836 and MUSC 6837 as the 6 additional s.h. in theory, analysis, history, or literature requirement.

    2. Concentration areas - 18-26 s.h.

    Students normally complete a single concentration. Highly qualified students may complete two related concentrations, but only after acceptable auditions or portfolio submissions in both areas at the time of admission.

    Choose from the following:

      Collaborative Piano - 18 s.h.
        Applied music and recitals (10 s.h.)
        • MUSC 6457 - Advanced Vocal Accompanying
        • MUSC 6467 - Advanced Vocal Accompanying
        • MUSC 6557 - Advanced Instrumental Accompanying/Chamber Music
        • MUSC 6567 - Advanced Instrumental Accompanying/Chamber Music
        • MUSC 6993 - Graduate Recital
        • MUSC 6994 - Graduate Recital
        Other studies in music (8 s.h.)
        • MUSC 6627 - Italian Lyric Diction
        • MUSC 6637 - French Lyric Diction
        • MUSC 6639 - German Lyric Diction
        • Select 2 s.h. in consultation with advisor
        • Select 2 s.h. in consultation with chair and/or advisor
      Choral conducting - 19 s.h.

      Candidates for this concentration must participate in at least one large ensemble each semester of residence and conduct a public performance of a major choral composition as a final project.

        Applied music and recitals (11 s.h.)
        • MUSC 5706 - Advanced Applied Conducting
        • MUSC 5716 - Advanced Applied Conducting
        • MUSC 6706 - Advanced Conducting
        • MUSC 6995 - Graduate Recital
        Other studies in music (8 s.h.)
        • MUSC 5906 - Choral Literature
        • MUSC 5916 - Choral Literature
        • select others in consultation with advisor
        • Select 4 s.h. in consultation with chair and/or advisor
      Composition - 25 s.h.
        Applied composition (12 s.h.)

        (Select 12 s.h. of repetitions from the following in consultation with advisor. MUSC 6366 must be taken for two semesters.)

        • MUSC 6326 - Composition
        • MUSC 6336 - Composition
        • MUSC 6366 - Special Problems in Electronic Music
        Recital (2 s.h.)
        • MUSC 6995 - Graduate Recital
        Thesis (3 s.h.)
        • MUSC 7000 - Thesis
        Other studies in music (8 s.h.)
        • MUSC 5336 - Advanced Orchestration
        • MUSC 6136 - Music of the Modern and Postmodern Eras
        • MUSC 6327 - Counterpoint
        • MUSC 6328 - The Language of Post-tonal Music
        • MUSC 6356 - Pedagogy of Theory
      Instrumental conducting - 18 s.h.

      Audition repertoire will be chosen from the standard literature by the auditioning committee. Students must demonstrate keyboard proficiency at an acceptable level. Candidates for this degree must participate in at least one large ensemble each semester in residence and conduct a public performance of a major composition as a final project.

        Applied music and recital (11 s.h.)
        • MUSC 5706 - Advanced Applied Conducting
        • MUSC 5716 - Advanced Applied Conducting
        • MUSC 6706 - Advanced Conducting
        • MUSC 6995 - Graduate Recital
        Other studies in music (7 s.h.)
        • MUSC 5926 - Wind Instrument Literature OR
        • MUSC 6226 - Orchestral Literature

        • select others in consultation with advisor
      Jazz performance - 18 s.h.

      In addition to the recital required of all performance candidates at the masters level, jazz performance concentration students must complete at least one original jazz composition per semester. Students must perform in at least one large and one small ensemble each semester while in residence.

        Applied music and recitals (12 s.h.)
        • MUSC 6195 - Jazz Improvisation
        • MUSC 6196 - Advanced Jazz Improvisation

        • MUSC 6995 - Graduate Recital
        Other studies in music (6 s.h.)

        (Select 6 s.h. from the following.)

        • MUSC 6095 - Jazz Harmony
        • MUSC 6096 - Advanced Jazz Harmony
        • MUSC 6295 - Jazz Theory
        • MUSC 6296 - Jazz Arranging
        • MUSC 6395 - Jazz Recording Technique
        • MUSC 6396 - Jazz History
      Keyboard performance specialist and pedagogy - 24 s.h.
        Pedagogy practicum - 4 s.h.
        • MUSC 6727 - Piano Pedagogy Practicum (must be repeated twice)
        Major applied area and recital - 10 s.h.

        The following applied courses must be taken in some combination to total 8 s.h.

        • MUSC 6_ _1
        • MUSC 6_ _2
        • MUSC 6_ _3
        • MUSC 6_ _4
        • MUSC 6995 - Graduate Recital (2 s.h.)
        First minor applied area and recital - 5 s.h.

        The following applied courses must be taken in some combination to total 4 s.h.

        • MUSC 6_ _1
        • MUSC 6_ _2
        • MUSC 6_ _3
        • MUSC 6_ _4
        • MUSC 6993 - Graduate Recital (1 s.h.)
        Second minor applied area and recital - 5 s.h.

        The following applied courses must be taken in some combination to total 4 s.h.

        • MUSC 6_ _1
        • MUSC 6_ _2
        • MUSC 6_ _3
        • MUSC 6_ _4
        • MUSC 6993 - Graduate Recital (1 s.h.)
      Music education - 20-22 s.h.

      This concentration includes areas of emphasis in pedagogical studies, choral or instrumental conducting, Suzuki string pedagogy, performance, or theory-composition. All areas of emphasis are approved for North Carolina graduate teacher licensure.

        Areas of emphasis

        Choose from the following:

          Choral conducting - 21 s.h.
            Teacher education - 3 s.h.
            • EDUC 6001 - Introduction to Differences in Human Learning in Schools
            Pedagogical studies - 3 s.h.
            • MUSC 6839 - Methods, Materials, and Pedagogy in Music Education
            Choral conducting - 8 s.h.
            • MUSC 5706 - Advanced Applied Conducting
            • MUSC 5716 - Advanced Applied Conducting

            • MUSC 5906 - Choral Literature
              • OR
            • MUSC 5916 - Choral Literature
            Ensembles - 2 s.h.

            Choose from the following:

            • MUSC 6625 - Concert Choir

            • MUSC 6635 - University Chorale
              • OR
            • MUSC 6665 - Chamber Singers

            • Other ensembles
            Applied music - 2 s.h. (1,1)

            The notation (1,1) indicates the recommendation that an applied, private lesson is taken for 1 s.h. (1/2 hour lesson per week) for two consecutive semesters. Choose from applied music courses (voice or piano recommended).

              Final project or thesis - 3 s.h.
              • MUSC 6990 - Final Project in Music Education
                • OR
              • MUSC 7000 - Thesis
            Instrumental conducting - 22 s.h.
              Teacher education - 3 s.h.
              • EDUC 6001 - Introduction to Differences in Human Learning in Schools
              Pedagogical studies - 3 s.h.
              • MUSC 6839 - Methods, Materials, and Pedagogy in Music Education
              Instrumental conducting - 9 s.h.
              • MUSC 5706 - Advanced Applied Conducting
              • MUSC 5716 - Advanced Applied Conducting

              • MUSC 5926 - Wind Instrument Literature
                • OR
              • MUSC 6226 - Orchestral Literature
              Ensembles - 2 s.h.

              Choose two of the following:

              • MUSC 6715 - Concert Band
              • MUSC 6735 - Wind Ensemble
              • MUSC 6745 - Symphony Orchestra
              • MUSC 6785 - Symphonic Band
                • OR
              • Other ensembles
              Applied music - 2 s.h. (1,1)

              The notation (1, 1) indicates the recommendation that an applied, private lesson is taken for 1 s.h. (1/2 hour lesson per week) for two consecutive semesters. Choose from applied music courses (primary instrument recommended).

                Final project or thesis - 3 s.h.
                • MUSC 6990 - Final Project in Music Education
                  • OR
                • MUSC 7000 - Thesis
              Music theory/composition - 22 s.h.
                Teacher education - 3 s.h.
                • EDUC 6001 - Introduction to Differences in Human Learning in Schools
                Pedagogical studies - 3 s.h.
                • MUSC 6839 - Methods, Materials, and Pedagogy in Music Education
                Music theory/composition - 8 s.h.
                • MUSC 6326 - Composition OR
                • MUSC 6336 - Composition OR
                • MUSC 6366 - Special Problems in Electronic Music

                • MUSC 6327 - Counterpoint OR
                • MUSC 6356 - Pedagogy of Theory

                • MUSC 6328 - The Language of Post-tonal Music OR
                • MUSC 6536 - Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis
                Other studies in music - 3 s.h.

                Choose from the following:

                • MUSC 5257 - Psychological Foundations of Music
                • MUSC 5516 - Ibero-American Musics of the Twentieth Century
                • MUSC 6403 - Music Technology in the Classroom
                • MUSC 6507 - Topics and Issues in Music
                • MUSC 6508 - Topics and Issues in Music
                • MUSC 6509 - Topics and Issues in Music
                • other courses
                • Other theory, history, literature, and analysis courses as approved by the chair and/or advisor
                Applied music - 2 s.h.

                Choose from the following:

                • MUSC 6316 - Score Analysis OR
                • Other courses
                Final project or thesis - 3 s.h.
                • MUSC 6990 - Final Project in Music Education OR
                • MUSC 7000 - Thesis
              Pedagogical studies - 20 s.h.
                Teacher education - 3 s.h.
                • EDUC 6001 - Introduction to Differences in Human Learning in Schools
                Pedagogical studies - 9 s.h.

                Choose three of the following:

                • MUSC 5937 - Teaching Music in the Elementary School
                • MUSC 5977 - General Music in the Secondary Schools
                • MUSC 6839 - Methods, Materials, and Pedagogy in Music Education
                • MUSC 6907 - Instructional Challenges and Techniques
                Other studies in music - 3 s.h.

                Choose from the following:

                • MUSC 5516 - Ibero-American Musics of the Twentieth Century
                • MUSC 5257 - Psychological Foundations of Music
                • MUSC 6403 - Music Technology in the Classroom
                • MUSC 6507 - Topics and Issues in Music
                • MUSC 6508 - Topics and Issues in Music
                • MUSC 6509 - Topics and Issues in Music
                • Other courses
                • Other theory, history, literature, and analysis courses as approved by the chair and/or advisor
                Applied music - 2 s.h.

                Choose from the following applied music courses:

                • MUSC 6105 - Guitar Class
                • MUSC 6115 - Guitar Class
                • MUSC 6316 - Score Analysis
                • MUSC 6507 - Topics and Issues in Music
                • MUSC 6508 - Topics and Issues in Music
                • MUSC 6509 - Topics and Issues in Music
                • Other courses
                • Other applied music courses as approved by the chair and/or advisor
                Final project or thesis - 3 s.h.
                • MUSC 6990 - Final Project in Music Education OR
                • MUSC 7000 - Thesis
              Performance - 22 s.h.
                Teacher education - 3 s.h.
                • EDUC 6001 - Introduction to Differences in Human Learning in Schools
                Pedagogical studies - 3 s.h.
                • MUSC 6839 - Methods, Materials, and Pedagogy in Music Education
                Applied music - 8 s.h.

                Choose 8 s.h. of graduate applied music in any area, as approved by the chair and/or advisor.

                  Ensembles - 2 s.h.

                  Choose two of the following:

                  • MUSC 6625 - Concert Choir
                  • MUSC 6635 - University Chorale
                  • MUSC 6665 - Chamber Singers
                  • MUSC 6715 - Concert Band
                  • MUSC 6735 - Wind Ensemble
                  • MUSC 6745 - Symphony Orchestra
                  • MUSC 6785 - Symphonic Band
                  • Other ensembles
                  • Other ensembles as approved by the chair and/or advisor
                  Other studies in music - 3 s.h.

                  Choose from the following:

                  • MUSC 5257 - Psychological Foundations of Music
                  • MUSC 5516 - Ibero-American Musics of the Twentieth Century
                  • MUSC 6403 - Music Technology in the Classroom
                  • MUSC 6507 - Topics and Issues in Music
                  • MUSC 6508 - Topics and Issues in Music
                  • MUSC 6509 - Topics and Issues in Music
                  • Other courses
                  • Other theory, history, literature, and analysis courses as approved by the chair and/or advisor
                  Final project or thesis - 3 s.h.
                  • MUSC 6990 - Final Project in Music Education OR
                  • MUSC 7000 - Thesis
                Suzuki violin pedagogy - 22 s.h.
                  Teacher education - 3 s.h.
                  • EDUC 6001 - Introduction to Differences in Human Learning in Schools
                  Pedagogical studies - 3 s.h.
                  • MUSC 6839 - Methods, Materials, and Pedagogy in Music Education
                  Suzuki violin pedagogy - 8 s.h.
                  • MUSC 6645 - Suzuki Pedagogy I
                  • MUSC 6646 - Suzuki Observation I
                  • MUSC 6647 - Suzuki Pedagogy II
                  • MUSC 6648 - Suzuki Observation II
                  Other studies in music - 3 s.h.

                  Choose from the following:

                  • MUSC 5257 - Psychological Foundations of Music
                  • MUSC 5516 - Ibero-American Musics of the Twentieth Century
                  • MUSC 6403 - Music Technology in the Classroom
                  • MUSC 6507 - Topics and Issues in Music
                  • MUSC 6508 - Topics and Issues in Music
                  • MUSC 6509 - Topics and Issues in Music
                  • Other courses
                  • Other theory, history, literature, and analysis courses as approved by the chair and/or advisor
                  Applied music - 2 s.h. (1,1)

                  The notation (1,1) indicates the recommendation that an applied, private lesson is taken for 1 s.h. (1/2 hour lesson per week) for two consecutive semesters. Choose from applied music courses (violin recommended).

                    Final project or thesis - 3 s.h.
                    • MUSC 6990 - Final Project in Music Education OR
                    • MUSC 7000 - Thesis
              Music history and literature - 21 s.h.

              Students accepted in the music history and literature concentration must demonstrate reading ability in at least one appropriate secondary language. Those identified with deficiencies will be advised to take courses as appropriate.

                Advanced history and literature (6 s.h.)
                • MUSC 5456 - Introduction to Ethnomusicology

                • MUSC 6116 - Music of the Classic Era and Enlightenment OR
                • MUSC 6126 - Music of the Romantic Era
                Area of emphasis (6 s.h.)

                Select one of the below areas of emphasis:

                  Ethnomusicology emphasis

                  Select  6 s.h.from the following courses in consultation with chair and/or advisor:

                  • MUSC 5466 - Folk and Indigenous Music of the Americas
                  • MUSC 5476 - African Music
                  • MUSC 5516 - Ibero-American Musics of the Twentieth Century
                  • MUSC 6466 - Special Problems in Music History
                  • MUSC 6846 - World Music Ensemble (May be repeated)
                  • Other courses
                  Historical musicology emphasis

                  Select 6 s.h.in consultation with chair and/or advisor from the following:

                  • MUSC 5506 - Early Music in the West: to 1600
                  • MUSC 6106 - Music of the Baroque Era
                  • MUSC 6136 - Music of the Modern and Postmodern Eras
                  • MUSC 6466 - Special Problems in Music History
                  • MUSC 6658 - Musical Aesthetics and Criticism
                  • Other courses
                  • Or other theory/history/analysis/literature courses in consultation with chair and/or advisor
                Thesis (6 s.h.)
                • MUSC 7000 - Thesis (must be repeated twice)
                Other studies in music (3 s.h.)

                Select 3 s.h. of courses from the following:

                • MUSC 6006 - Music Structure and Style OR
                • MUSC 6016 - Music Structure and Style

                • MUSC 6536 - Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis
                • Other courses
              Pedagogy - 20-26 s.h.

              (string or vocal)

                String (Suzuki) - 26 s.h.

                The required recital must include advanced repertoire from the Suzuki Violin School and supplementary literature. A student may qualify for registration with the Suzuki Association of the Americas after completing the degree requirements.

                  Suzuki pedagogy and recital (18 s.h.)
                  • MUSC 6645 - Suzuki Pedagogy I
                  • MUSC 6646 - Suzuki Observation I
                  • MUSC 6647 - Suzuki Pedagogy II
                  • MUSC 6648 - Suzuki Observation II
                  • MUSC 6649 - Suzuki Observation III
                  • MUSC 6650 - Suzuki Observation IV
                  • MUSC 6655 - Suzuki Pedagogy III
                  • MUSC 6656 - Suzuki Pedagogy IV
                  • MUSC 6995 - Graduate Recital
                  Other studies in music (8 s.h.)
                  • MUSC 6_ _ 2 or
                  • MUSC 6745 - Symphony Orchestra
                  • MUSC 6805 - String Chamber Music
                  • MUSC 6 _ _ 2 or
                  • MUSC 6 _ _ 3 (minimum of 6 s.h.)
                Vocal - 20 s.h.
                  Pedagogy and recital (8 s.h.)
                  • MUSC 6617 - Vocal Pedagogy
                  • MUSC 6618 - Studio Vocal Techniques
                  • MUSC 6619 - Studio Vocal Internship
                  • MUSC 6995 - Graduate Recital
                  Other studies in music (12 s.h.)
                  • MUSC 6596 - Historical Development of Vocal Literature
                  • MUSC 6062 (minimum of 6 s.h.)
                  • The following applied courses must be taken in some combination to total 6 semester hours: MUSC 6_ _1, MUSC 6_ _2, MUSC 6_ _3, MUSC 6_ _4.
                  • Select 3 additional semester hours in consultation with chair and/or advisor.
              Performance - 18 s.h.

              (brass, percussion instruments, piano, voice, string, or woodwind)

              Students accepted in the voice performance concentration must demonstrate proficiency in French, German, and Italian language and diction. Those identified with deficiencies will be advised to take courses as appropriate.

                Applied music and recital (10 s.h.)

                (The following applied courses must be taken in some combination to total 8 s.h.)

                MUSC 6_ _1

                MUSC 6_ _2

                MUSC 6_ _3

                MUSC 6_ _4

                MUSC 6995 - Graduate Recital (2 s.h.)

                  Other studies in music (8 s.h.)
                  • MUSC 6657 - Directed Study in Instrumental Pedagogy for Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, or Strings OR
                  • MUSC 6667 - Directed Study in Instrumental Pedagogy for Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, or Strings OR
                  • MUSC 6757 - Seminar: Keyboard Literature OR
                  • MUSC 5657 - Organ Pedagogy OR
                  • MUSC 6617 - Vocal Pedagogy
                  • Others may be selected in consultation with advisor
                Sacred music - 21-23 s.h.

                (choral conducting or organ)

                  Choose an area of emphasis:
                    Choral conducting - 21 s.h.
                      Applied music and recital (12 s.h.)
                      • MUSC 5706 - Advanced Applied Conducting
                      • MUSC 5716 - Advanced Applied Conducting
                      • MUSC 6061 - Applied Voice
                      • MUSC 6706 - Advanced Conducting
                      • MUSC 6995 - Graduate Recital
                      • MUSC 6061 - Applied Voice
                      Other studies in music (9 s.h.)

                      (Select 9 s.h. from the following.)

                      • MUSC 5906 - Choral Literature
                      • MUSC 5916 - Choral Literature
                      • MUSC 6525 - History of Sacred Music and Worship
                      • MUSC 6526 - Philosophy and Practice of Sacred Music I
                      • MUSC 6527 - Philosophy and Practice of Sacred Music II
                      • MUSC 6988 - Sacred Music Internship
                      • MUSC 6989 - Sacred Music Internship
                    Organ - 23 s.h.
                      Applied music and recital (10 s.h.)
                      • MUSC 6022 - Applied Organ
                      •  - Graduate Recital
                        Other studies in music (13 s.h.)
                        • MUSC 6517 - Advanced Service Playing I
                        • MUSC 6525 - History of Sacred Music and Worship
                        • MUSC 6526 - Philosophy and Practice of Sacred Music I
                        • MUSC 6527 - Philosophy and Practice of Sacred Music II
                        • MUSC 6537 - Advanced Service Playing II
                        • MUSC 6988 - Sacred Music Internship
                        • MUSC 6989 - Sacred Music Internship
                  Theory - 20 s.h.
                    Advanced theory (12 s.h.)
                    • MUSC 6006 - Music Structure and Style OR
                    • MUSC 6016 - Music Structure and Style (in addition to core requirement)

                    • MUSC 6327 - Counterpoint
                    • MUSC 6328 - The Language of Post-tonal Music
                    • MUSC 6536 - Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis
                    Thesis (3 s.h.)
                    • MUSC 7000 - Thesis
                    Other studies in music (5 s.h.)
                    • MUSC 6326 - Composition OR
                    • MUSC 6336 - Composition
                    • Blank space
                    • MUSC 6356 - Pedagogy of Theory
                  Woodwind specialist - 22 s.h.

                  Applicants must demonstrate graduate-level potential in the major performance medium and proficiency on two other woodwind instruments, equivalent to a first-semester junior music major working toward the BM.

                    Applied music principal instrument and recital (10 s.h.)

                    (The following applied courses must be taken in some combination to total 8 s.h.)

                    • MUSC 6_ _1
                    • MUSC 6_ _2
                    • MUSC 6_ _3
                    • MUSC 6_ _4
                    •  - Graduate Recital (2 s.h.)
                      Applied study in other woodwind instruments (10 s.h.)

                      (The following courses must be taken in some combination to total 8 s.h.)

                      • MUSC 6_ _1
                      • MUSC 6_ _2
                      • MUSC 6_ _3
                      • MUSC 6_ _4
                      •  (2 s.h.)
                        Ensemble participation in ensembles on one or more minor instruments (2 s.h.)

                        Select ensembles in consultation with chair and/or advisor.

                      For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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