A final project consisting of a thesis, a public recital (for Performance students), or another approved piece of work (such as a research project in music education, a lecture-recital, or an internship plus a written report) is required of each student. This project may receive 0–3 credits, depending on the nature and scope of the work involved. A written proposal must be approved by the Music Department before a student may begin work on the project. Approval of the completed project requires the agreement of two faculty members.
Thesis in Ethnomusicology, Music History, Music Theory, or Composition
All M.A. candidates except Performance and TEP students must submit an approved thesis to the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences. For Composition students, the thesis consists of a musical composition.
All students who are preparing to begin a thesis should download and print the thesis guidelines and approval form (PDF).
Policies Regarding the Thesis
- Proposals for M.A. theses must be approved by the student’s advisor and second reader before work on the thesis begins. Students may not register for MUS 798 or 799 before their proposals have been approved.
- A thesis will not be accepted without the approval of the second reader. The second reader has the authority to recommend major revisions if they feels they are necessary.
Thesis Lecture or Defense
Students who have written a thesis must present a public lecture or defense of their work. The lecture or defense will last approximately forty-five minutes and include a question-and-answer period. It may be scheduled after the thesis sponsor and second reader have given their approval to the thesis. Both the thesis sponsor and the second reader should be given the final draft of the thesis at least one month before the defense. Such approval must be obtained one month before the last day of the final examination period.
Deposit of Thesis
All M.A. theses are deposited electronically. Extensive guidelines can be found here.
TEP Project
TEP students are required to complete a project involving research relating to their experiences, interests, and needs as secondary school teachers and as musicians. A written proposal describing this project must be submitted no later than the second week of the semester in which the student plans to graduate. Students should consult Victor V. Bobetsky, the Director of Studies in Music Education, for guidance in preparing this proposal.
M.A. Recital
Performance students prepare a Graduation Recital in lieu of a written thesis.
