Hunter College offers an M.A. Performance Concentration in Jazz, as well as various classes in jazz. A number of our alumni are successful jazz performers and recording artists.
Hunter College does not offer a Performance Degree for those who want to specialize in rock or popular music. A number of our students and alumni, nevertheless, are successful popular music performers and recording artists. Typically, students who regard themselves as rock musicians apply for our Teacher Education Program, or else they apply for the M.A. in Music with a concentration in Music History, Music Theory, Composition, Ethnomusicology, or a combination of these. In each case, however, our students are also proficient in the study of the classical Western repertoire. All students must successfully complete advanced courses and examinations in the study of Western classical music.
Generally, we do not offer graduate courses in the Winter or Summer sessions.
Required graduate classes in the Music Department are generally offered in the evening (usually between 6 and 9pm). For Music TEP students, the required courses in the School of Education are also all offered in the evening, though education field work (which consists of observing public school classes) and student teaching obviously must be done during daytime hours.
It is possible to complete an M.A. in Music at Hunter while going part-time (11 credits or under) within two years, and to complete the Music Teacher Education Program (TEP) in 2.5–3 years, though some students choose to take longer to complete their degree. Typically, a student will take 9 credits a semester, though students may take more or less depending on their schedules.
All degrees except TEP must be completed within four years of the date that a student matriculates in the program. The TEP allows for five years. Students who do not register during a given semester must submit a Leave of Absence form specifying the time period (up to a maximum of one year) that they plan to be away. Leaves of absence for non-TEP students do not extend the total time allowed for the degree. TEP degrees are extended by leaves of absence.
