Program structure

The Master of Music (M.Mus.) program at Memorial University's School of Music is structured to provide advanced training in Performance, Performance/Pedagogy, and Conducting (choral, instrumental, or combined). The program is typically completed over two years of full-time study, encompassing a minimum of 31 credit hours.

Core Components:

• Music Research Methods (Music 6000): An introduction to music research, exploring various tools for finding printed and recorded music, ensuring appropriate citation of sources, and writing program notes and reviews. This 1-credit hour course meets once a week for 12 weeks and is required for all M.Mus. students in their first semester.

• Graduate Seminar (Music 6002): This 3-credit hour seminar explores selected readings under the broad topic of music in society, including discussions, written work, and presentations. It is required for all M.Mus. students and is normally taken in the second semester.

• Career Skills for Musicians (Music 6700): A 3-credit hour course exploring various aspects of the practical side of being a musician, such as taxes, promotion, and media. Required for all M.Mus. students, it is offered in alternate years.

Concentration-Specific Requirements:

• Performance:

  • Principal Applied Study I & II (Music 645A/B and 745A/B): Individual instruction focusing on the student's primary instrument or voice.
  • Ensemble Participation: Involvement in ensembles such as chamber music, opera workshop, or conducted instrumental ensembles.
  • Pedagogy Course: Options include Music Pedagogy (Music 6400) or Pedagogy Seminar (Music 6600).
  • Electives: Six credit hours, with the possibility of three credit hours from related disciplines, subject to approval.

• Performance/Pedagogy:

  • Principal Applied Study I & II (Music 647A/B and 747A/B): Focused instruction on the student's primary instrument or voice.
  • Music Pedagogy (Music 6400): A course designed to provide knowledge of resources and pedagogical approaches used in studio teaching for various instruments and/or voice at different levels.
  • Pedagogy Seminar (Music 6600): Each section focuses on the pedagogy of a specific instrument or family of instruments.
  • Pedagogy Internship I (Music 6610): Supervised teaching experience with reflective practice.
  • Electives: Three credit hours.

• Conducting:

  • Choral Conducting:

    • Choral Conducting I & II (Music 6310 and 6311): Courses focusing on choral conducting techniques and repertoire.
    • Score Study and Analysis (Music 6100): Development of skills for the study, comprehension, and preparation of musical scores in various genres.
    • Choral Repertoire (Music 6007): A survey of choral repertoire for conducting majors.
    • Electives: Six credit hours, with the possibility of three credit hours from related disciplines, subject to approval.

  • Instrumental Conducting:

    • Instrumental Conducting I & II (Music 6210 and 6211): Courses focusing on instrumental conducting techniques and repertoire.
    • Score Study and Analysis (Music 6100): Development of skills for the study, comprehension, and preparation of musical scores in various genres.
    • Instrumental Ensemble Repertoire (Music 6006) or Orchestral Repertoire (Music 6008): Surveys of repertoire for instrumental ensembles.
    • Electives: Six credit hours, with the possibility of three credit hours from related disciplines, subject to approval.

  • Combined Choral and Instrumental Conducting:

    • Instrumental Conducting I & II (Music 6210 and 6211): Courses focusing on instrumental conducting techniques and repertoire.
    • Choral Conducting I & II (Music 6310 and 6311): Courses focusing on choral conducting techniques and repertoire.
    • Score Study and Analysis (Music 6100): Development of skills for the study, comprehension, and preparation of musical scores in various genres.
    • Repertoire Course: Options include Instrumental Ensemble Repertoire (Music 6006), Choral Repertoire (Music 6007), or Orchestral Repertoire (Music 6008).
    • Electives: Six credit hours, with the possibility of three credit hours from related disciplines, subject to approval.

Additional Opportunities:

• Ensemble Participation: Students can engage in various ensembles, including chamber music, jazz combos, wind ensembles, chamber orchestras, jazz orchestras, contemporary and improv ensembles, gamelan, choir, and opera workshops, many of which are available for credit.

• Community Engagement: The program offers experiential opportunities such as teaching, community engagement, entrepreneurial projects, and arts advocacy, preparing students for versatile roles in the music industry.

This structured approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for diverse careers in the arts, equipped with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

For more detailed information, please visit the Master of Music program page.

Fees and Funding

Pursuing a Master of Music (M.Mus.) at Memorial University's School of Music involves understanding the associated tuition fees and exploring available funding opportunities.

Tuition Fees:

• Graduate Tuition: Memorial University offers competitive tuition rates for graduate programs. Specific details on tuition fees can be found on the School of Graduate Studies' tuition page.

• Additional Fees: Graduate students are responsible for ancillary fees, which may include student union fees, recreation fees, and health insurance. A comprehensive breakdown is available in the Minimum Expense Form 2024-2025.

Funding Opportunities:

• Fellowships: The School of Music offers fellowships based on academic and artistic merit. Eligible students admitted to the program receive fellowship support sufficient to cover full tuition plus a stipend. More information is available on the Expenses and Funding page.

• Scholarships: Approximately one-third of School of Music students receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500. Some scholarships are renewable and are awarded based on academic and musical merit. Details can be found on the School of Music Scholarships page.

• External Awards: Graduate students are encouraged to explore external scholarships and awards. The School of Graduate Studies provides resources to assist in identifying such opportunities.

Application Process for Funding:

• Automatic Consideration: Many scholarships and fellowships are awarded based on the admission application; no separate application is typically required.

• Specific Applications: Some awards may require a separate application or additional materials. Applicants should review the criteria for each scholarship or fellowship to ensure all requirements are met.

Note: Tuition fees and funding opportunities are subject to change. Prospective students should consult the university's official channels for the most current information.

Scholarship Guidance

The Master of Music (M.Mus.) program at Memorial University's School of Music offers various scholarships and funding opportunities to support graduate students.

Fellowships:

• Eligibility: Admitted M.Mus. students are automatically considered for fellowships based on academic and artistic merit.
• Benefits: Fellowships typically cover full tuition and provide a stipend.
• Renewal: Continuing students who maintain academic eligibility may have their fellowships renewed for the second year.

Scholarships:

• School of Music Scholarships: Approximately one-third of music students receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500. Some are renewable and awarded based on academic and musical excellence.
• University-Wide Scholarships: Graduate students can apply for various internal awards.

Assistantships:

• Teaching Assistantships: Qualified graduate students may teach undergraduate courses in areas like theory, musicianship, and instrumental techniques.
• Ensemble and Accompaniment Assistantships: Opportunities include performing in ensembles and accompanying for the opera workshop.

External Funding:

• External Scholarships: Students are encouraged to apply for external awards, such as those from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Application Process:

• Automatic Consideration: Many scholarships and fellowships are awarded based on the admission application; no separate application is typically required.
• Specific Applications: Some awards may require additional materials or applications. Applicants should review specific criteria to ensure all requirements are met.

Note: Funding opportunities are subject to change. Prospective students should consult the university's official channels for the most current information.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Music (M.Mus.) program at Memorial University's School of Music is competitive and requires applicants to meet specific academic and performance criteria.

Academic Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree: Applicants should possess a Bachelor of Music or an equivalent degree from a recognized university or conservatory. Preference is given to candidates with a first-class standing in their undergraduate program.

Performance Evaluation:

• Audition: All applicants must successfully complete a performance audition in their principal area of applied study. Auditions are typically held in late February and early March.

Application Components:

• Application Fee: A non-refundable $40 CAD School of Music application fee is required, in addition to any general admission fees.

• Supporting Documents: Applicants must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a current résumé or curriculum vitae, and a statement of interest outlining their goals and reasons for pursuing graduate studies in music.

Language Proficiency:

• English Proficiency: Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, unless they have completed prior education in English.

Application Deadline:

• Submission Date: The application deadline for the Fall 2025 intake is January 15, 2025.

Prospective students are encouraged to review the detailed admission guidelines and audition requirements provided by the School of Music to ensure all criteria are met.

Note: Admission requirements are subject to change. Applicants should consult the university's official admissions pages for the most current information.

Application Procedure

Applying to the Master of Music (M.Mus.) program at Memorial University's School of Music involves several key steps to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate's qualifications and suitability for the program.

Application Process:

1. Online Application:

   • Complete the online application through the School of Graduate Studies.
   • Pay the non-refundable application fee of $40 CAD specific to the School of Music, in addition to any general admission fees.

2. Submission of Supporting Documents:

   • Transcripts: Upload official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
   • Letters of Appraisal: Provide two letters of appraisal from referees familiar with your academic and/or musical abilities.
   • Résumé/Curriculum Vitae: Submit a current résumé detailing your educational background, performance experience, and any relevant work.
   • Statement of Interest: Include a statement outlining your goals, reasons for pursuing the M.Mus. program, and how it aligns with your career aspirations.

3. Audition:

   • Performance and Performance/Pedagogy Applicants: Prepare for an audition to showcase your artistry, technical skills, and musicianship. Auditions can be conducted in person or via submitted video recordings. Specific repertoire requirements are provided by the School of Music.
   • Conducting Applicants: Submit pre-screening videos demonstrating your conducting abilities, including both rehearsal and performance footage. Additional materials, such as a list of recent conducting experiences, may be required.

4. English Language Proficiency:

   • If English is not your first language, provide proof of English proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, unless you have completed prior education in English.

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: January 15, for Fall  of same year admission.
• Audition Dates: Entrance auditions are typically held in late February and early March.

Additional Information:

• Application Review: After submission, applications are reviewed by the admissions committee. Ensure all materials are submitted by the deadline to facilitate timely processing.
• Contact: For questions regarding the application process, contact the School of Music at musicauditions@mun.ca.

Note: Admission requirements and procedures are subject to change. Applicants are advised to consult the university's official admissions pages for the most current information.