Graduate Music

Return to: School of the Arts

Go to Graduate Music | Go to Programs and Course Listings

Faculty

Philip L. Copeland, Professor
Joseph H. Hopkins, Professor
Sharon L. Lawhon, Professor
Grant B. Dalton, Associate Professor
Joel S. Davis, Associate Professor
Brad M. Diamond, Associate Professor
Jeffrey Z. Flaniken, Associate Professor
Kristin Kenning, Associate Professor
Mark A. Lackey, Associate Professor; Director, Graduate Studies
Eric L. Mathis, Associate Professor; Executive Director, Center for Worship and the Arts
Brian B. Viliunas, Associate Professor
Brian O. Walden, Associate Professor
M. Elizabeth (Beth) McGinnis, Assistant Professor
Steven T. Potaczek, Assistant Professor
Owen W. Reagan, Visiting Assistant Professor
Jason A. Terry, Assistant Professor
Angela Yoon, Assistant Professor
Emily Snider Andrews, Instructor
Ryan T. Lovell, Instructor

Mission

The Division of Music is preparing musicians to enrich society through a diligent pursuit of excellence.

General Information

Music study at Samford University is essentially a threefold program, including training in basic musicianship, training in specialized professional areas, and studies in the liberal arts. The core of the program is musicianship-continuous study in music performance, including solo and ensemble experiences, along with extensive work in music theory and history. In specialized areas, such as teacher training, composition, and music and worship, requirements include training and experiences in the special skills and knowledge appropriate to the respective degree program to equip the graduate to function effectively on the professional level. The liberal arts requirements contribute to the breadth of knowledge appropriate for the professional musician.

In addition to the academic programs, a wide variety of ensembles offer opportunities to both music and non-music majors for meaningful experiences in music making. University ensembles include A Cappella Choir, University Chorale, Samford Opera, Opera Workshop, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and numerous chamber ensembles.

Accreditation

The Division of Music in the School of the Arts is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the teacher education program is accredited by the Alabama State Department of Education.

Graduate Programs and Requirements

Degrees

Master of Music (M.M.)

Church Music (M.M.)  with a Concentration in Conducting, Performance, or Thesis
Instrumental Performance (M.M.)  
Piano Performance and Pedagogy (M.M.) 
Vocal Performance (M.M.)  

Master of Music Education (M.M.E.)

Music: Pattern 1: Traditional Program (M.M.E.) 
Music: Pattern 2: Fifth Year Non-Traditional Program (M.M.E.) 
Music (National Board Cohort) (M.M.E.)  

Joint Degree

Master of Music/Master of Divinity (M.M./M.Div.)

The Division of Music offers graduate programs that meet requirements for the master of music and master of music education degrees. In cooperation with the Beeson School of Divinity, the School of the Arts also offers a joint degree in music and divinity (M.M./M.Div.)

Graduate Programs

Master of Music in Church Music: The master of music in church music (M.M.) is designed for college graduates who have articulated a call to vocational Christian ministry, chosen to pursue a graduate degree in ministry and possibly ordination. The degree program includes coursework in music, worship, ministry, and religion in order to adequately prepare students for sustainable tenures in the local church or in a parachurch organization. Students must choose a concentration in conducting, performance, or thesis.

Master of Music in Instrumental Performance: The master of music in instrumental performance (M.M.) prepares students to be proficient performers who are ready to pursue professional careers. Emphasis is placed on musical artistry and professionalism, together with developing students’ research skills. The degree concludes with a recital and an oral comprehensive examination.

Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy: The master of music in piano performance and pedagogy (M.M.) prepares students to be proficient performers and scholarly musicians who are ready to pursue professional careers as teachers of piano. Emphasis is placed on musical artistry and pedagogical professionalism, together with developing research skills. The degree requires two recitals and an oral comprehensive examination.

Master of Music in Vocal Performance: The master of music in vocal performance (M.M.) prepares students to be proficient performers who are ready to pursue professional careers. Emphasis is placed on musical artistry and professionalism, together with developing research skills. The degree concludes with a recital and an oral comprehensive examination.

Master of Music Education: The master of music education in music (M.M.E.) is designed to prepare students for increasing responsibilities in the field of music teaching. Completion of this degree qualifies the individual for an Alabama Class A teaching certificate. Two distinct programs are offered. The traditional program (Pattern 1) is for persons who hold an Alabama Class B teaching certificate or its equivalent. The fifth year non-traditional program (Pattern 2) is for persons whose previous education does not make them eligible for an Alabama Class B teaching certificate. Both programs conclude with an oral comprehensive examination.

Master of Music Education in Music (National Board Cohort): The master of music education in music with national board cohort (M.M.E.-MNBC) is designed specifically for in-service (practicing) music teachers who hold initial (Class B) certification in K-12 music in Alabama. The cohort design requires 15 months of continuous enrollment from start to finish, comprising two summers of full-time study plus part-time studies (fall and spring semesters) during the in-between academic year. The degree concludes with an oral comprehensive exam in the Division of Music. Class A teacher certification is granted by the State of Alabama’s Department of Education and will be issued by ALSDE upon meeting the Alabama Quality Teaching Standards (AQTS). Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 for admission to the program.

Master of Music/Master of Divinity: The M.M./M.Div. joint-degree program, offered in conjunction with the School of Divinity, allows students to use credits from each school as part of the other school’s degree.

Admission

A bachelor of music (B.M.) degree, or an equivalent degree, from an institution accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music is required for admission to all programs. An applicant whose undergraduate preparation does not meet these specifications may be admitted provisionally, with the requirement that course work stipulated at the time of admission be completed to ensure that preparation is equivalent to that of a graduate of the bachelor of music degree program offered by the Division of Music at Samford. Courses completed in satisfying this requirement must earn a grade of at least B and do not count toward the master’s degree.

Unconditional admission to any program requires a GPA of 3.00 or above. Admission to the master of music education programs requires a minimum GPA of 3.00 (on a 4-point scale) in music courses and on the undergraduate degree as a whole. There will be no exceptions. Minimum GPA for conditional admission to all other programs is 2.50 on a 4-point scale. All applicants for the master of music education programs must have passed the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) examination. Applicants for the master of music education (traditional program) must also submit minimum scores of 150 on the Music: Content Knowledge Exam (Test #0013) on the Praxis II Examination.

International applicants must contact the director of graduate studies in music for additional procedures.

A complete application includes:

1. The application form and fee ($35).
2. An official transcript from each institution attended since high school. Applicants for the master of music education degrees must provide two official transcripts.
3. Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT), on which a minimum score of 90 is required.
4. Three (3) recommendations from teachers or supervisors who can assess the student’s competence to undertake graduate study.
5. Consult the Division of Music Graduate Program Manual for additional requirements specific to each degree.

In addition to application materials, each applicant must audition and interview for the appropriate music faculty.

Programs

• Church Music (M.M.)
• Instrumental Performance (M.M.)
• Music (National Board Cohort) (M.M.E.)
• Music: Pattern 1: Traditional Program (M.M.E.)
• Music: Pattern 2: Fifth Year Non-Traditional Program (M.M.E.)
• Piano Performance and Pedagogy (M.M.)
• Vocal Performance (M.M.)

Courses

• MUSC 5115 - Music Ministry on the Lord’s Day (3)
• MUSC 5125 - Singing the Faith (3)
• MUSC 5135 - Music as Theological Expression (3)
• MUSC 5145 - Worship Arts in the Church (3)
• MUSC 5155 - Performance Document (2)
• MUSC 5160 - Congregational Song (4)
• MUSC 5165 - Graduate Thesis in Church Music (2)

• MUSA 5160 - Composition (1)
• MUSC 5221 - Seminar in Choral Conducting (2)
• MUSC 5230 - Seminar in Instrumental Conducting (2)
• MUSC 5240 - Graduate Conducting (2)

• MUSC 5000 - Graduate Theory Review (3)
• MUSC 5300 - Research in Music (3)
• MUSC 5310 - Curriculum and Teaching in the Elementary School (3)
• MUSC 5320 - Curriculum and Teaching in the Secondary School: Choral (3)
• MUSC 5321 - Vocal Techniques (1)
• MUSC 5330 - Curriculum and Teaching in the Secondary School: Instrumental (3)
• MUSC 5340 - Foundations and Curricular Trends in American Music Education (3)
• MUSC 5360 - Orff Schulwerk, Level I (3)
• MUSC 5361 - Orff Schulwerk, Level II (3)
• MUSC 5380 - Assessment of Music & Reading across the Curriculum (2)
• MUSC 5391 - National Board Professional Teaching Standards for Music I (3)
• MUSC 5392 - National Board Professional Teaching Standards for Music II (3)
• MUSC 5399 - Student Teaching Grades P-12 (6)
• MUSC 5597 - Curriculum Integration of Music Technology (3)
• MUSC 5620 - Seminar in Vocal Pedagogy (2)
• MUSC 5630 - Seminar in Instrumental Pedagogy/Literature (2)
• MUSC 5640 - Piano Pedagogy I (3)
• MUSC 5642 - Piano Pedagogy II (3)
• MUSC 5650 - Organ Pedagogy (2)
• MUSC 5662 - Special Studies in Music Education (2)
• MUSC 5663 - Special Studies in Music Education (3)
• MUSC 5664 - Special Studies in Music Education (4)

• MUSC 5401 - History and Application of Performance Practices I (2)
• MUSC 5402 - History and Application of Performance Practices II (2)
• MUSC 5421 - Seminar in Vocal Literature (2)
• MUSC 5422 - Survey of Choral Literature (2)
• MUSC 5430 - Survey of Symphonic Literature (2)
• MUSC 5440 - Survey of Piano Literature (2)
• MUSC 5450 - Survey of Organ Literature (2)
• MUSC 5462 - Topics in Music History (2)

• MUSC 5500 - Analytical Techniques (2)
• MUSC 5520 - Choral Arranging (2)
• MUSC 5530 - Instrumental Arranging (2)

• MUSC 5699 - Graduate Recital (0)

• MUSC 5720 - University Chorale (0-1)
• MUSC 5721 - A Cappella Choir (0-1)
• MUSC 5723 - Samford Opera (0-1)
• MUSC 5724 - Opera Workshop (0-1)
• MUSC 5730 - Wind Ensemble (0-1)
• MUSC 5731 - Orchestra (0-1)
• MUSC 5732 - Graduate Chamber Ensemble (0-1)
• MUSC 5739 - Marching Band (0-1)
• MUSC 5750 - Worship Arts Ensemble (0-1)
• MUSC 5751 - Campus Worship Team (0-1)

Credit for performance study is consistent with the National Association of Schools of Music minimum standard of three hours of practice per week for each credit. For performance study, the first number of the course indicates classification level (1000-Freshman, 2000-Sophomore, 3000-Junior, 4000-Senior, 5000-Graduate) while the second number indicates the amount of course credits: i.e., MUSA 5111 Violin (1); MUSA 5251 Piano (2); MUSA 5357 Voice (3).

• MUSA 5111 - Violin (1)
• MUSA 5113 - Viola (1)
• MUSA 5115 - Cello (1)
• MUSA 5117 - String Bass (1)
• MUSA 5119 - Harp (1)
• MUSA 5120 - Percussion (1)
• MUSA 5121 - Trumpet (1)
• MUSA 5123 - Trombone (1)
• MUSA 5125 - French Horn (1)
• MUSA 5127 - Tuba (1)
• MUSA 5129 - Euphonium (1)
• MUSA 5131 - Saxophone (1)
• MUSA 5133 - Flute (1)
• MUSA 5135 - Oboe (1)
• MUSA 5137 - Bassoon (1)
• MUSA 5139 - Clarinet (1)
• MUSA 5151 - Piano (1)
• MUSA 5153 - Organ (1)
• MUSA 5157 - Voice (1)
• MUSA 5179 - Classical Guitar

Students acquire a working knowledge of each family of instruments.

• MUSC 5931 - Class Strings (1)
• MUSC 5932 - Class Woodwinds (1)
• MUSC 5933 - Class Brass (1)
• MUSC 5934 - Class Percussion (1)

Return to: School of the Arts