Dr. Douglas Farwell, Head
Room 2018A, Fine Arts Building
The Department of Music offers instruction in music and music education leading to the Master of Arts in Teaching in Music Education degree and certification, the Master of Music Education degree, or to the Master of Music in Performance degree.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Music Education is a 36-semester-hour, fifth-year program beyond the bachelor's degree in which candidates may earn a master’s degree (M.A.T.) and become eligible for initial teaching certification in Music Education. The full-time program is four semesters and cohort groups begin in the summer semester. The emphasis for the degree is for candidates to acquire exceptional content knowledge and pedagogical expertise as musicians to adequately engage, inspire and educate P-12 music students.
The Master of Music Education (M.M.Ed.) degree is a 36-semester-hour, non-thesis master’s degree program for music educators who wish to further develop their competence in music teaching and to enhance their credentials in the music education profession. These studies are designed to explore the materials and methodology of musical instruction in depth and to develop the ability to understand and evaluate research in music and music education.
The Master of Music in Performance (M.M.P.) degree is a 36-semester-hour, non-thesis master’s degree program intended to further the musical and academic skills of accomplished musicians. Its purpose is to prepare musicians for careers in professional performing, conducting, and studio teaching. Students in the M.M.P. degree program will refine their performance skills to an advanced degree, deepen their knowledge of the academic and research aspects of music, and further develop their pedagogical skills.
M.A.T. in Music Education, M.M.Ed., and M.M.P. Admissions
Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements submitted by the admission deadline. To be considered for the preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to allow adequate time for document submission and to ensure receipt of documents.
Admission Deadlines
- Fall Deadline: July 15
- Spring Deadline: November 15
- Summer Deadline: April 15
Music Education
MUE 5100. Arranging for School Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MUSC 2012 and 2052. Basic techniques of scor- ing for school choral and instrumental groups. Three periods a week.
MUE 5640. Music for Teachers. 3 Hours.
Music materials and methods for the elementary teacher in the school. Not open to music majors.
MUE 7000. Issues and Trends in Music Education. 3 Hours.
Current trends and issues of contemporary music education.
MUE 7100. Professional Development Seminar I: Foundations. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. An orientation to the field of Music Education, including pedagogy, philosophy, history, and social factors.
MUE 7101. Professional Development Seminar II: Clinical Practice. 1 Hour.
A reflection on educational practices and refining of concepts that emanate from clinical practice experience and completion of certification assessments.
MUE 7102. Professional Development Seminar III: Capstone. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. Culminating course for MAT in Music Education which focuses on evaluation of teaching, program administration, advocacy, and curriculum.
MUE 7330. Percussion Methods. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. A study of performance techniques and methods of teaching percussion in heterogeneous groups including ethnic percussion.
MUE 7340. Low Brass Methods. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. A study of performance techniques and methods of teaching trombone, euphonium, and tuba.
MUE 7360. String Methods. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. An orientation to and experience with the fundamentals and performance of string methods.
MUE 7370. Vocal Methods. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. A study of performance techniques and methods of teaching vocal music.
MUE 7400. Instrument Repair. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. An overview of basic maintenance and repair for woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments.
MUE 7600. Instrumental Music Curriculum. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT (Music Education) majors, MMed majors, or permission of instructor. Grade of "S" in MUE 2999 and admission to Teacher Education. Materials and techniques of instrumental music instruction and curriculum in schools, including rehearsal techniques, repertoire, administration, instructional approaches, and assessment strategies.
MUE 7610. Choral Curriculum. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT (Music Education) majors, MMed majors, or permission of instructor. Grade of "S" in MUE 2999 and admission to teacher education. Materials and techniques of choral music instruction and curriculum in schools, including rehearsal techniques, vocal development, repertoire, administration, instructional approaches, and assessment strategies.
MUE 7640. General Music Curriculum. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT (Music Education) majors or MMed majors. Reviews of current methods and approaches of general music education, including multicultural approaches to music teaching.
MUE 7680. Foundations of Music Education. 3 Hours.
Historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations of music education.
MUE 7700. Marching Band Techniques. 2 Hours.
Prerequisite: MAT (Music Education) majors, MMED majors, or permission of instructor. A study of marching fundamentals, drill design, arranging issues, and other topics associated with directing a marching band including the use of computer-assisted design techniques.
MUE 7710. Flute, Clarinet, and Saxophone Methods. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MAT (Music Education majors or permission of instructor. An overview of performance techniques and methods of teaching flute, clarinet, and saxophone.
MUE 7720. Oboe and Bassoon Methods. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. A study of performance techniques and methods fo teaching oboe and bassoon.
MUE 7730. HIgh Brass Methods. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. A study of performance techniques and methods of teaching trumpet and horn.
MUE 7740. Advanced String Pedagogy. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT (Music) majors (String) or permission of instructor. Orientation to and experience with techniques of performance and methods of advanced string pedagogy.
MUE 7750. Advanced Vocal Pedagogy. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. An in-depth study of vocal pedagogy designed to enhance instructional skills in private and group settings.
MUE 7790. Clinical Practice in Music Education. 6 Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT (Music Education) majors and MUE 7600 or 7610 in the MAT (Music Education) curriculum. A supervised teaching clinical practice in an appropriate educational setting for certification requirements for the MAT (Music Education) program.
MUE 7800. Practicum in Music. 3 Hours.
Co-requisites: MUE 7600 or MUE 7610, MUE 7640, MUSC 7750, 2 to 4 hours of Instrumental Methods courses. A supervised field experience (15 weeks) to coordinate with MAT (Music Education) methods and curriculum courses.
MUE 7900. Directed Study in Music Education. 1-3 Hours.
Directed study in Music Education.
MUE 7999. Thesis. 3 Hours.
Thesis.
Music
MUSC 5101. Graduate Diction I. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. Advanced skills needed to sing in English and Italian.
MUSC 5102. Graduate Diction II. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. Advanced skills needed to sing in German and French.
MUSC 5110. Jazz Arranging. 2 Hours.
Prerequisite: MUSC 2012 and MUSC 1172, or permission of instructor. Study of advanced techniques to scoring for vocal and instrumental ensembles of jazz-oriented styles.
MUSC 5210. Private Piano. 1 Hour.
Secondary Applied - Piano.
MUSC 5310. Private Organ. 1 Hour.
Secondary Applied - Organ.
MUSC 5410. Private Voice. 1 Hour.
Secondary Applied - Voice.
MUSC 5430. History of Jazz. 2 Hours.
Prerequisite: MUSC 2172 or permission of instructor. A comprehensive study of the development of jazz from its origins through present day. Emphasizes on the evaluation of stylistic trends and techniques.
MUSC 5500. Band Literature I. 1 Hour.
Study of styles and eras of band literature appropriate for performance levels I-IV.
MUSC 5510. Band Literature II. 2 Hours.
Prerequisite: MUSC 5500. A study of styles and eras of band literature appropriate for performance levels V-VI.
MUSC 5511. Choral Literature I. 2 Hours.
Prerequisite: MUSC 1100 or equivalent. Study of choral literature from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras.
MUSC 5512. Choral Literature II. 2 Hours.
Prerequisite: MUSC 5511. A study of choral literature from the Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary eras.
MUSC 5520. Symphonic Literature I. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MUSC 1100 or equivalent. A survey of Western symphonic music.
MUSC 5521. Symphonic Literature II. 2 Hours.
Prerequisite: MUSC 5520. A study of symphonic literature appropriate for school orchestras grades 5 through 12.
MUSC 5610. Private Brass. 1 Hour.
Secondary Applied - Brass.
MUSC 5810. Chamber Singers. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: Successful audition. Principal ensemble option for voice principals and other principals according to assignment by the Head of the Department of Music. This select ensemble emphasizes choral and vocal chamber music repertoire.
MUSC 5820. Concert Choir. 1 Hour.
Open to any VSU student by permission of the instructor.
MUSC 5830. The Spotlighters. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: Successful Audition. A select choral ensemble emphasizing popular, jazz, blues, and show tune repertoire. Participation is by audition only.
MUSC 5840. Opera and Musical Theatre. 1 Hour.
Music drama production and ensemble work. Preparation of scenes and full-scale productions.
MUSC 5850. Concert Band. 1 Hour.
Open to any VSU student by permission of the instructor.
MUSC 5851. Wind Ensemble. 1 Hour.
Study and performance of repertoire for a variety of instrumental combinations. Open by audition.
MUSC 5860. Orchestra. 1 Hour.
Open to VSU students with permission of the instructor.
MUSC 5870. Jazz Ensemble. 1 Hour.
Selection by audition only.
MUSC 5880. Marching Band. 1 Hour.
Performance at all home football games and various exhibitions. Auditions are required for marching percussion, dance line, and color guard. This course meets fall semester only.
MUSC 5890. Instrumental Ensembles. 1 Hour.
Study and performance of repertoire for a variety of combi- nations of instruments. Open by permission of instructor.
MUSC 5891. Pan-American Ensemble. 1 Hour.
A study and performance of folk music from the Americas and Caribbean. Open by permission of instructor.
MUSC 5893. Saxophone Quartet. 1 Hour.
The study and performance of saxophone chamber repertoire.
MUSC 5894. Chamber Music. 1 Hour.
An ensemble designed for the development of the professional performer and educator.
MUSC 5910. Private Woodwinds. 1 Hour.
Secondary Applied - Woodwinds.
MUSC 5960. Opera Seminar. 1 Hour.
The study and analysis of scenes from opera and operetta.
MUSC 6050. Aural Skills Pedagogy. 2 Hours.
Prerequisite: Graduate music majors only. An in-depth study of aural skills pedagogy designed to enhance instructional skills in music theory classes.
MUSC 6310. Private Percussion. 1 Hour.
Secondary Applied - Percussion.
MUSC 6410. Private Strings. 1 Hour.
Secondary Applied - Strings.
MUSC 6510. Song Literature I. 2 Hours.
Survey course in art song literature. MUSC 6510 peruses the literature from the Renaissance through the German Lieder School spanning the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century.
MUSC 6520. Song Literature II. 2 Hours.
Survey course in art song literature. MUSC 6520 peruses the nineteenth and twentieth-century French, Spanish, English, and American song schools.
MUSC 6540. Piano Literature I. 2 Hours.
Survey course in piano literature. The keyboard instruments and literature of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical eras.
MUSC 6550. Piano Literature II. 2 Hours.
Survey course in piano literature. The piano literature of the Romantic period and representative repertory of the last one hundred years.
MUSC 6760. Jazz Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
Prerequisites: MAT (Music Education) majors or permission of instructor. A study of jazz teaching methods and materials, including rehearsal techniques for large and small jazz ensembles.
MUSC 6870. Jazz Combo. 1 Hour.
Study and performance of a wide variety of jazz styles for 5-8 member ensemble. Selection by audition only.
MUSC 6880. University Community Band. 1 Hour.
Study and performance of standard band literature. Open to VSU students and members of the community by permission of the instructor.
MUSC 6890. Vocal Chamber Ensembles. 1 Hour.
Ensemble performance in musicals, opera, and other such events in conjunction with the departments of music and theatre.
MUSC 7010. Music Theory. 3 Hours.
Graduate survey in music theory.
MUSC 7020. Music History. 3 Hours.
Graduate survey in music history.
MUSC 7040. Technology for Teachers. 1 Hour.
A survey of trends and applications using technology to assist music educators enhance teaching and learning in the classroom.
MUSC 7050. Music Research and Bibliography. 3 Hours.
Development of skills for graduate-level music research.
MUSC 7240. Private Piano. 4 Hours.
Applied piano for graduate piano majors. Studio requirements include one 50-minute lesson and a studio class each week. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 7340. Private Strings. 4 Hours.
Applied strings for graduate strings majors. Studio requirements include one 50-minute lesson and a studio class each week. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 7440. Private Voice. 4 Hours.
Applied voice for graduate voice majors. Studio requirements include one 50-minute lesson and a studio class each week. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 7530. Chamber Music. 2 Hours.
Selected studies in the history and theory of chamber music masterworks.
MUSC 7540. Private Percussion. 4 Hours.
Applied percussion for graduate percussion majors. Studio requirements include one 50-minute lesson and a studio class each week. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 7640. Private Brass. 4 Hours.
Applied brass for graduate brass majors. Studio requirements include one 50-minute lesson and a studio class each week. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 7650. Graduate Conducting. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT (Music Education) majors and MUSC 3650 or equivalent course. A study of conducting and rehearsal techniques used in instrumental and vocal music classes. Students will refine their conducting skills and acquire knowledge of the latest developments in rehearsal strategies for use with musicians of any age.
MUSC 7721. Advanced Piano Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
An in-depth study of piano pedagogy designed to enhance instructional skills in private and group settings.
MUSC 7731. Advanced Percussion Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
An in-depth study of percussion pedagogy designed to enhance instructional skills in private and group settings.
MUSC 7732. Advanced Brass Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
An in-depth study of brass pedagogy designed to enhance instructional skills in private and group settings.
MUSC 7733. Advanced Woodwind Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
An in-depth study of woodwind pedagogy designed to enhance instructional skills in private and group settings.
MUSC 7734. Advanced String Pedagogy. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT (Music Education) majors (string) or permission of instructor. Orientation to and experience with techniques of performance and methods of advanced string pedagogy.
MUSC 7740. Advanced Pedagogy of Choral Conducting. 1 Hour.
An in-depth study of choral conducting pedagogy designed to enhance instructional skills in private and group settings.
MUSC 7760. Advanced Pedagogy of Orchestra Conducting. 1 Hour.
In-depth study of orchestra conducting pedagogy designed to enhance instructional skills in private and group settings.
MUSC 7770. Advanced Pedagogy of Wind Band Conducting. 1 Hour.
In-depth study of wind band conducting pedagogy designed to enhance instructional skills in private and group settings.
MUSC 7777. Private Collaborative Piano. 4 Hours.
Applied collaborative piano for graduate collaborative piano majors. Studio requirements include one 50-minute lesson and a studio class each week. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 7778. Advanced Collaborative Piano Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
An in-depth study of collaborative piano pedagogy designed to enhance instructional skills in private and group settings.
MUSC 7840. Private Conducting. 4 Hours.
Applied conducting for graduate conducting majors. Studio requirements include one 50-minute lesson and a studio class each week. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 7900. Directed Study in Music Performance. 1-3 Hours.
The opportunity to earn academic credit for a performance or performance-related project not otherwise included in the curriculum offerings. Credit hours to be determined by the instructor, Graduate Music Coordinator and the Department Head.
MUSC 7940. Private Woodwinds. 4 Hours.
Applied woodwinds for graduate woodwinds majors. Studio requirements include one 50-minute lesson and a studio class each week. May be repeated for credit.
