Graduate Programs
Graduate students in the Department of Music are mentored by expert faculty and excel in teaching, research, and performance.
Masterful Music Experiences
Graduate students in the Department of Music gain teaching experience in the classroom. Guided by distinguished faculty, graduate students conduct research important to their areas of study and interest. Students are encouraged to reach the next level of musicianship with focus on solo performance, chamber group collaboration, and leadership roles in ensembles.
The department offers the following graduate degrees:
- Master of Music
- Emphases: Instrumental Music Performance, Piano, Collaborative Piano, Vocal Music Performance, Music Education, Choral Conducting, Ethnomusicology, Musicology Music Education, or Music Theory
- Ph.D. in Music
- Emphases: Music Education or Music Education and Gender Studies.
With a variety of degree paths, UM Music gives graduate students the freedom to focus on their music related goals.
For general information on any of the master degrees, contact Dr. Rhonda Hackworth, Graduate Coordinator in Music.
Master of Music | Curriculum
This degree is tailored for students aiming to refine their expertise in music to an advanced, specialized level. It is designed to offer a comprehensive education in various musical disciplines, allowing students to focus on their specific interests and career objectives.
Bring your passion for music to the podium
Whether a choral or instrumental music educator, expand your horizons in a program tailor-suited to you. Receive advanced training in choral conducting, choral repertoire, score study, and work from the podium with a variety of ensembles. Learn alongside passionate, caring researchers and educators who will bring your goals into focus and help you succeed as a conductor and music educator.
Faculty contact: Dr. Donald Trott
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Choral Conducting complete the following 34 credit hours of courses.
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- Mus 562: Advanced Choral Literature
- 3 credit hours of Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory/Composition
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory, Composition, Musicology, Literature, or Ethnomusicology
- Mus 524: Advanced Choral Methods
- Mus 529 or 605: Vocal Pedagogy
- Mus 521: Advanced Singer's Diction I
- Voice 652: Applied Voice
- 2 credit hours of Choral Ensemble
- Mus 613: Directed Individual Study in Choral Music
- Mus 616: Advanced Conducting
- Mus 695: Public Recital
In addition to course work, students complete a recital and must pass a final comprehensive oral examination.
Explore your potential with other musicians
Whether you aspire to collaborate with singers or instrumentalists, we have a myriad of opportunities for you to pursue your goals as a pianist. Perform recitals, chamber music, symphonic repertoire, and so much more while studying with distinguished and experienced piano faculty at UM Music.
Faculty contact: Adrienne Park
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Collaborative Piano complete the following 34 credit hours.
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- Voice 521: Advanced Singer's Diction I
- Voice 523, 524: Advanced Coaching I, II
- Mus 537, 538: Instrumental Chamber Ensemble
- 3 credit hours of Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory, Composition, Musicology, Literature, or Ethnomusicology
- 8 credit hours of applied piano performance (Pian 541 or higher)
- 4 credit hours of public recital
- 4 hours of music electives from:*
- Mus 500 German for Musicians
- Mus 521 Advanced Singer's Diction I
- Mus 522 Advanced Singer's Diction II
- Mus 532 University Orchestra
- Mus 567 Wind Ensemble
- Mus 539 Concert Singers
- Mus 545 University Chorus
- Mus 595 Opera Theatre Workshop V
- Mus 596 Opera Production Workshop V
- Mus 623 Advanced Song Literature
- Mus 624 Advanced Opera
- *other elective courses maybe chosen at the discresion of the academic advisor
Learn about the rich and diverse music cultures of the world
Explore the human experience of music and the ways in which it intersects with communities, institutions, and other disciplines. Intensify your training to include multicultural perspectives through our diverse course offerings taught by expert ethnomusicologists.
Faculty contact: Dr. George Worlasi Kwasi Dor
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Ethnomusicology complete the following 24 credit hours plus a thesis.
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- Mus 680: Intro to Ethnomusicology
- Mus 682: Ethnographic Methods and Transcription
- Mus 697: Thesis
- Mus 575: Perspectives in World Music
- Mus 576: Ethnomusicology Seminar
- 3 credit hours of Graduate Music Theory
- 3 credit hours of Graduate Musicology
- 3 semesters of African Music Ensemble
- 3 credit hours of elective in music or another department (Anthropology, Sociology, Southern Studies)
In addition to course work, students must complete a thesis and must pass a thesis defense.
Grow your skill in brass, woodwind, strings, or percussion
Whether you aspire to be a teacher, performer, or connect music to other fields of study, we have a myriad of opportunities for you to pursue your goals.
Hone your playing on trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, or saxophone in studio lessons, and perform various genres in large and small ensembles.
Perform with a passionate group of gifted peers and study with world-renowned faculty. Whether your instrument is violin, viola, cello, or double bass, we have a place for you.
Join one of the most diverse percussion programs in the country.
Hone your playing on drum set, orchestral percussion, solo marimba, timpani, chamber percussion, jazz vibes, and world percussion, and perform a variety of genres in large and small ensembles. Whatever your musical goals, let the accomplished Percussion faculty at UM Music guide you every step of the way.
Faculty contact: Micah Everett
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Performance complete the following lists of courses.
Concentration in Instrumental Performance - 33 credit hours
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- 3 credit hours Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours Music Theory
- 3 credit hours of Music theory, composition, Musicology, literature, or Ethnomusicology
- 8 credit hours of Music Performance 541 or higher
- Mus 565: Instrumental Solo Literature
- One from
- Mus 561: Symphonic Lit
- Mus 563: Chamber Lit
- Mus 607: Advanced Wind Band Lit
- Mus 605: Pedagogy of Music Performance
- 2 credit hours of Wind Ensemble or Orchestra
- 2 credit hours of Instrumental Chamber Ensemble
- Mus 695: Public Recital
In addition to coursework, students must complete a recital and pass a final written examination.
Bring your passion for music into the classroom
Whether you want to inspire as a teacher, lead as an administrator or explore exciting areas of research, let your journey begin at the University of Mississippi.
You can choose from four areas of emphasis: band, choral, keyboard, or orchestra. From classroom to stage, our acclaimed faculty will bring your music education goals into focus and help you succeed as a music educator.
Faculty contact: Dr. Rhonda Hackworth
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Education complete the following 32 credit hours.
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- 3 credit hours of Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory, Composition, Musicology, Literature, or Ethnomusicology
- Mus 619: Foundations of Music Education
- Mus 620: Music Education Research
- 3 credit hours for Music Education from:
- Mus 523
- Mus 524
- Mus 525
- Mus 536
- Mus 551
- 5 credit hours for music electives
- 6 credit hours Mus 697: Thesis or 6 credit hours of music education courses for students who elect the nonthesis option
Understand the music you love on a deeper level
Forge links with your solo instrument, ensemble performances, historical context, and philosophy of music as our nationally recognized faculty address all aspects of musical analysis. UM Music’s unique approach to music theory will prepare you for a professional career in music.
Faculty contact: John Latartara
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Theory complete the following 36 credit hours.
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- 9 credit hours of Graduate Music Theory courses
- 6 credit hours of Graduate Musicology courses
- 6 credit hours of Graduate Ethnomusicology courses
- Mus 559: Special Topics in Music Theory
- Mus 630: Schenkerian Analysis
- 6 credit hours of Mus 697 Thesis
Study music history in a small and tight-knit community of scholars
Focus on music in all its manifestations from traditional notated repertories to a wide range of oral and improvised practices. Receive personalized attention as your hone your craft as a thinker, writer, presenter, and listener of music. Students in the program also have direct access to the rich musical and cultural legacy of the region, the vast holdings of the University of Mississippi’s world-renowned Blues Archive, as well as the rich literary history of the City of Oxford.
Faculty contact: Dr. Thomas Peattie
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Musicology complete the following 36 credit hours.
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- 9 credit hours of Graduate Musicology courses
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory course
- 6 credit hours of Graduate Ethnomusicology courses
- Mus 559: Special Topics in Music Theory
- 3 credit hours of graduate music elective
- 3 credit hours of graduate elective outside of music
- 6 credit hours of Mus 697: Thesis
In addition to course work, students must complete a thesis and pass a final written comprehensive examination and thesis defense.
Explore your potential
Whether you aspire to be a teacher, performer, or connect music to other fields of study, we have a myriad of opportunities for you to pursue your goals as a pianist.
Continue your musical journey at UM Music with distinguished and experienced piano faculty who will nurture your talent and allow you to realize your potential.
Faculty contact: Ian Hominick
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Performance complete the following lists of courses.
Concentration in Piano Performance - 32 credit hours
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- 3 credit hours in Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours of Graduate Music Theory course
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory, Composition, Musicology, Literature, or Ethnomusicology
- 8 credit hours of Piano Performance (Pian 541 or higher)
- Mus 608: Advanced Keyboard Lit
- Mus 605: Pedagogy of Music Performance
- 6 credit hours of music electives
- Mus 695: Public Recital
In addition to coursework, students must complete a recital and pass a final written examination.
Let your voice be heard
Whether you aspire to be a teacher, performer, or connect music to other fields of study, we have a myriad of opportunities for you to pursue your goals as a singer. Study in a program that is catered to your interests and abilities: solo voice, opera, choir - you can do it all at UM Music. Our world-class faculty is here to guide you to the next level of vocal excellence, whether you picture yourself in the classroom, in front of a choir, or on the operatic stage.
Faculty contact: Jos Milton
Curriculum
Students in the M.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Performance complete the following lists of courses.
Concentration in Vocal Performance - 36 credit hours
- Mus 520: Intro to Music Research
- Mus 521: Advanced Diction I
- Mus 522: Advanced Diction II
- 3 credit hours Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory, Composition, Musicology, Literature, or Ethnomusicology
- 8 credit hours of Voical Performance (Voic 541 or higher)
- Mus 595: Opera Theatre Workshop V
- Mus 596: Opera Production Workshop V
- Mus 597: Opera Theatre Workshop VI
- Mus 598: Opera Production Workshop VI
- Mus 623 or 624: Adv. Song Lit. or Adv Opera/Oratorio Lit.
- Mus 605: Pedagogy of Music Performance
- Mus 523: Advanced Coaching I
- Mus 524: Advanced Coaching II
In addition to coursework, students must complete a recital and pass a final written examination.
Ph.D. in Music | Curriculum
The Ph.D. is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced study in preparation of university teaching, research, and other leadership roles in music education. The program is individualized to fit each student’s interest and background. Students may select an optional concentration in Gender Studies to provide rigorous grounding in gender studies methods and theory.
Students in the Ph.D. in Music with a Music Education emphasis complete 57 credit hours beyond the master's degree, including
- 12 credit hours of Research courses in
- experimental research
- historical qualitative research
- observation research
- statistics
- 6 credit hours of Music Education Methods from
- Mus 536: Kodaly Music Education in America
- Mus 551: Orff Level I
- Mus 523: Advanced Instrumental Directing
- Mus 524: Advanced Techniques of Choral Directing
- Mus 548: Psychology of Music
- Mus 620: Research in Music Education
- Mus 619: Foundations of Music Education
- 3 credit hours in Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours in Music Theory
- 9 credit hours in elective area - choral music, applied pedagogy, music theory, music history/literature, or music education
- Mus 797: Dissertation
If the student has not earned credit during the master's degree for the following courses, he or she must complete them before finishing the Ph.D. degree.
- MUS 520: Introduction to Music Research
- MUS 575: Perspectives in World Music
- MUS 619: Foundations of Music Education
- MUS 620: Introduction to Research in Music Education
Written and Oral Comprehensive Examinations
The exams will cover the course work for the degree. Students will prepare two research projects, a syllabus for an undergraduate course, and write essays on the philosophy of music education.
Dissertation Requirements
After passing the comprehensive examinations, the student must submit a prospectus.
Students completing the Gender Studies Concentration must fulfill 18 credit hours of coursework in gender/sexuality, including
- 12 hours of required core Gender Studies
- G St 600: Gender Studies Methodology
- G St 601: Gender Theory
- G St 605: Feminist Pedagogy
- G St 641: Readings in Global History - Gender
- 6 credit hours of gender studies electives chosen in consultation with graduate coordinator
The comprehensive exam will include material related to gender studies and the dissertation must have a significant focus on gender/sexuality.
Welcome from the Coordinator of Graduate Programs
As you embark on an exciting journey of advanced study, research, and musical exploration, we are thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant and dynamic community. Our department is dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages creativity, academic excellence, and professional growth. We are excited to see the contributions you will make in your graduate study and look forward to supporting you in achieving your goals.
Rhonda Hackworth
Associate Professor of Music Education
Get to Know the Faculty
George Dor
- Professor of Music
Micah Everett
- Professor of Music
Rhonda Hackworth
- Associate Professor of Music Education
Ian Hominick
- Professor of Music
John Latartara
- Associate Professor of Music
Jos Milton
- Associate Professor of Music
Adrienne Park
- Assistant Professor of Collaborative Piano
Thomas Peattie
- Associate Professor of Music
Donald Trott
- Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities
Make Grad School Affordable
Learn about the costs of a graduate education in music and how we can help make it more affordable. Discover scholarships, financial aid, assistantships, and other opportunities designed specifically to make your dream a reality.
UM Music offers substantial scholarships for music majors through the Music Major Advantage (MMA) initiative, which aggregates scholarships and financial awards from across campus and the Department of Music. To be considered, applicants must apply to the University of Mississippi, complete the Music Scholarship Application, and audition.
Learn how much you can expect to pay for a graduate education at Ole Miss — and find ways to bring that cost down with scholarships, aid, assistantships with other departments, and more.
Master of Music
Assistantships for full-time masters students start at $6,500, waive out-of-state portion of tuition (a value of $17,568), and waive 75% of the in-state portion tuition (a value of $6,939). Additional scholarships could further boost the value of the total package.
Ph.D.
Assistantships for full-time PhD students start at $11,500, and waive 100% of both the in-state portion of tuition (a value of $9,252) and the out-of-state portion of tuition (a value of $17,568). Additional scholarships and fellowships could boost the value of the total package even further.
Application Process
Assistantship assignments are based on your interests and strengths and the needs of the department. Formal acceptance to the Graduate School and a graduate program within the Department of Music is required to be considered for an assistantship.
To apply for an assistantship:
- Download and complete the Graduate Assistantship Application.
- Email the completed application to Rhonda Hackworth.
- Letters of recommendation should be sent directly to Rhonda Hackworth from the recommenders.
Applications submitted by March 1st will receive priority consideration. After March 1st, assistantships will be awarded only if positions are still available.
Graduate Diagnostic Exams
Exam Dates:
| Sight–Singing Graduate Diagnostic Exam | Wednesday, August 21, 2024 | 9:00am–noon | Music Building | Room 153 |
| Theory Graduate Diagnostic Exam | Wednesday, August 21, 2024 | 2:00pm–3:00pm | Music Building | Room 153 |
| Musicology Graduate Diagnostic Exam | Thursday, August 22, 2024 | 2:30pm–4:30pm | Music Building | Room 153 |