Graduate Non-Curricular Requirements

Master of Music in Classical Performance (MM)

Ensemble Performance

Orchestral instrumentalists are required to play in orchestra during each semester of residence. Singers participate in Opera Workshop, Vocal Ensemble, or Chamber Music during each semester of residence. Keyboard majors participate in Chamber Music during each semester of residence.

Progress Evaluations

All students taking individual lessons in musical performance must perform on their major instrument each year before a jury consisting of faculty members from the school of music. The progress evaluations (also known as juries) are evaluated on a pass-fail basis.

Graduate Recital

Students in their final semester present a public recital. The program must be approved in advance by the student’s principal performance teacher. Students are required to write program notes on their recital repertoire.

Music History, Music Theory, and Musicianship Diagnostic Exams

At the beginning of the first semester, students will sit the diagnostic examination in music history, theory, and basic keyboard skills. This examination is for placement purposes; students who pass the exam will be exempt from some classes. In order to graduate from the master’s degree, students must pass the exams or the related class sequence.

Sample questions from the master’s diagnostic exam in music theory and musicianship

Foreign Language Musical Terms Exam

Students take an examination in foreign-language musical terms.

Master of Music in Conducting (MM)

Graduate Recital

Students in their final semester present a public recital, conducting a full concert. The program must be approved in advance by the student’s conducting teacher. Students are required to write program notes on the chosen repertoire.

Music History, Music Theory, and Musicianship Diagnostic Exams

At the beginning of the first semester, students will sit the diagnostic examination in music history, theory, and basic keyboard skills. This examination is for placement purposes; students who pass the exam will be exempt from some classes. In order to graduate from the master’s degree, students must pass the exams or the related class sequence.

Sample questions from the master’s diagnostic exam in music theory and musicianship

Foreign Language Musical Terms Exam

Students take an examination in foreign-language musical terms.

Master of Science in Music Education (MSEd)

Music History Diagnostic Exam

At the beginning of the first semester, students will sit the diagnostic examination in music history. This examination is for placement purposes; students who do not pass the exam will be required to take MUSIC 768: Western Music History Survey (3 hr.; 2cr.) as a prerequisite to a required elective history course.

Additional New York State Certification Requirements for Student in Music Education

The MSEd in Music Education is designed for students who already hold a Music PreK-12 Initial Certificate in NYS. Coursework prepares students to transition to the Music PreK-12 Professional Certificate. Details on this process will be made available to all students in the program; questions on the process can be directed to the music education area coordinator.

More information can also be found on the Queens College Teacher Certification page.

Master of Music in Jazz Studies (MM)

Graduate Recital

Students in the composition and the performance track are required to complete a public recital in the final semester of the degree program. The performance will be recorded and livestreamed.

Master of Arts in Musicology (MA)

Music History, Music Theory, and Musicianship Diagnostic Exams

At the beginning of the first semester, students will sit the diagnostic examination in music history, theory, and basic keyboard skills. This examination is for placement purposes; students who pass the exam will be exempt from some classes. In order to graduate from the master’s degree, students must pass the exams or the related class sequence.

Sample questions from the master’s diagnostic exam in music theory and musicianship

Foreign Language Exam

A reading proficiency examination in a foreign language is required of each student. A hardcopy dictionary can be used during the exam. Typically, students complete the exam in French, German, or Italian, however other languages are possible if demonstrably relevant to the student’s thesis topic and a qualified expert is availableto administer the exam.

Master of Arts in Music Theory (MA)

Music History, Music Theory, and Musicianship Diagnostic Exams

At the beginning of the first semester, students will sit the diagnostic examination in music history, theory, and basic keyboard skills. This examination is for placement purposes; students who pass the exam will be exempt from some classes. In order to graduate from the master’s degree, students must pass the exams or the related class sequence.

Sample questions from the master’s diagnostic exam in music theory and musicianship

Foreign Language Exam

A reading proficiency examination in a foreign language is required of each student. A hardcopy dictionary can be used during the exam. Typically, students complete the exam in French, German, or Italian, however other languages are possible if demonstrably relevant to the student’s thesis topic and a qualified expert is available to administer the exam.

Advanced Certificate in Music Education

Additional New York State Certification Requirements for Student in Music Education

The certification process requires students to take a specific series of seminars and to pass written examinations in addition to their course work. Details on this process will be made available to all students; questions on the process can be directed to the music education area coordinator.

More information can also be found on the Queens College Teacher Certification page.

Advanced Diploma in Classical Performance

Students in the Advanced Diploma program present a public recital each semester. The program must be approved in advance by the student’s principal performance teacher. Students are required to write program notes on their recital repertoire.

Graduate Certificate in Classical Performance

Students in the Graduate Certificate program present a public recital each semester. The program must be approved in advance by the student’s principal performance teacher. Students are required to write program notes on their recital repertoire.