SMU Meadows School of Arts

The Division of Music in the Meadows School of the Arts is a professional, comprehensive educational institution devoted to the advancement of music performance and scholarship, to the preparation of the next generation of music professionals, and to service in the artistic life of our community, our nation, and the world. The music faculty consists of a truly outstanding team of internationally acclaimed artists, scholars, and educators who care deeply about their students and who work in close collaboration to serve the mission of the School of Music.
“The approximately 300 students in the Meadows Division of Music pursue a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degree options, including the Bachelor of Music degree (Performance, Music Education, Music Therapy, and Composition), the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree (liberal arts focus), the Master of Music degree (professional focus, advanced studies), and the graduate level Performer’s Diploma and Artist Diploma (elite performance focus). All degrees and diplomas offered by the Division of Music are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. In addition to this full range of music-major options, the Division of Music provides opportunities for the general university student to pursue a love of music. These include courses in music appreciation, jazz, and popular music; participation in any of our ensembles (by audition); and group instruction in piano, guitar, and voice.
Graduates of the Division of Music encounter success across a full range of professional and graduate-study opportunities in this community, across the country, and around the globe. “

Degree

Under Graduate
B.A. in Music	The bachelor of arts degree in music is intended to serve students combining a music degree with interests in one or more of the following:A broad liberal arts education. Exploration of the interdisciplinary relationship of music coursework to coursework in other areas of the Meadows School and the University as a whole. An additional major, a minor or preparation for medical school or law school. Preparation for graduate study in music. Participation in the SMU Honors Program. A term or summer of study abroad.
B.M. in Performance	The B.M. in Performance is to prepare well-educated, creative, and professionally skilled musicians who are able to compete successfully for entry-level employment or further studies, and contribute to cultural life as artists, educators, and advocates in a rapidly changing world.
B.M. in Composition	The Bachelor of Music in Composition is designed to develop fundamental craft and technical skills, to encourage independent stylistic development and artistic excellence, and to give students the real-world experiences and practical professional skills needed for the many different careers open to today’s composer.
B.M. in Music Therapy	The Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy uses an interdisciplinary approach to develop knowledge in music theory, history, and performance while providing focused training in music therapy, research and psychology.
B.M. in Music Education (Teacher Certification)	The Bachelor of Music in Music Education with Teacher Certification prepares undergraduates for teaching careers in early childhood through 12th grade music programs. This program combines conservatory-level music experiences, research-proven teaching methodologies, and a strong liberal arts education with practical experiences in public schools to develop leaders in the field of music education. This degree can be completed in four years.
Dual Degree in Performance and Music Education	Students who meet degree candidacy criteria in both performance and music education can pursue dual degrees in these fields. If begun by the second or third term, the second degree can usually be achieved with a range of nine to 17 additional credits (approximately one term) through wise use of electives and curricular planning.
Graduate
M.M. in Composition	The Master of Music in Composition program is flexible and designed to encourage independent stylistic development, technical skill and artistic excellence. Composers benefit from the Division’s commitment to new music performance and a state-of-the-art electronic studio.
M.M. in Music Education	Two options are provided in the M.M. in music education: 1) an option for candidates who already hold teaching certification and 2) an option for candidates with a degree in music who are seeking teacher certification. The M.M. in music education may be earned on a part-time basis, typically in three years, or on a full-time basis, typically in four terms (two years). Courses are offered in the evenings and summers to accommodate in-service teachers, thereby enabling teachers to continue in their jobs while pursuing the degree. Full-time students may take daytime and evening classes. At least nine credit hours of the required coursework in MUHI, MUTH or electives must be from 6000-level courses that are not double listed.
M.M. in Musicology	The M.M. in Musicology degree offers personalized instruction in the historical, cultural, and philosophical study of music. Coursework includes advanced musicology seminars, research methods, thesis writing, and a teaching practicum. Students work closely with renowned faculty whose expertise spans 19th-20th century Western art music, Medieval repertories, popular music, music in film, and the cognitive sciences of music.
Master of Sacred Music	The Master of Sacred Music degree program is jointly sponsored by Perkins School of Theology and the Division of Music of Meadows School of the Arts for the preparation of professional music and arts leadership in the church and, if one chooses, ordination as a deacon. Recognizing the existence of several models of professional church music leadership, this program provides a wide range of graduate-level training in performance, professional and academic skills.
M.M. in Theory Pedagogy	The Master of Music in Theory Pedagogy program offers teaching and research experiences in preparation for Ph.D. work in theory or theory pedagogy and for theory teaching in private, secondary, and college/university settings. The degree offers a teaching practicum along with a wide range of experiences in the areas of educational philosophy and psychology, the pedagogy of music theory, and advanced theory studies. Throughout the program, students work closely with experienced faculty strongly committed to teaching. This degree may be combined with a M.M. in Composition or a M.M. in Performance to broaden teaching opportunities and career opportunities.
Performer’s Diploma	The Performer’s Diploma program is a two-year program for exceptional performers who already hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent conservatory or professional qualifications and who are preparing for a career in performance. The Performer’s Diploma is available in piano, strings, voice, organ, woodwinds, brass or percussion. By their performance and credentials, applicants must demonstrate that they have the potential to become professional performers and are well on the way to realizing that potential. The program provides intensive studio instruction in performance along with ensemble, chamber music and repertoire coursework related to the major. The Performer’s Diploma program normally encompasses a four-term residency.
Artist Diploma	The Artist Diploma program is a two-year program for a small number of extraordinary performers who already hold a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or equivalent conservatory or professional qualifications and who are on the threshold of a solo career in performance. By their performance and credentials, applicants must demonstrate that they are in the final stages of preparation to enter major competitions and/or to begin a professional solo career. Candidates for the Artist Diploma must possess not only great talent, but also the ability and determination to realize that talent in the contemporary musical world. Students who apply are required to present an initial DVD recording of a recital and to provide a curriculum vitae and undergo an interview