Department Chair: Prof. Dennis Gowen
Program Director: Prof. Tonya Mertz
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Music program is to provide an opportunity for students to be engaged musically, artistically, intellectually, and operationally through creative endeavor, inquiry, and investigation. The Master of Arts in Music degree provides a service to musicians in the region who want or need to continue their music education in order to excel in their chosen profession. It is a general degree without specialization, but allows elective options for students to focus on areas of interest.
In addition to many musicians in the Bismarck-Mandan area and surrounding region, this program addresses the specific needs of music teachers in Catholic school systems by providing specific courses, creating a network of peers, and providing a program of study that includes scholarship, community, and spirituality.
Available to students from across the country, the program provides a two-week intensive summer program; provide online, private, ensemble, independent, and blended courses during the year; and enables students to complete the program in three summers plus the interim fall/spring semesters.
Department Mission
The University of Mary Music Department is a learning community that transforms students into artists and educators, excelling in musical performance and pedagogy through individual instruction, comprehensive curricula, and diverse performance opportunities. We prepare graduates to be servant leaders in their chosen careers.
Department Outcomes
Graduates of this department:
- Assess their own musical endeavors based on a thorough knowledge of music theory and history, aural discrimination, and sight-reading and keyboard skills
- Perform with artistry
- Direct musical groups with artistic integrity
- Develop a technical, creative, and intuitive approach to the musical profession
- Apply music technology in performance, studio, and educational settings
- Demonstrate respect and work effectively with others
- Articulate the values of this Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine institution and reflect on them in their work
- Contribute to their civic, cultural, and professional communities
- Know the teachings of the church regarding sacred music and apply them with musical excellence and pastoral care (BM Sacred Music)
- Plan and implement effective and developmentally appropriate lessons and curricula based upon sound principles of content knowledge, skill development, and pedagogy (BS Music Education)
- Demonstrate an understanding of repertoire, performance practices, audition procedures, and pedagogical techniques that enable them to succeed in the next stage of their career development (BM Performance)
- Demonstrate an understanding and awareness of current trends related to their area of specialization and maintain career-oriented portfolios including resume, photos, and media (BS Music)
The University of Mary Music Program is accredited as an Associate Member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Program Admission Requirements
Applicants must a bachelor’s degree in music with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and demonstrate proficiency and aptitude sufficient to predict success in graduate study through transcripts, artifacts that demonstrate competency in an applied area or scholarship, and entrance auditions or examinations. Students must also submit a Goal Statement, two letters of recommendation, and a resume.
In addition to these standards, students seeking admission to the University of Mary Graduate Music program must meet all of the university’s general standards for graduate admissions found in the university catalog.
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