School of Music

The School of Music offers the Master of Music degree in Music Education, Performance, and Conducting. All students are required to take a graduate-level entrance examination to determine correct course placement. In addition to being admitted to the University, students intending to pursue the performance and conducting degrees must schedule and perform an entrance audition and interview to be considered for admission to the School of Music. Students should contact the applied music professor or the ensemble director in their instrumental/vocal area to schedule the audition/interview. Music Education students must complete a research project (three credit hours) on a subject relating to their teaching area (Research Project Option). For students pursing Performance and Conducting degrees, the graduate research project will be in the format of a recital or concert. The option of a more comprehensive research paper is available in the format of a Graduate Thesis (Thesis Option). 

Applied Music

The courses in applied music are designed to meet the requirements for students who see a Master of Music degree. Instruction at the graduate level is offered in the following areas. 

  • Composition
  • Conducting
  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Basson
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  • French Horn
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Tuba
  • Percussion
  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Double Bass
  • Piano
  • Voice
  • Guitar

Catalog Numbers

The first of the four digits indicates the Graduate level (5-Graduate); the second digit (1, 2, 3, or 4) indicates the number of semester credit hours and the minimum of daily practice; the third digit (1, 2, 3, or 4) indicated the semester; the fourth digit is zero.

Students normal progress to the subsequent higher level each year. This progress form one level of applied music to another is dependent on approval by the jury held at the conclusion of each semester. 

Music (MUSI)

MUSI 5120  Wind Symphony  1 SCH  (0-4)  

Highest level of musicianship are demonstrated through performance of respected wind band literature. Prerequisite: Audition.

MUSI 5121  Symphonic Band 1  1 SCH  (0-4)  

Symphonic Band includes in its repertoire major contemporary and historical works composed for the wind band as well as marches and transcriptions. Through rehearsal and performance, the student will gain knowledge about historical and contemporary performance practice and become familiar with standard and contemporary works in wind banc. Prerequisite: audition.

MUSI 5123  Symphony Orchestra  1 SCH  (0-3)  

Highest levels of musicianship demonstrated through performance of respected orchestral literature. Prerequisite: Audition.

MUSI 5130  Jazz Combo  1 SCH  (0-3)  

Jazz music in the small ensemble setting. Experience in improvisation by arranging, rehearsing and performing jazz music as a combo. Prerequisite. Audition.

MUSI 5131  Jazz Band I  1 SCH  (0-3)  

The premiere instrumental jass performance ensemble, Jass Band I performs the highest level of jazz literature stressing improvisation and various styles of jazz. Prerequisite: Audition.

MUSI 5132  Chamber Music  1 SCH  (0-3)  

The study, preparation and performance of small-ensemble music in like-instrument groupings, mixed-instrument ensembles, and vocal ensembles.

MUSI 5133  Mariachi Javelina  1 SCH  (0-3)  

The premiere Mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Javelina performs the highest level of literature stressing style and customs of Mariachi music through instrumental and vocal performance. Prerequisite: Audition.

MUSI 5141  Choir  1 SCH  (0-4)  

Required of all voice majors. Study and performance of choral literature from the Renaissance to the present.

MUSI 5151  Singers  1 SCH  (0-3)  

A select small mixed ensemble which performs music especially written for a vocal chamber group. Open by audition to all students.

MUSI 5157  Opera Workshop  1 SCH  (0-5)  

Study and performance of scenes and acts from operas as well as full operas. Practical experience in opera production including dramatic aspects of staged music-drama. Emphasis on integration of music, acting, and staging.

MUSI 5301  Intro to Research in Music  3 SCH  (3-0)  

The nature of research and scientific method, application to problem areas in fields of musicology, music education and music theory. Problem selection and definition. Specialized techniques for location, collection, qualification and treatment of data. Preparation of a research report.

MUSI 5303  Studies in Literature  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Examination, evaluation and critique of the history and literature of a specific performance medium. Classes are organized by specific performance areas.

MUSI 5305  Graduate Research Project  3 SCH  (3)  

Designed for project option students and requires completion of research project. Prerequisite: departmental approval. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours.

MUSI 5308  Music Ed Leadership and Admin  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Topics covered in this course will be relevant to those interested in careers in music education administrative positions at the classroom, department, school, and community level. It will address effective principles and techniques for observation, supervision, and evaluation. Curriculum development and design will be studied from their practical, philosophical, and psychological perspectives.

MUSI 5309  Musicology Seminar  1-3 SCH  (1-3)  

Selected topics in music literature or theory. May be repeated when the topic of study changes.

MUSI 5310  Vocal Literature  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Survey of standard literature for solo voice from the Renaissance to the present within each voice classification through recordings and live performances. Development of curricular standards for assigning proper repertoire to applied students.

MUSI 5311  Choral Literature  3 SCH  (3)  

Survey of choral repertory from the Middle Ages to the present. Study of a composite repertoire of choral literature for different age groups through recordings and live performances. Development of curricular standards for programming and pedagogy for the choral conductor.

MUSI 5312  Hist and Lit of Wind Band  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Study of the historical development of the modern wind band and its precursors through a survey of the significant literature written for wind ensembles.

MUSI 5315  Women and Gender in Music  3 SCH  (3-0)  

The course considers women's contributions to music of a variety of styles through composition, performance, teaching, criticism, and/or patronage, as well as historical and contemporary systems of gender as they relate to music and culture. Outside reading and listening required. Prerequisite: MUSI 5301 or instructor approval.

MUSI 5316  Advanced Percussion Techniques  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Advanced pedagogy of percussion instruments for individual and ensemble performance. Development of marching and concert band percussion sections and percussion ensembles. In-depth study of the psychological, physical and creative aspects of teaching percussion along with a survey of important percussion materials and repertoire.

MUSI 5318  Advanced Analysis  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Techniques of analysis and their applications to sonata, rondo, fugue, variation and related forms and procedures.

MUSI 5350  Music Technology  3 SCH  (3-0)  

General introduction to current computer and audio technologies and their uses in the music classroom. Music Graphics, Audio Editing, MIDI (Musical Digital Interface), Multi-media CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction) and Audio/Video Internet applications.

MUSI 5365  Assessment and Evaluation  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Applications of measurement and evaluation principles in music education settings with emphasis on a comprehensive review of contemporary music tests and practical strategies relevant to authentic teaching situations. Prerequisite: admission to a graduate degree program in music education.

MUSI 5368  Advanced Woodwind Techniques  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Pedagogical practices and materials for teaching woodwinds. Selection, adjustment care and repair of reeds with practice in making double reeds. Practical demonstration on the woodwind instruments.

MUSI 5369  Introduction to Orff Schulwerk  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Philosophy and pedagogy of Orff Schulwerk. Emphasis on rhythmic speech, body percussion, singing, playing musical instruments appropriate for use by children, elemental forms, pentatonic fold melodies, soprano recorder and improvisation. Prerequisite: admission to a graduate degree program in music education.

MUSI 5370  Vocal Pedagogy  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Teaching strategies for the development of vocal production, quality, classification, registration, range, anatomy and physiology. Study of vocal production as a science and applicaiton of such knowledge. Observation and evaluation of teaching demonstrations within the class by peers and instructor.

MUSI 5371  Intro to Dalcroze Eurthythmics  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Study of Eurhythmics as developed by Emile Jacques-Dalcroze in a practical laboratory setting, combining pedagogy and experience with lesson plan design.

MUSI 5372  Intro to Kodaly Method  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Basic techniques, strategies and materials associated with the Kodaly Method. Examine goals and processes of Kodaly Method related to singing, movement, inner hearing and music literacy.

MUSI 5373  Orff Schulwerk Lvl I Pedagogy  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Basic techniques, strategies and materials. Explore the use of rhythmic speech, ostinato, pentatonic melodies, bordun accompaniments, instrumentarium and elemental forms. Prerequisite: MUSI 4330, or equivalent inservice training experience.

MUSI 5374  Orff Schulwerk Lvl II Pedagogy  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Explore the use of diatonic major and minor modes, irregular and changing meters, canonic treatment, polyrhythms and Latin rhythms, instrumental accompaniments using chord changes, aleatoric principles and 12-bar blues. Continuation of the study of soprano recorder with introduction of alto recorder in consort. Emphasis on improvisation. Prerequisite: MUSI 5373 and one year's teaching experience in Orff Schulwerk.

MUSI 5375  Early Childhood Music and Movement  3 SCH  (3-0)  

This course emphasizes the strategies for implementing the Kodaly philosophy of early childhood education in the music classroom.

MUSI 5376  Advanced Brass Techniques  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Pedagogical practices and materials for teaching brass instruments, acoustical properties, care and maintenance of the brasses.

MUSI 5377  Integrating Music into the Core Curriculum  3 SCH  (3-0)  

This course emphasizes the importance of utilizing authentic musical arts for children to support their learning of the PreK-5 core curriculum, particularly common to literacy and numeracy.

MUSI 5378  Studies in Pedagogy  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Examination of methods, principles and psychology of musical materials in performance and teaching. Students are evaluated on teaching techniques to improve one-on-one skills in the studio setting. Classes are organized by specific performance areas.

MUSI 5379  Piano Pedagogy  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Advanced methods of piano teaching; the learning process and its application to the beginning piano student and mid-level, advanced and adult piano methods.

MUSI 5380  Adv. Instrumental Techniques  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Instructional and curricular issues in the field of instrumental music education. Topics include the role of the conductor-educator, effective rehearsal methods, comprehensive musicianship, instrument-specific pedagogy, cooperative learning strategies, one-to-one teaching, teaching practice skills, instrumental learning in popular music ensembles, and incorporating digital media in instrumental music education.

MUSI 5384  Advanced Choral Techniques  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Instructional and curricular issues in the field of choral conducting. Topics include score study, historical performance practice, effective rehearsal methods for various levels of ensembles, teaching practice skills including the incorporation of technology-based learning tools, techniques for working with instrumental ensembles, and incorporating movement in learning.

MUSI 5390  Marching Band Techniques  1-3 SCH  (1-3)  

Planning and charting football shows, rehearsal problems and equipment.

MUSI 5392  Music Education Seminar  1,3 SCH  (1, 3)  

Selected topics in music education. May be repeated when topic of study changes.

MUSI 5394  Foundations of Music Educ  3 SCH  (3-0)  

History, philosophy and sociology of music education and the aesthetics of music.

MUSI 5397  Advanced Score Reading  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Advanced study and analysis of music scores in the wind band repertory. Emphasis on identifying core components of pieces in a range of styles and on the development of skills for realizing wind band scores at the piano.

MUSI 5398  Advanced Conducting  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Baton techniques and critical examination of scores; rehearsal and interpretive problems.

MUSI 5399  Special Problems in Music  1-3 SCH  (0-0-1-3)  

Independent research of special problems in music relating to student needs and interests. This course may be repeated for credit.

Planned Course Offerings

This section provides a comprehensive list of graduate courses offered by the School of Music, along with a two-year schedule indicating when each course is expected to be available. Please note that course offerings and scheduling are subject to change based on faculty availability and student demand. To ensure steady progress toward degree completion, students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their advisor to develop a personalized academic plan.

Music (MUSI)

Course Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Fall 2026 Spring 2027
MUSI 5120 X X X X
MUSI 5121 X X X X
MUSI 5123 X X X X
MUSI 5130 X X X X
MUSI 5131 X X X X
MUSI 5132 X X X X
MUSI 5133 X X X X
MUSI 5141 X X X X
MUSI 5151 X X X X
MUSI 5157   X   X
MUSI 5301   X    
MUSI 5303       X
MUSI 5305   X X X
MUSI 5308 1        
MUSI 5309 X      
MUSI 5310       X
MUSI 5311       X
MUSI 5312 X      
MUSI 5315   X   X
MUSI 5316 1        
MUSI 5318   X    
MUSI 5350 1        
MUSI 5365 1        
MUSI 5368 1        
MUSI 5369 1        
MUSI 5370     X  
MUSI 5371 1        
MUSI 5372 1        
MUSI 5373 1        
MUSI 5374 1        
MUSI 5375 1        
MUSI 5376 1        
MUSI 5377 1        
MUSI 5378     X  
MUSI 5379     X  
MUSI 5380     X  
MUSI 5384 1        
MUSI 5390        
MUSI 5392     X  
MUSI 5394 1        
MUSI 5398 1        
MUSI 5399   X X X

This course is available during the summer term only.

Marketable Skills

Texas A&M University-Kingsville is dedicated to equipping graduate and doctoral students with the advanced marketable skills necessary for professional and academic excellence beyond the university setting. These skills encompass a range of high-level interpersonal, analytical, and applied competencies that are sought after in today’s competitive workforce.

Our graduate programs are structured to cultivate these capabilities through rigorous academic inquiry, experiential learning, faculty-mentored research, professional internships, and opportunities for scholarly and community engagement.

Below are the marketable skills cultivated through the department's graduate academic program.

Music, M.M.

  • Critical thinking
  • Creativity
  • Problem-solving
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Self-discipline and personal responsibility
  • Effective communication