FINAL PROJECT
FOR
MASTER OF MUSIC INSTRUMENAL STUDENTS

Download the text and forms for the MM Final Project here:

All students enrolled in the Master of Music degree program who are majoring in an
orchestral instrument are required to complete one of the following two projects:

Option I

• Students must maintain a list of all literature (including solos, etudes, and
excerpts) performed each semester in lessons while enrolled in the MM (see form on Final Project download above)

• During the final semester of study, students must submit a document containing
the following items:

1. lists of music studied/performed in all 4 semesters of lessons and signed by their studio teacher;

2. program notes or background information for any two of those pieces.
The notes should be approximately 500 words each and must contain at least 3 recognized references such as Baker’s, New Groves, or other recognized resource materials. Any online resource must be documented and recognized as appropriate and authoritative.

3. a theoretical analysis of any one of the listed pieces (or one movement of a multi-movement piece). In either case, the length of the movement/piece being analyzed should be no less than 8-10 minutes. This should contain form, basic harmonic events, large-scale phrasing, performance practice issues, etc. (see attached analysis guide and Form 2)

The document must be submitted no later than November 1 for an anticipated December graduation or April 1 for an anticipated May graduation.
• Documents will be distributed among the instrumental faculty for review. A pass
from a minimum of two faculty members is required.
• Grading will be pass/fail.

Option II

• Students must maintain a list of all literature (including solos, etudes, and
excerpts) performed each semester in lessons while enrolled in the MM (see form on Final Project download above)

• During the final semester of study, students will submit a document containing
the following items:

1. lists of the music studied/performed in lessons and signed by their
studio teacher;

2. program notes or background information for any two of those pieces.  The notes should be approximately 500 words each and must contain at least 3 recognized references such as Baker’s, New Groves, or other recognized resource materials. Any online resource must be documented and recognized as appropriate and authoritative.

3. a discussion of a third piece from the submitted lists (or one movement of a multi-movement piece). In either case, the length of the movement/piece being discussed should be no less than 8-10 minutes. This discussion should be in the form of a paper of no less than 2000 words. Topics may include (but are not limited to) historical perspectives, performance and performance practices issues, instrumental technical
issues, importance/role of this piece in the literature for the student’s instrument, etc. This discussion must be presented as a formal paper with any supporting information (resources, charts, etc.).

The document must be submitted no later than November 1 for an anticipated
December graduation or April 1 for an anticipated May graduation.
• Documents will be distributed among the instrumental faculty for review. A pass
from a minimum of two faculty members is required.
• Grading will be pass/fail.