Degree Requirements

Master of Music: String Performance - Guitar

Program of Study — 18 units, 2 years

Courses outside the Bienen School of Music do not count toward the minimum 18 units required for the degree. 

 

Applied Lessons – 6 units

Students should select the section appropriate to their studio.

  • STRINGS 471 Applied Guitar

 

Studio Class – 0 units, 6 registrations required 

Students should select the section appropriate to their instrument. 

  • STRINGS 490 Studio Class 

 

Ensemble – 3 units 

  • STRINGS 374 Guitar Ensemble 

 

History and Literature – 1.5 units 

  • STRINGS 475 Lute and Guitar History & Literature 

 

Pedagogy – 1.5 units 

  • STRINGS 476 Guitar Pedagogy 

 

Music Studies Core – 1 unit 

  • MUSIC 440 Introduction to Music Research 

 

Music Studies Electives, 300 level or above – 1 unit* 

Music Studies Electives are Music Studies courses of the student’s choosing. Music Studies courses are 1 unit, academic in nature, and typically begin with the subject MUS_COMP, MUS_TECH, MUS_THRY, MUSIC_ED, and MUSICOL. Courses must be at the 300 level or above. 

MUS THRY 316 16th C Counterpoint or MUS THRY 318 18th C Counterpoint is recommended. 

Students must pass the incoming music theory diagnostic exam or the MUS_THRY 401 Graduate Review of Music Theory course before enrolling in other MUS_THRY courses. 

 

Music Electives, 300 level or above – 4 units* 

Music Electives are courses within the Bienen School of Music of the student’s choosing. Courses must be at the 300 level or above. 

*2 units between Music Electives and Music Studies Electives must be at the 400 level. Students may combine 0.5 and 1 unit courses to meet this requirement. 

 

Recitals – 0 units, 2 registrations required 

Students should select the section appropriate to their studio. 

  • STRINGS 480 MM Recital 

Students must register for each recital in the quarter of the recital. The applied lessons professor or a faculty-designated substitute must attend and pass students on all recitals. Students who do not complete both recitals by the end of six quarters must register for MUSIC 480 Recital Continuation in the quarter the final recital is presented. 

 

Music Theory Requirement 

Students must pass the incoming music theory diagnostic exam or the MUS_THRY 401 Graduate Review of Music Theory course.

 

Download Degree Checklist

Questions?

Contact Graduate Services: 
musicgradservices@northwestern.edu 
847-491-5740