MM in Woodwinds

The following is the approved normal course of study for students pursuing a MM in Woodwinds. In all cases, a student's particular program should be determined in consultation with his/her academic advisor.  Customized tracks, involving substitutions for required and elective courses, are encouraged. These must be planned in advance with the advisor and will require the approval of the Music Department Graduate Committee.

Audition Requirements

The applicant should be prepared to play at least two compositions from the standard solo repertory for his/her primary instrument. Acceptable primary instruments include the following:

  • Clarinet (Bb/A)
  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Bassoon
  • Alto saxophone

Course Requirements

Course Credits
Primary Instrument 4,4
Secondary Instrument* 2,2
Tertiary Instrument* 2,2
MUS 513 Performance Specialties 2,2
Seminar in double reed instruments 1,1
Music History** 4,4
Music Theory** 4,4
Total 38

*One instrument in the two remaining woodwind families must be studied. The family groupings are:

  • Flute
  • Single reeds
  • Double reeds

**Identical with all other MM in Performance tracks

Additional Requirements

  • Recital: A full-length public on the primary instrument
  • Lecture/demonstrations: One each on the secondary and tertiary instruments. These presentations will be made to the jury, students in the Woodwind major program and undergraduate majors in the woodwind sector of the department. Each of the two sessions will adhere to the following format:
    • Brief history of the instrument
    • The various national schools of playing
    • The relevant solo, chamber and study literature, of which at least one example must be played
    • A playing demonstration by the candidate of pedagogical principles regarding tone, breath, embouchure, fingering, articulation and tuning/intonation