University of Mobile Introduction and Overview
University of Mobile is a four-year institution of liberal arts and sciences affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. It is committed to providing fully accredited educational programs of the highest quality to its students. Its primary emphasis is establishing and maintaining a tradition of excellence in undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as in professional, graduate, continuing education, and specialized degree-granting programs.
All educational programs of the University are designed for the intellectual, spiritual, cultural, and personal growth of students. As a Christian institution, University of Mobile explicitly seeks to combine the critical pursuit of knowledge with the cultivation of religious awareness and to unite academic excellence with a dedication to service at local, state, national, and international levels.
Accreditation
University of Mobile is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, 404-675-4501) to award Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees. University of Mobile is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music [11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190-5248, 703-437-0700]. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Music (for teacher certification; p-12) is approved by the Alabama State Board of Education, and the University holds membership in the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.
ASOTA Mission Statement
Alabama School of the Arts is a Christ-centered, academic community providing liberal arts and professional programs of music, worship leadership, theatre, and production technology. ASOTA exists to train and equip the next generation of Christian artists by promoting a collaborative, Christ-centered environment where students are guided by expertise, challenged by strong programs, enriched by meaningful experiences and performances, and inspired to integrate the Christian faith with their art.
ASOTA Vision Statement
Alabama School of the Arts exists for the academic, artistic, and spiritual growth of the student.
Department of Music
Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in the Alabama School of the Arts
The Alabama School of the Arts offers the following graduate music degrees:
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Master of Music in Performance: Voice
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Master of Music in Performance: Piano
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Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance: Voice
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Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance: Voice (Online)
General Information
The Master of Music (M.M.) in Vocal Performance has been designed to provide professional training to performers who wish to concentrate on multiple styles of singing and teaching through focused courses in voice, pedagogy and performance.
The Master of Music (M.M.) in Piano Performance has been designed to combine knowledge from piano literature with advanced piano pedagogy. The ASOTA piano festival provides an opportunity for students to hear and work with world-renowned performing artists.
The Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Vocal Performance provides opportunities for students to develop their performance abilities while expanding their knowledge of music literature and vocal technique. The degree may be completed through in person, hybrid, or online delivery formats, providing flexibility for a variety of professional and educational needs.
These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in performance and teaching across a variety of musical styles and professional settings, including contemporary commercial music, musical theatre, opera, chamber music, and higher education.
Cognates and Concentrations
The following cognates are offered within the M.M. (6 credit hours) and D.M.A. (12 credit hours) in Voice Performance degree programs
- Pedagogy (please note that the D.M.A. cognate requires an additional elective outside of vocal pedagogy)
- Theatre
- Worship
Department of Theatre
Degree Program
The Department of Theatre offers the following degree:
- Master of Arts in Musical Theatre
General Information
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Musical Theatre prepares students for advanced professional work and teaching in musical theatre performance and theatrical practice. The program is designed to strengthen artistic, pedagogical, and professional skills while equipping students for careers in the industry or for continued graduate study toward the M.F.A., D.M.A., or D.F.A. degree. The Master of Arts in Musical Theatre consists of 30 semester hours.
Program Benefits and Professional Opportunities
- Develop and maintain efficient technique and compelling artistry
- Further essential stage skills and experience
- Opportunity to learn from professors with real-world experience and established records of successful teaching
- Gain practical experience for application of pedagogy
- Development of cross-styles both in performance and in teaching
Department of Worship & Technology
Degree Program
The Department of Worship Leadership offers a degree program of study designed to prepare individuals for performance or instruction in the musical & worship arts by developing skills needed to succeed in the fields of business or technology and serve as worship ministry leaders.
The Department of Worship & Technology offers the following degree:
- Master of Arts in Worship Leadership & Theology
General Information
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Worship Leadership & Theology is designed to deepen the Worship Leader’s theological framework while providing practical training in the arts, technology, and ministry leadership. The Master of Arts in Worship Leadership & Theology consists of thirty-six graduate semester hours.
Graduate Admission Requirements
Regular Admission Requirements
Students seeking regular admission to masters and doctoral level programs at University of Mobile, Alabama School of the Arts must:
- Have a grade point average of at least 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale on undergraduate coursework.
- Provide official copies of transcripts from any post-secondary education.
- Have completed a degree from an accredited institution.
- Pass a candidacy audition.
Please see below for program specific requirements.
M.A. in Musical Theatre
Audition Requirements
Prepare the following:
- One Golden Age Musical Theatre Song
- One Contemporary/Modern Musical Theatre Song
- Two contrasting 1-minute monologues: from the following Theatrical styles: Classical Theatre (Shakespeare etc.), Contemporary, Dramatic, and Comedic.
M.M. in Vocal Performance
Audition Requirements
Prepare six memorized selections representing the following:
- 17th or 18th Century song or aria in Italian
- Standard operatic aria
- German art song
- French art song
- 20th or 21st century British or American Art song
- Please select one piece representing your cognate area of interest:
- Musical Theatre selection
- Operatic aria
- Art song
D.M.A. in Vocal Performance
All DMA Applicants
In addition to completing an application, please submit the following directly to khedlund@umobile.edu:
- One letter of recommendation, sent directly from your recommender
- A writing sample from a previous degree program (preferably a research paper)
Online DMA Auditions
Applicants may submit audition videos via Google Drive or YouTube links to khedlund@umobile.edu
Audition requirements are the same as in-person auditions.
Audition Requirements
Complete an interview with the Director of Vocal Studies
Prepare six memorized selections representing the following:
- 17th or 18th Century song or aria in Italian
- Standard operatic aria
- German art song
- French art song
- 20th or 21st century British or American art song
- One piece representing your cognate area of interest: Musical Theatre selection, Operatic aria, Art song
M.A. in Worship Leadership & Theology
MAWLT students are required to interview with the Chair of Worship Leadership. Please complete the graduate audition form to schedule your interview.
M.M. in Piano Performance
Audition Requirements
Prepare the following (memorized):
- One piece from each of the following contrasting styles: Baroque, Classical Sonata (one movement), Romantic OR Contemporary
- Sight-reading
Transfer Credit
A maximum of six hours of credit may be transferred from another accredited institution and applied toward a graduate degree. However, application of transfer credit to the plan of study MUST be approved by the ASOTA graduate committee or the student’s graduate advisory committee.
Entrance/Diagnostic Examinations
Students entering the M.M. or D.M.A. programs are required to take diagnostic entrance examinations in music theory, music history and diction/IPA (voice majors only). The purpose of the examinations is:
- To determine whether the student has foundation-level deficiencies needing to be addressed in order for the candidate to be successful in graduate courses. Additional coursework may be required to address any deficiencies.
- To provide information that will guide the student and their advisor in selecting useful and appropriate academic courses.
Students who do not pass the diagnostic exams will be required to enroll in courses to correct the deficiencies. The Chair of Graduate Studies and Advisory Committee Chair will meet with each student to discuss strengths and weaknesses revealed in the exams in order to determine courses for degree.
For entering DMA students: A Diction Proficiency Exam will be offered with Placement Exams. If the student does not pass the Diction Proficiency Exam in any of the three language areas, the student will be required to take the corresponding course. The extra diction courses will be added to the student’s Plan of Study by the Chair of Graduate Studies. Advanced Diction courses are as follows:
MU 545 Advanced Italian Diction
MU 546 Advanced French Diction
MU 547 Advanced German Diction
Students who exhibit proficiency in any or all of the three languages with the respective IPA transliterations, may be exempt from taking the courses. If the student does not pass the proficiency, the student is given the option to either take the course(s) for credit or audit and pass the final exam.
Special Foreign Language Requirement for Voice Performance
M.M and D.M.A. The students’ transcript(s) must show grades of B- or better in at least one semester each of German, French and Italian language courses. Students may be admitted to the program without meeting the above requirement but must take the necessary courses to meet this before they graduate. All MM and DMA students must meet the language study requirements.
M.M. and D.M.A. Performance: Language Requirements for Voice Majors must have at least one course in diction for singers. Students lacking these will be required to pass these courses in addition to the requirements for the degree.
Comprehensive Examinations
Comprehensive examinations are required for all masters and doctoral candidates in voice at the conclusion of the program of study. Master of Music in piano candidates complete a thesis and oral comprehensive exam. Generally, comprehensive exams are given on the Saturday of the second full week in November and April; however, the exact dates of the examinations are determined by the Graduate Coordinator and are publicized as soon as the university’s academic calendar is available. Students must register for MU 696 Comprehensive Examinations for master’s candidates or MU 896 Comprehensive Examinations for doctoral candidates in order to be eligible to complete their comprehensive examinations during that semester, as approved by their faculty advisor. Study guides will be provided initially in the MU 696/ 896 Comprehensive Exam courses. Extra study material will not be provided between the written and oral portions of the exam. The ASOTA faculty has set deadlines to help students complete the MM or DMA in a timely manner. Late completion of requirements will result in a deferral of graduation to a future semester.
M.M. Comprehensive Examinations
How are the tests prepared and graded?
The tests are standardized and will be prepared and graded by graduate faculty. MM candidates will be tested on vocal performance specific courses: Italian diction, German diction, and French diction, song literature and pedagogy. The song literature and pedagogy portion of the exam will be structured to cover material based on the courses taken by the students.
What happens if the results of the comprehensive exam are unsatisfactory?
A student who fails the comprehensive examination may repeat the exam once; the test must be repeated within one year of the first comprehensive examination.
Results
The Chair of Graduate Studies in ASOTA receives the results of the comprehensive examination and will give students either a pass or fail grade in the course MU 696 Comprehensive Exams.
D.M.A. Comprehensive Examinations
How are the tests prepared and graded?
DMA candidates will be tested in the areas of Diction (Italian, German, French), Pedagogy, and Vocal Literature, with questions being pulled from their coursework. Questions from the candidate’s cognate area will also be included on the exam. After the written portion of the comprehensive exams, faculty will grade the student’s work, and give feedback on any areas that require further explanation. An individual oral comprehensive exam is scheduled as a second part of the exam, in which the student may clarify or expand upon any areas that were insufficient in their written portion of the exam.
What happens if the results of the comprehensive exam are unsatisfactory?
A student who fails the comprehensive examination may repeat the exam once; the test must be repeated within one year of the first comprehensive examination.
Results
The Chair of Graduate Studies in ASOTA receives the results of the comprehensive examination and will give students either a pass or fail grade in the course MU 896 Comprehensive Exams.
***With the exception of extenuating circumstances approved by the graduate committee, students must take the exams before they defend their dissertation. Exams are offered after dissertation defense deadlines so students should plan to take comprehensive exams the semester(s) before they defend their dissertation.
Prospectus Procedures
A prospectus is required of all DMA candidates and should describe an original project that contributes new information to the field of study. It should be defended early in the degree program and no later than one semester before the dissertation defense. The prospectus should include a statement of research, a synopsis of the proposed research, an outline for the dissertation and a sample of the dissertation. The prospectus approval form must be submitted by the committee chair immediately after the proposal defense.
* Students should be prepared to give faculty two weeks to read the prospectus and provide feedback. With the exception of extenuating circumstances, students should avoid turning in a prospectus during the last two weeks of class.
Dissertation Procedures
Getting Started
A dissertation is required of all DMA students and should follow the successful defense of the prospectus. As appropriate, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) must approve the project methodology before any research begins. Guidelines and templates for the preparation of the dissertation as dictated by The University of Mobile must be followed.
Defense
A defense of the dissertation cannot occur until after the student successfully completes the comprehensive examination. The dissertation must have been submitted by the student to the graduate committee with ample time for their review. The oral defense will be conducted by the graduate committee. Members of the graduate committee only will vote on the results of the examination. A simple majority will designate a pass. The committee chair must submit the Results Form to the Registrar and ASOTA staff immediately following the defense. If the student fails the defense on the first attempt, he/she has one additional attempt to defend the document successfully. Failure to defend the document successfully on the second attempt will result in dismissal from the program. Following a successful defense any required revisions should be completed in a timely manner and the finalized document submitted.
Deadlines
Students are responsible for meeting all published deadlines found on the ASOTA website and the Canvas class MM/DMA. If a student fails to submit the document prior to the published deadlines, the degree will be awarded the following semester.
Prior to the final submission of the dissertation to University of Mobile for publishing, the committee chair must be able to verify that the thesis has been checked to ensure originality and that the student has made all requested revisions to content and grammar.
Dissertation Deadline Schedule
ASOTA maintains a schedule of deadlines for students writing theses, doctoral projects, and dissertations. The proposal must be defended at least one semester before the dissertation defense. The last day to defend the doctoral dissertation for a Spring graduation is April 7, 2026.
In a Christ-centered classroom environment:
All are expected to wise when discussing fellow singers in this environment, never using words which can be harmful to one other. (Matthew 10:16)
All will be expected to treat your fellow singers with respect and compassion, both on and off the stage, in and out of the classroom/studio. (Romans 12:18)
Committee Chair and Committee Member Roles
Committee Chair:
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Responsible for helping choose the topic and directing writer towards relevant sources
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Responsible for helping develop the structure of the dissertation that makes sense with the chosen topic
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Decipher from early drafts whether or not the dissertation is going in the right direction
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Make sure that the prospectus that the committee agreed upon is the format for the dissertation
The Committee Chair is NOT responsible for:
Committee Members:
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Read the dissertation within 2 weeks from when the Committee Chair sends the full version to them
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Have the option to ask for any and all revisions, additions, and subtractions
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Each Committee Members gives approval to defend
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Committee members will ask questions in the defense
Alabama School of the Arts Sample Timeline and Expectations for the Dissertation Process
September: The student has defended their prospectus at the end of September, and their committee has approved both the topic and the structure/outline.
October - January: The student is actively researching, organizing, writing, answering the research question, and maintaining the structure from the approved prospectus. Students are welcome to submit chapters to the Committee Chair, and the Committee Chair can affirm that the student is on the right track or identify where the student may have strayed. From these chapters, the Committee Chair can also identify whether or not an editor is needed. Editors can be hired as an outside source if the writer is in need of additional help with grammar and academic writing.
Middle of January: The student submits the first full version of the dissertation to the Committee Chair. This should be an edited, excellent version of the dissertation.
The Committee Chair is given 2 weeks to read and respond and may ask for multiple revisions. Even though the writer may feel strongly or particularly passionate about the topic, asking for revisions is not personal. It is simply a part of the process and will make the dissertation stronger. Trust the process.
By the end of January, the student will receive requests for revisions from the Committee Chair. The revised version will continue to be submitted to the Committee Chair until it is deemed ready for full committee viewing.
Middle of February: Once a completed version is approved by the Committee Chair, the Committee Chair sends the dissertation to the committee members. The committee members will be given two weeks to read and provide feedback. The committee will then decide if the dissertation is ready to defend or if more revisions are necessary.
Committee members may ask for more or less information in the dissertation. This is a typical part of the process and the point of having a committee: peer review will continually strengthen the dissertation. Dissertations may change significantly once the committee reads them. Students should remain flexible, recognizing that the peer review process requires back and forth, give and take.
Middle of March: The committee decides that the student is ready to defend, and a defense date is set. The committee gathers for any final observations, revision requests, formatting corrections that may have appeared during revisions, and final questions for the writer. This is also a time for the student to share about the process and what was learned along the way. At the end of the defense, the student is asked to step out so that the committee can discuss any remaining questions or concerns. Once the committee gives approval, the defense is considered successful. Congratulations, Doctor!
April 7: Final date for the Dean of the Alabama School of the Arts to notify the Registrar of which students have completed the DMA and will graduate that semester.
May: Students are hooded by their Committee Chair during commencement ceremonies on the Great Commission Lawn.
*Working ahead of schedule is always welcome. The dissertation is a process that takes time if it is done well, and we want to respect the time of all parties involved.
*Please note: submitting the first complete version of the dissertation in February or March of the semester in which the student intends to graduate is too late.
Graduate Advisory Committee
Early in the student’s program of study, the student and major professor will identify the faculty members who will serve as the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee.
Master’s Advisory Committee
Master’s committee includes:
- The major professor
- One additional faculty member from the major area
- One faculty representative from music theory or music history
The Master’s Advisory Committee serves primarily in an advisory and evaluative role throughout the student’s degree program. Committee members may assist with academic planning, recital evaluation, comprehensive examinations, and other academic matters or decisions related to the student’s progress and successful completion of the degree.
Doctoral Advisory Committee
Doctoral committee includes:
- The major professor
- Three additional faculty members from the major and/or cognate area
- One additional faculty member, maybe a faculty member outside of the Alabama School of the Arts and/or University of Mobile.
The Doctoral Advisory Committee serves in a more formal academic and research capacity throughout the degree program. In addition to guiding the student’s program of study, the committee oversees and evaluates major doctoral milestones, including the prospectus defense, dissertation research, dissertation defense, recital evaluations, and comprehensive examinations.
Changes to committee membership must be approved in writing by the Chair of Graduate Studies in ASOTA.
The student and their advisory committee chair shall fill out the Degree Check Sheet based upon diagnostic examination results and course requirements. In cases where a student is required to take additional remedial course work, there is opportunity to list these requirements on the degree check Sheet. The degree check Sheet must be completed and should be filed electronically on Sharepoint by the advisory committee chair during the first semester of enrollment. The degree check sheets are available for all graduate students in the Canvas Graduate Student page.
Policies
Continuous Enrollment
Masters and doctoral students are expected to enroll continuously after they have taken required coursework until they complete their degree using the guidelines listed below.
Students must register for at least one (1) credit hour of dissertation/thesis in the Fall and Spring semesters if they:
- Have incomplete grades in one or more courses
- Have completed all coursework but must take comprehensive exams
- Have not completed their dissertation/thesis
- Have not completed their recital
Students must enroll for one (1) credit hour of dissertation/thesis in the Summer semester if they are using university services, e.g., library and/or technology services.
Students must register for three (3) credit hours of dissertation during the semester they expect to defend and complete the dissertation/thesis. All required coursework must be completed before the semester in which the student defends the thesis. The thesis must be deposited in the Office of Graduate Studies and with the Graduate Success Coach in ASOTA.
Failure to enroll for the appropriate hours will result in the student being discontinued from University of Mobile and the Alabama School of the Arts and require that the student reapply for admission to the program.
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR module training is TBA pending UM licensing
Please refer to umobile.edu/irb for additional information.
- All researchers listed on projects submitted for IRB approval must complete the Human Subjects Research Protection Training program, or a similar training program (such as CITI) approved by UM faculty.
- Researchers should determine the level of review of the proposed research: Exempt, Expedited, or Full Board. Use the appropriate application form. Also see “Level of Review” document under the General Information module for further clarification.
- Include the .pdf of your application form as well as any additional documentation that is needed. All documents should be sent in a single email to ghollingsworth@umobile.edu.
Plagiarism & AI
Plagiarism is scholarly theft, and it is defined as the unacknowledged use of secondary sources. More specifically, any written or oral presentation in which the writer or speaker does not distinguish clearly between original and borrowed material constitutes plagiarism. Plagiarism is a serious offense. An act of plagiarism will lead to a failing grade submitted for the work involved and for the course, as well as sanctions that may be imposed by the department, the Graduate School, and the University.
Since writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills are part of the learning outcomes of the students coursework, all writing assignments should
be prepared by the student.
At times, we will use AI for the following:
- Brainstorming and refining your ideas;
- Fine tuning your research questions;
- Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts; and
- Checking grammar and style.
The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:
- Impersonating you in classroom contexts, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you.
- Writing a draft of a writing assignment.
- Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete class assignments.
You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). Your use of AI tools must be properly documented and cited in order to stay within university policies on academic honesty. When in doubt about permitted usage, please ask for clarification. AI-generated submissions for bibliography annotations or writing assignments are not permitted and will be treated as plagiarism.
Graduation Application
In the final semester of a degree, students should submit their application for graduation to the Registrar’s office.
Recital Scheduling and Hearing Requirements
Before scheduling a recital, the student must contact all members of their Graduate Advisory Committee and work to find a date that all can attend. In order for the recital to be given, a majority of the advisory committee must be in attendance. If members of the committee are unable to attend, a quality recording must be provided.
A recital hearing should be scheduled three weeks prior to the performance and must be successfully completed at least two weeks prior to the performance. A hearing is attended by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee and each committee member provides positive feedback for the student.
For DMA students, ASOTA does not allow roles in opera, oratorio or musical theatre to substitute for a doctoral recital.
M.M., D.M.A., And M.A. Degree Requirements
Ensemble Participation Requirement
All full-time students pursuing a master’s in music are required to participate in a major ensemble during each term of residence. Master of Music in Voice Candidates are required to sing in the University Chorale each semester.
Note: M.M. Ed and Master of Arts in Musical Theatre students are exempt from this requirement.
Jury Requirements
Jury Requirements: M.M. Performance - Voice, M.A. Musical Theatre, D.M.A. Performance - Voice
All graduate voice students will sing for a faculty jury at the end of each semester. Absence from jury will result in an F for the semester. Makeup juries are only allowed under extreme circumstances where participation is impossible. In semesters where students are giving a recital, the recital hearing will take the place of the voice jury. If a graduate student fails two juries, they will be dismissed from the program.
D.M.A. & M.M. in Performance - Voice students are required to present the following repertoire for their jury:
- A total of at least 6 pieces must be offered, with 3 foreign languages represented.
M.A. in Musical Theatre students are required to present the following repertoire for their jury:
- 2 Golden age
- 2 contemporary
- 2 pop songs
- 2 contrasting monologues (one must be Shakespeare)
- 2-3 minute fight scene or dance scene
Recital Requirements
Using sheet music is not allowed for singers in recitals or cabarets except for oratorio repertoire or in chamber music repertoire when it is being performed with non-keyboard instruments. Only one recital may be presented by a student in a single semester. Ideally, recitals should be presented with one semester in between. A recital hearing is required three weeks prior to the recital. If a hearing is not completed, the recital will be canceled.
M.M. in Vocal Performance students must include at least 55 minutes of music in French, German, Italian, and English and represent a variety of musical style periods. At least one piece from the Classical period or before is required. A maximum of three arias may be included. All graduate recital programs must be approved by the graduate committee as soon as the repertoire is selected. Program notes must be prepared and presented to the graduate committee at the recital hearing.
D.M.A. in Vocal Performance students must have two recitals.
Recital one must include at least 55 minutes of music with groups of songs in French, German, Italian, and English and represent a variety of musical style periods. At least one piece from the Baroque/Renaissance, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods are required. A maximum of three arias may be included. All graduate recital programs must be approved by the graduate committee as soon as the repertoire is selected. Program notes must be prepared and presented to the graduate committee at the recital hearing.
Recital two must include at least 55 minutes of music, and may be a traditional academic recital, or themed recital. There are no specific requirements as to style periods covered, but the recital program must be approved by the graduate committee as soon as the repertoire is selected. Lecture recitals are allowed but must still include 50 minutes of music. Program notes must be prepared, and presented to the graduate committee at the recital hearing.
M.M. in Piano Performance students will present a 60- minute solo recital from memory which must include one concerto movement.
MM Piano students must write a Master’s Thesis which is listed as “Independent Study and Research” MU575.
A hearing is required at least two weeks prior to the scheduled solo recital for faculty evaluation. The student must also submit their Master’s Thesis to the committee during this evaluation.
The ‘oral exam’ must be scheduled within five days after the solo recital.
Examples of Piano Repertoire Selections:
- Polyphonic Style (from baroque to contemporary) J.S Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier, Suites (Partitas), Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D minor Shostakovich: Prelude and Fugue Franck: Choral et Fugue
- Classical Sonata [1750 - 1820] all movements: Beethoven, Mozart, and Haydn
- Romantic [1820 - 1900] (virtuosic work around 12-20 minutes) Chopin: Scherzo, Ballade, Polonaise-Fantaisie, Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante, 24 Preludes Schumann: Papillons, Davidsbundlertanze, Carnaval, Etudes Symphoniques Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies, Grandes Etudes de Paganini or The Transcendental Etudes (2 or 3), Mephisto Waltz, Spanish Rhapsody Brahms: Op. 79, 116, 118, 117 119, Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Variations on a Theme of Paganini
- Contemporary [1900 - present day] Prokofiev, Rachmaninov, Skryabin, Debussy, Ravel, Copland, Ives, Bartok
- Concerto Repertoire:
- Mozart - No. 20-27
- Beethoven - all
- Prokofiev - all
- Rachmaninov - all
- Chopin - all
- Bartok - all
- Ravel - all
- Schumann - all
M.A. in Musical Theatre students will present at a New York Showcase as the Capstone requirement for the M.A. in Musical Theatre Degree. M.A. in Musical Theatre students may choose to present one of the following in lieu of presenting at a New York Showcase to satisfy the Capstone requirement…
- Original one-person show or cabaret with the approval of both Theatre Chair and Student’s Applied Voice Instructor. The cabaret should be a 55-minute minimum, three set show incorporating dance, music, and interaction with the audience (chat, dialogue, etc.)
- Pre-existing one-person show with the approval of both Theatre Chair and Student’s Applied Voice Instructor
- Recital Program including the following material…
- 4 contrasting monologues (classic, modern or contemporary)
- 2 duet scenes (one from a play, one from a musical)
- Stage movement piece
- Dance piece
- pop songs in contrasting styles
- golden age songs
- contemporary- post ‘65 songs
Recital Procedures
Students will consult an applied instructor concerning recital procedures involving publicity, programs, recording, facility arrangements, apparel, and reception.
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Registering: Double check with your Advisor and Degree Plan that you are registered for the correct Recital course number.
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Facility and Date Reservation for Recitals: Contact Cheyanne Burge, cburge@umobile.edu, as soon as possible. Clear recital date with your collaborative pianist, Applied teacher, and the fam. Remain flexible, as we have many constantly moving parts here in ASOTA.
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Scheduling: Recitals are scheduled Monday through Friday, on campus in Moorer Auditorium or Dorsett Auditorium. No student recitals on Saturdays or Sundays. No student recitals during Finals week. If you absolutely need an exception to either of these, ask your Applied teacher.
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Recital Hearing: Students will present the entire program from memory along with a typed program (see Canvas Assignment in your recital course) to a faculty jury three weeks prior to the recital. Recitals not approved by the jury at this hearing will be rescheduled for a later date. The recital hearing should be scheduled at the same time that the recital time is selected. When possible, the recital hearing should take place during the student’s regular lesson time. Hearing and Recital dates are scheduled by the student with the approval of the instructor. Students will not participate in graduation exercises until all requirements, including the presentation of the senior recital, have been satisfied.
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Program: You will make your own program using the template provided on the Recital Canvas course. Please check it with your Applied Instructor to make sure it is formatted correctly and there are no misspellings. There are sample programs uploaded on the Program Module so that you can get an idea of formatting. To be included on programs:
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titles of pieces, and if it is from a show or song cycle, that too
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composer names and dates
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location, date, and time of recital
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groups - where will you take a break?
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intermission (30 minute recitals don’t have intermission, hour long recitals do have intermission)
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any other performers involved, including collaborative pianist
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your degree and applied teacher
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Program Printing: All recital program materials must be submitted to the private instructor for proofreading before printing. ASOTA provides the paper, you print your own programs. Contact Cheyanne Burge to get your recital program paper.
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All graduate student recitals are required to have program notes and must be presented to the faculty at the recital hearing. The program and program notes are two separate documents: see samples in the Canvas Course for clarity and content.
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Publicity/Posters: Feel free to make them! If you post anywhere besides Martin, it would need to be approved by Marketing. Before posting, clear with your Applied teacher. Use wisdom in where you place your posters. Do not place posters in any spot that is not designated for posters (no windows, doors, etc.). Social media is a great way to promote as well.
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Livestreaming: Moorer & Dorsett Auditorium is equipped for both livestreaming and recording recitals. When booking a recital date, students may request livestreaming services through Cheyanne Burge if desired. All recitals will automatically be recorded for archival and record keeping purposes.
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Reception: Receptions are for senior or graduate recitals only. When you book your recital date, you may also request tables. Tables can also be requested through Chayenne. Be sure to clean up well after your reception.
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Apparel: Discuss with your Applied teacher.
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Registration: Double check with your adviser that you are registered for the correct recital course. Students must be registered for Applied Lessons within the semester they are preparing for recitals. While it is understood that 8 semesters are required for certain degree plans, instruction must occur during preparation for recitals as well.
GRADUATE RECITALS:
Procedures for graduate recitals are the same as above, with one addition:
Recital Program and Program Notes: The recital program procedure is the same as above, with the addition of Program Notes, which are required for all graduate voice recitals. All recital program materials must be submitted to the private instructor for proofreading before printing. The program and program notes are two separate documents: see samples in the Canvas Course for clarity and content.
COMMERCIAL CONCERTS:
Tech: At the beginning of your commercial concert semester, contact Jeremy Harford, jharford@umobile.edu, to schedule a Production Technology student to run sound.
Mic: It is encouraged to practice on mic as much as possible. Check with your Applied Teacher and Tech Teams to arrange these rehearsals.
Band: If performing music that requires more than piano or track, you will need to arrange and rehearse your own band. As scheduling rehearsals can be challenging towards the end of the semester, it is recommended that you start EARLY.
Program notes are not required for Commercial concerts, but speaking between songs or sets is encouraged.
Graduation Requirements
Degree Conferral Dates
Students may complete degree requirements in Fall, Spring or Summer academic periods. The student’s official degree conferral date will be the last day of the academic period in which all degree requirements are satisfied.
All degree requirements must be completed and certified by the Registrar’s Office prior to the degree completion date. Students who need official certification that degree requirements have been met, prior to receiving a diploma, may request an official letter of notification be sent by the Registrar to any agency or employer. For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
Degrees are posted within two weeks of the date of conferral. Important note for Summer graduates: It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Registrar’s Office once all coursework has been completed to have the degree processed.
Any student planning to participate in the graduation ceremony must complete the Intent to Graduate Form by the application deadline. The Intent to Graduate form is an online submission through Canvas.
All final grades/projects/recitals/examinations for doctoral students must be approved and completed by April 7th for the student to participate in commencement (be hooded, etc.).
Any outstanding requirements that need to be met for graduation will be acknowledged within the first week of the intended graduation semester with the student and chair/committee all signing off on the appropriate outstanding requirements.
M.M. students may walk in graduation with up to three outstanding credits, assuming that they will be completed in the summer. All recitals must be complete in order to walk in graduation.
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