UNI School of Music
Student Outcomes Assessment Plan: Graduate Division
There are two distinct degree tracks in for graduate study in the School of Music: the
Master of Arts in Music and the Master of Music.
Program Goals
Graduates of the School of Music Master of Music and the Master of Arts in Music programs
will demonstrate competencies in (1) general studies in music at the graduate level
(graduate music core) and (2) specialization in the area of the specific degree program.
The Master of Arts, Major in Music involves a course of study comprising a minimum of
specialization in an applied area and a maximum of curricular flexibility. Requirements
include studies in performance, music history or ethnomusicology, and music theory.
Students may choose either a research paper or thesis for the final project requirement.
This project is reviewed by a faculty committee. Graduates will demonstrate a
comprehensive knowledge of the field of music.
The Master of Music degree is a professional degree designed to prepare the graduate for:
(1) enhanced opportunity in public and private school music teaching, (2) a college
teaching career, (3) a performance career as a professional musician or composer, or (4)
further graduate work at the doctoral level. At the completion of program requirements
students will demonstrate advanced capacities to work independently and make effective
artistic and intellectual judgments and professional decisions in the area of specialization.
Students are required to demonstrate professional competence in the area of specialization
before peers and faculty and produce a final project (thesis/recital/research paper) which
is reviewed by a faculty committee. Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive
knowledge of the field of music.
Philosophy of Assessment
Each degree program, while distinctly different in specialization, contains twelve hours of
common coursework which comprise the Graduate Music Core. The plan that follows
stipulates a common assessment of the Graduate Music Core (Music History, Music Theory,
and Research and Writing) for all degrees. Each area of the Core will be assessed on a
rotating basis. Specific program assessments, including performance recitals, practicum
teaching and program-specific proficiencies are listed subsequent to the Graduate Music
Core. Areas of specialization will be assessed on a rotating basis.
Assessment
Methods to generate
data
Frequency of
data analysis
How Results will
used and shared
internally
How the results
will be used and
shared externally
Outcome 1 - Music History Students shall have a functional
knowledge of the history of Western Music, extending
knowledge gained in undergraduate music history studies, and
preparing students for entrance into any doctoral program.
Competency 1.1 Mastery of deficits in knowledge-base in major
repertories of Western music in their historical context from the
16th-20th century, evident through the diagnostic exam.
Competency 1.2 Students shall have a mastery of knowledge of the
major repertories of Western music in their historical context from
the 16th century – 20th century.
Competency 1.3 Understanding of historical research methods
utilized in the study of repertoires within limited time periods of
music, i.e., Baroque, Romantic, etc.
Written
comprehensive exam,
two hours in length
which includes short
answer, essay and
listening questions.
This exam is offered
each semester and is
proctored and graded
by members of the
music history faculty.
Odd-numbered
years
beginning in
2009.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Outcome 2 – Music Theory Students shall have a functional
knowledge of the theoretical basis of Western Music, extending
knowledge gained in undergraduate music theory studies and
preparing students for entrance into any doctoral program.
Competency 2.1 Mastery of deficits in knowledge-base in functional
language and grammar of music through analytical techniques of
music, Middle Ages through Classical Era, evident through the
diagnostic exam.
Competency 2.2 Students shall have a mastery of functional
language and grammar of music through analytical techniques of
music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance through the 20th
Century.
Written
comprehensive exam,
two hours in length
which includes short
answer, analysis and
musical score
identification. This
exam is offered each
semester and is
proctored and graded
by members of the
music theory faculty.
Evennumbered
years
beginning in
2010.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Program: Outcomes for Core Curriculum in all MA, MM
Degrees in Music
Outcome 3 – Research and Writing Knowledge of bibliographic
skills, familiarity with library holdings and their uses.
Competency 3.1 Evidence of writing skills sufficient to complete
graduate level course work.
Competency 3.2 Mastery of analytic skills, critical thinking,
secondary literature, research techniques and methods for both
primary and secondary sources.
Program: Outcomes for MM Composition Degree
Outcome – MM Composition Degree Students shall be able to
produce original compositions to be presented in a public
performance.
Competency 1.1 Mastery of an array of traditional and technological
innovations that influence the contemporary music compositions.
Competency 1.2 Development of discriminatory preferences for the
development of one’s own musical language.
A sample of
completed research
papers, recital
abstracts and theses
will be reviewed by
members of the
Music Graduate SOA
committee for
demonstration of
appropriate research
and writing skills and
quality of completed
product.
Assessment
Methods to generate
data
Evennumbered
years
beginning in
2012.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Frequency of
data analysis
How Results will
used and shared
internally
How the results
will be used and
shared externally
Performance recital
of student generated
compositions juried
and assessed by a
graduate faculty
committee.
Odd-numbered
years
beginning in
2011.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Program: Outcomes for MM Conducting Degree
Assessment
Methods to generate
data
Frequency of
data analysis
How Results will
used and shared
internally
How the results
will be used and
shared externally
MM Conducting Degree Students shall be prepared for ensemble
leadership at the secondary, community, college and professional
level.
Competency 1.1 Students shall demonstrate ability to analyze and
discuss in written form music presented as a conductor to an
ensemble of musicians.
Competency 1.2 Mastery of technical skill of conducting.
Performance recital
of student-rehearsed
ensembles juried and
assessed by a
graduate faculty
committee.
Odd-numbered
years
beginning in
2011.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Program: Outcomes for MM Jazz Pedagogy Degree
Assessment
Methods to generate
data
Frequency of
data analysis
How Results will
used and shared
internally
How the results
will be used and
shared externally
Outcome –The student shall be prepared to teach all aspects of
jazz performance at the elementary-secondary and/or
undergraduate levels of instruction.
Competency 1.1 Mastery of the ability to teach authentic jazz
performance skills and concepts aurally by modeling.
Competency 1.2 Mastery of jazz ensemble (big band and combo)
rehearsal skills.
Competency 1.8 Evidence of the ability to teach listening and
appreciation skills as they relate to recorded jazz performance.
Observation and
assessment of
student teaching
practicum of combo
and big band
ensembles by
members of the Jazz
Faculty. Each
semester of student's
residency.
Odd-numbered
years
beginning in
2011.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Competency 1.6 Evidence of familiarity with jazz pedagogy
methodologies and resources.
Competency 1.7 Evidence of familiarity with jazz ensemble literature
and resources.
Jazz specialty final
comprehensive oral
exam administered
and juried by
members of the Jazz
Faculty.
Odd-numbered
years
beginning in
2011.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Competency 1.3 Evidence of functional jazz performance ability on
drum set, electric bass, piano and/or guitar
Competency 1.4 Evidence of the ability to improvise credibly in the
jazz idiom on the student’s primary instrument.
Competency 1.5 Evidence of composition and arranging skills in the
jazz idiom.
Performance recital
juried by a
committee of the
graduate music
faculty. Final
semester of
residency.
Odd-numbered
years
beginning in
2011.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Program: Outcomes for MM Music Education Degree
Assessment
Methods to generate
data
Frequency of
data analysis
How Results will
used and shared
internally
How the results
will be used and
shared externally
Outcome 1 – Music Education Student shall be able to work
effectively with the educational and musical challenges of
today’s schools.
Competency 1.1 Students will demonstrate comprehensive
knowledge base of musicianship and education that will serve as
their model for effective teaching in today’s schools.
Competency 1.2 Students will demonstrate mastery of the
foundations and underlying principles of effective teaching and
learning styles.
Competency 1.3 Students will demonstrate an understanding of
current trends and philosophies in music education and application
to everyday teaching environment.
Competency 1.4 Students will demonstrate an understanding of the
role of technology in the pedagogy of music.
Music Education
specialty final
comprehensive exam
administered and
graded once per year
by members of the
music education
faculty. Normally
this exam is in essay
format and 2-3 hours
in length.
Evennumbered
years
beginning
2012
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Outcome 2 – Music Education Students shall understand the
various research methodologies used in music education.
Competency 2.1 Students will understand the role of music education
research in everyday teaching and learning.
Competency 2.2 Students will demonstrate proficient research
writing skills.
Competency 2.3 Students will analyze and interpret qualitative,
quantitative, and historical music education research reports.
Competency 2.4 Students will design and conduct a quantitative,
qualitative, or historical research study.
Competency 2.5 Students will identify research techniques and
demonstrate ability to use research materials specific to quantitative
and qualitative research.
Competency 2.6 Students will demonstrate and solve elementary
statistical problems and interpret the results.
Program: Outcome for MM Music History Degree
See Outcome 3 for
ALL MA/MM
degrees.
Evennumbered
years
beginning in
2012.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Assessment
Methods to generate
data
Frequency of
data analysis
How Results will
used and shared
internally
How the results
will be used and
shared externally
Outcome – Music History Student shall produce evidence of
scholarship and research ability which will qualify student for
entrance into doctoral study.
Competency. Comprehensive knowledge of repertories of Western
Music, medieval-21st Century.
See Outcome 3 for
ALL MA/MM
degrees. Also,
student must present
a Thesis Defense
juried by a
committee of
graduate faculty
Evennumbered
years
beginning in
2012.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Program: Outcomes for MM Music Performance Degree
Assessment
Methods to generate
data
Frequency of
data analysis
How Results will
used and shared
internally
How the results
will be used and
shared externally
Performance Student shall be prepared for a professional career
as a performer and/or seek additional study at the doctoral level.
Competency 1.1 Master the skills necessary to meet the needs of
artistic expression from a cross section of all styles in a musical
performance.
Competency 1.2 Awareness of standard repertoire in performance
area.
Performance recital
juried by a
committee of the
graduate music
faculty. Final
semester of
residency.
See Outcome 3 for
ALL MA/MM
degrees. Also,
student must
complete a specialty
area comprehensive
oral exam juried by a
committee of
graduate faculty.
Odd-numbered
years
beginning in
2011.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Evennumbered
years
beginning in
2012.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Competency 1.3 Integration and assimilation of
historical/theoretical knowledge with performance practice
traditions.
Program: Outcomes for MM Piano Performance and Pedagogy
Assessment
Methods to generate
data
Frequency of
data analysis
How Results will
used and shared
internally
How the results
will be used and
shared externally
Outcome – Piano Performance and Pedagogy Student shall be
prepared for a teaching career in piano and keyboards at the
elementary, intermediate, advanced level, in group or individual
situations.
Competency 1.1 Master the skills necessary for group teaching.
Observation of
student teaching
practicum by
graduate piano
faculty each
semester of
residence.
Specialty area
comprehensive oral
exam juried by a
committee of
graduate faculty
administered in the
final semester of
residency.
Odd-numbered
years
beginning in
2011.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Odd-numbered
years
beginning in
2011.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Student semester
performance exams
and/or final recital
juried by members of
the piano faculty.
Odd-numbered
years
beginning in
2011.
Results will be
shared via email
with the
graduate music
faculty.
The results will be
submitted to the
University SOA
Committee and
the CHFA Dean.
Competency 1.2 Mastery of knowledge of teaching materials at the
elementary, intermediate, advanced levels.
Competency 1.3 Mastery of knowledge of teaching materials for
group situations and for adults.
Competency 1.4 Knowledge of current technologies related to piano
and keyboard teaching.
Competency 1.5 Awareness of standard repertoire for piano
Competency 1.6 Development of performance skills.