Graduate Music Programs
Degrees Offered
About the Program
The graduate music programs at Holy Names provide teacher preparation in three related areas: music education with Kodály emphasis, piano pedagogy and vocal pedagogy. The programs are unique in that they share a core curriculum of musicianship, music literature, conducting, and an introduction of music pedagogy. Students receive program-specific training in pedagogical methods and materials, as well as supervised teaching experience during the academic year. Holy Names students also experience a significant portion of related programs: all sing, play the piano and participate together in a variety of ensembles. Depending on the program, the course of study may include private lessons, recitals, a thesis or lecture-demonstration of teaching, or a final oral comprehensive examination.
Our programs are designed to prepare students to teach in a variety of settings--public and private schools, school, church and community choirs, and in private studios. Graduate faculty are nationally and internationally recognized, and often include guest teachers from the Liszt Academy in Hungary. Small class sizes ensure that students receive the personal attention essential for their success. Graduates of our programs provide leadership in the field of music education throughout the United States and abroad.
Graduate Programs Admission Requirements
A candidate may be admitted for graduate study if 1) college requirements for graduate admission have been met, 2) the student holds a Baccalaureate degree in music from an accredited institution, and 3) the student has a grade point average of at least 3.0 in music, and a cumulative undergraduate of 2.6. Students whose GPA falls below the mimimum requirements for full acceptance may still be admitted provisionally. Students without a degree in music who wish to enroll in the program may be admitted upon passing the proficiency examinations, and at the discretion of the program director.
Proficiency exams in theory, sight singing, dictation, and piano are required of all students entering the program and must be taken prior to the student's first semester in residence. These exams are offered during the week prior to the beginning of each semester. (The sight-singing and dictation exams are also given on the first day of the Kodály Summer Institute). Students who do not pass these examinations will be required to complete remedial assignments or take additional courses. As a result, students may not qualify for full time graduate study. If a student has insufficient undergraduate course work in music history, an examination may also be required in this area. All proficiency exams must be passed by the time a student has completed 15 units applicable to the degree, or the student will be dropped from the program.
Graduate Program Auditions
For acceptance into any of the graduate music programs, the applicant must audition for a faculty jury prior to the term in which proposed study would begin. The list of works to be performed must be submitted to the program advisor at least one week prior to the scheduled audition. The selections performed should reflect mature musicianship, knowledge of different styles and technical proficiency.
For acceptance into the piano or vocal pedagogy programs, proficiency equivalent to the Baccalaureate degree with a major in solo performance or pedagogy is required. Pianists should perform three works chosen from different periods, at least one of which must be memorized. Singers should perform selections in French, German, Italian and English, one of which must be an oratorio or opera aria; all selections must be memorized.
For acceptance into the Kodály music education program, applicants should sing two selections, one of which must be a folk song, the other a piece from the classical repertoire. Those applicants who have instrumental training should also perform a piece that reflects their level of musical understanding. All applicants with teaching experience must submit a videotape of their teaching.
Graduate Application Materials:
For More Information:
There is information available on Financial Aid for Graduate Students. You are also welcome to make an appointment to visit Holy Names University or to speak with one of our Admission Counselors. Click here to schedule an appointment. You might also want to attend one of our monthly Information Sessions where you can speak directly with graduate faculty. To get a schedule of upcoming Information Sessions, Click here. If you have any questions, please call our Office of Adult and Graduate Admission at 1.800.430.1321 or 510.436.1351. You may also e-mail us at AdultEd@hnu.edu
Holy Names University
Office of Adult and Graduate Admission
3500 Mountain Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94619-1699
Phones:
Campus Main Number: 800.430.1321
Admission: 510.436.1351
AdultEd@hnu.edu |
