Major: Contemporary Improvisation
Year 1: A short final project (no longer than 10 minutes) consisting of an improvised or partially composed work, with emphasis on virtuosity on the principal instrument. Interdisciplinary integration with other artistic media (visual art, movement, video art, etc.) is permitted.
Year 2: A final project consisting of a composed, improvised, and produced performance (no longer than 45 minutes), with emphasis on virtuosity on the principal instrument. Interdisciplinary integration with other artistic media (visual art, movement, video art, etc.) is permitted.
Major: Composition for Media (Portfolio)
Under the responsibility of the composition instructor:
- Submission of a score for a symphonic work of approximately 5–8 minutes (minimum instrumentation: string orchestra).
- A chamber work of 5–8 minutes for three to ten instruments.
Under the responsibility of the media composition instructor: - A programmed mock-up of the symphonic work in a DAW.
- Submission of a recorded electronic work of 5–8 minutes, following mixing.
- A composed “Mickey Mousing” scene (video file submission required).
- A composed suspense/action scene (video file submission required).
- A composed video or theatrical scene of the student’s choice (video/audio file submission required).
Major: Composition
- Two large-scale works for orchestra or large ensemble, each at least 10 minutes in duration.
- Two additional chamber works for small ensembles, each at least 8 minutes in duration.
Major: Music Education
- Completion of a research-based thesis under the supervision of the Head of Track / Head of the Master’s Program.
- Completion of all departmental seminars.
Major: Orchestral Conducting
Years 1 and 2:
- Conducting two pianists in a free repertoire including at least four works from at least two different musical periods, of which at least two are multi-movement works.
- Accompanying a complete work with a soloist, performed by the soloist.
- Conducting a complete opera.
- Rehearsing an ensemble on repertoire to be provided in advance.
Major: Choral Conducting
Ongoing conducting of the “Laboratory Choir” on two or more works (varied in style and period), including:
a. Work on a cappella repertoire
b. Work on repertoire with piano accompaniment
c. Work on movements from a choral-orchestral work
d. Leading physical and vocal warm-ups
e. Diction coaching in foreign languages
Participation in rehearsals of the “Student Choir” and conducting sectional rehearsals as required.
Conducting in two concerts, as follows:
a. End of Semester A concert – a cappella works and/or works with piano accompaniment
b. End of Semester B concert – movements from a choral work with orchestral accompaniment
Major: Multidisciplinary Vocal Performance (“Voices”)
- Each student will present a live performance of approximately 30 minutes at the end of each academic year.
- The performance may be based on original material, or on cover versions that demonstrate creativity and personal interpretation, or a combination of both.
- The performance must reflect a unified and/or conceptual narrative.
- It is desirable that the two performances present different aspects of the student’s musical world.
- The content of the performances will be developed under the guidance and approval of the principal instructor.
- A student wishing to submit a recorded project instead of a live performance must obtain approval from the Head of Track, subject to the approval of the principal instructor.
- Up to two weeks prior to the performance, the student must present the performance outline to a committee, including recordings and/or scores of the material to be presented in the recital itself.
Major: Classical Performance (Instrumental)
- Two full recitals (approximately one and a half hours each).
- A research-oriented project consisting of a critical, edited, and annotated publication of a chamber work performed in the recital, including a description of the interpretative process and the working process leading to its realization.
Major: Classical Vocal Performance
- Two full recitals (approximately one hour each).
- A critical, edited, and annotated publication project of a chamber work performed in the recital, including a description of the interpretative process and the working process leading to its realization.
