2.3 What if I do not have an undergraduate degree in music?

If a highly qualified candidate applies for the master's degree without holding a bachelor's degree in music and is admitted, the graduate advisor in consultation with the major area professor will prescribe a course of undergraduate-level remediation. Such a course of remediation may significantly impact a student's time to degree. Under no circumstance, however, will a candidate admitted to the master's program without holding a completed bachelor's degree.

2.4 What are the advantages of obtaining my master's degree from an institution that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)?

Students who attend a NASM accredited institution are assured of the highest musical and curricular standards. As an accrediting agency, the NASM requires its member institutions to maintain national standards, procedures, and guidelines agreed to by peer institutions representing the field, providing a continuous base of academic strength and a long-term commitment to developing the quality of music instruction throughout the nation. Students who transfer from another NASM accredited institution have the knowledge that their coursework will normally be accepted by SJSU for graduate credit.

2.5 How long will it take to finish my degree?

Full-time students generally take four semesters. Working part-time students have up to seven years to complete their degree, but must be continuously enrolled.

2.6 Can I transfer in graduate units from other institutions?

Yes, students are allowed to transfer up to 6 units of the 30 required for the Master's degree, pending the approval of your major professor, graduate advisor and the University.

2.7 What areas of concentration are available for graduate study in music?

Graduate degrees in music at SJSU are offered in Instrumental and Vocal Performance, Composition, Choral and Instrumental Conducting, Jazz Studies, Music Education, Music History, and Music Systems/Theory.

2.8 What are the entrance evaluations like?

Prior to your first semester of residency, all students are required to take entrance evaluations in Music History and Music Systems/Theory. The evaluations are designed to show that you have proficiency at the undergraduate level in music history and systems/theory and are ready to begin graduate-level work. Each evaluation is three hours long, and is given during Preinstruction Activities at the start of the semester. The Music History evaluation consists of three sections--Medieval/Renaissance, Baroque/Classical, and Romantic/Modern--each with multiple choice and essay sections. The Music Systems/Theory evaluation consists of 1 hour of dictation, and 2 hours of harmonic and formal analysis, orchestration questions, and counterpoint. For more information, see section 3.3 below.

2.9 How strict are the deadlines?

Very strict. Most are beyond the control of the School of Music & Dance. For further information, please check the Academic Calendar , and the GAPE website for academic deadlines. Please also see the Bursar's Office for deadlines concerning Registration Fees, Payment Due Dates, Installment Payment Plan, and Parking Permits.

2.10 Who comes to SJSU to get a masters degree?

Our graduate students are teachers seeking greater skills and advancement in their profession, those who wish to become professional performers and teachers, those who wish to teach at the community and junior college level, and those who are preparing for further study at the doctoral level.

2.11 Will my employment prospects be enhanced when I complete my graduate degree in music?

The skills and knowledge obtained in a masters program often lead to enhanced career opportunities. For teachers, the additional education usually means a raise in pay as well as opportunities for additional recognition and responsibilities in their districts. Performers often benefit from the time they devote to improving their skills. SJSU graduates are members of major symphony orchestras, opera companies, as well as military ensembles, or earn their living as studio performers and private teachers. Many graduates teach in community and junior colleges across the United States.

2.12 Will a master's degree in music from SJSU make me an attractive candidate for further graduate study if I decide to pursue additional education?

Graduates of SJSU programs are highly sought after by major universities. Many graduates have gone on to complete their doctorates and hold distinguished universities around the country.

2.13 What about the faculty?

The music faculty at SJSU includes noted performers, conductors, composers, and scholars with a long list of accomplishments and national and international recognition for their performances, compositions, and scholarly work. Our faculty is committed to the education of graduate students and strives to meet the individual needs of each student.

2.14 Are there special learning opportunities?

Graduate students are given unlimited performance opportunities as soloists and as members of the fine SJSU music ensembles. Students have the opportunity to conduct research at The Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies, the only such center in the Americas. The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its wealth of music, and opportunities abound for those who wish to teach, conduct, or perform while pursuing their graduate studies.

2.14 What types of facilities are available?

The School of Music & Dance is housed in a historically significant facility in the center of campus. Designed by the architect Stanley Willard in the 1940s, construction was delayed because of World War II and began in the early 1950s. Dedication ceremonies took place on December 3, 1953. The acoustically vibrant Concert Hall, which incorporates Art Deco Mayan designs above the stage, seats 550 people and is booked throughout the year with campus and public recitals and concerts, meetings of music teachers, and music conferences. The facility includes recording studios, a computer lab, rehearsal and performance halls, and classrooms. Most graduate courses are given in the intimate surroundings of the seminar room. The School owns several early keyboards (clavichords, harpsichords, and fortepianos), an rich collection of Renaissance instruments, a collection of world music instruments (including a gamelan), and extensive electronic technology and equipment. Students also have special access to the collections of The Ira F. Brillant Center for Beethoven Studies in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library.

2.15 Is there financial aid for graduate students in music?

Several SJSU scholarships are available for graduate students. Students who receive a scholarship should be aware that they will be required to perform in two ensembles or fulfill other duties outlined in the scholarship contract. Graduate students interested in scholarships must hold to scholarship audition deadlines. A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships are available to highly qualified candidates who have some demonstrated teaching experiences. Said assistantships are decided semester by semester needs by the SMD. Contact the School office for applications for these positions.

The Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies has assistantships available for students to serve as assistant editors of The Beethoven Journal. As well, there are work-study funds to hire assistants to work in the Center. Students should contact the director of the Beethoven Center if they are interested in applying at (408) 808-2056.

2.16 What are educational and living expenses like in San José?

Tuition at SJSU is relatively low--please see Registration Fees -- while apartment and house rentals in the South Bay are relatively high. Graduate students often live on campus or share apartments or houses. The University is especially proud of the new Campus Village, a three-building state of the art student, faculty, and staff apartment complex that opened in the fall of 2005. Students can contact University Housing Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm PST at (408) 795-5600 and info@housing.sjsu.edu for further information.

2.17 Are there opportunities for me to find part-time work either on campus or in the community?

In addition to the part-time positions mentioned earlier, graduate students also find music and non-music related employment in a wide variety of Bay Area businesses. Choral conducting students often work in local churches or with community choruses directing adult and children's choirs. Pianists frequently teach in local music schools or set up their own private studios. Some students work part-time in computer businesses in the world-famous "Silicon Valley," sometimes in music-related jobs. In addition, many area public schools hire SJSU graduate students to work with their students and performing ensembles throughout the year. Highly qualified students in music education may participate in the San Jose Music Project, which provides fellowships for students who volunteer in area public schools.

2.18 Do I have to be continuously enrolled once I begin?

Yes. Even when you have finished your basic coursework and are working on your final project, you must be enrolled each semester.

2.19 Is it possible to complete a California Teaching Credential and a Master's Degree at the same time?

It is possible to work on a combined music education master's degree and single subject music teaching credential. The combined coursework is 60 units.

2.20 What resources are available for students with learning disabilities?

SJSU has an excellent educational center on campus for people with learning disabilities. We are committed to helping all students who have been diagnosed with a learning disability succeed at SJSU. Your responsibilities as a student with a learning disability include: 1) working with the Disability Resource Center to find ways to help you succeed; and 2) informing all of your instructors at the beginning of each class of your learning disability so that you can agree on a work plan for the semester that may include any special accommodations. Additional information can found at the Disability Resource Center or by calling the Center's main office at (408) 924-6000.