In accordance with the philosophy of the National Association of Schools of Music, the primary purpose of a Department of Music is to provide the best possible environment for musical training, in an environment that fosters an understanding of the arts and an attitude of respect for their potential contribution to society. The program recognizes the diversity of backgrounds of students beginning with post-baccalaureate study and the need for flexibility in a graduate program. Although standards are necessary to ensure some uniformity of purpose, content and achievement in specific curricula, as well as innovation and carefully planned experimentation are encouraged. Finally, the program stresses the need to develop musical breadth and competency, and the desirability of developing one or two areas of specialization for all graduate students.

Artistic performance, competence in composition of music, or excellence in research is the basis of requirements for the Master of Arts degree in Music. Similarly, a high degree of skill in rehearsing and conducting ensembles is required of those candidates for the degree whose particular interest lies in teaching or conducting.

Music education majors will be required to acquire a general knowledge of the philosophy and history of music education, organization and supervision of music education, current and advanced methods and techniques for various instrumental and vocal areas, instructional literature and materials for school use, care and repair of musical instruments and equipment (where needed), and advanced conducting.

For the performance major, graduate courses include research into pedagogy concerned with his or her area of specialization, historical research into the musical literature of the instrument or voice, and theoretical analysis of works in the field of specialization. The Department does not offer instrumental instruction in all areas. Graduate level instruction is offered in the following areas: piano, woodwinds, voice, strings, brass and percussion. For the composition major, courses may include advanced theory and analysis, counterpoint, orchestration, and exploration and writing in a wide variety of musical forms. For the history and literature major, courses include historical research, bibliography, and intensive research projects.

A normal plan of advancement is expected of those registered as graduate students, this plan being formulated under the advisement of the coordinator of graduate studies and the student's major professor. Only those well advanced in technique and in professional maturity will be granted the degree.

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Curriculum Requirements

The specific curriculum requirements for the M.A. Degree in Music may be seen by visitng the following link.

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Application  Procedure.

File Application form.

Send supporting materials (as indicated below) to:

Chair, Department of Music, P.O.Box 755660, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5660

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Applicants interested in Music Performance should submit recordings and printed programs for recent performances.  Examples included should show some examples showing applicant performing as a soloist.  Applicants will be auditioned again inperson upon arrival on campus.

Applicants interested in Music Composition should submit recordings, music scores (where applicable), and printed programs.  A letter should be enclosed describing applicants music composition goals and include some recording demonstrating their music performance ability.

Applicants interested in Music Theory should include a letter describing applicants area of music theory interest (historic music theory, pedagogy, ear training, or other), and possible thesis or project interest.  Applicants should included some recordings demonstrating their music performance ability.

Applicants interested in Music History should include a letter describing applicants area of music history interest  (composer, historical period), and possible thesis or project interest.  Applicants should included some recordings demonstrating their music performance ability.

Applicants intererested in Music Education should include a letter describing applicants area of music education interest (historic music education, pedagogy,  and possible thesis or project interest.  Applicants should included some recordings demonstrating their music performance ability.

Applicants interested in  Ensemble Conducting should submit video recordings of music works conducted in a concert setting, and a include a letter stating theirconducting goals, and possible thesis or areas of project interest.  Applicants should included some recordings demonstrating their music performance ability.