5 Advising

V Advising

Supervisory Committee

  • Typically, the major professor is the primary advisor for a student’s program.
  • Faculty members in the student’s area are responsible for advising throughout the program, including the plan of study, recitals, etc.
  • The graduate coordinator may advise incoming students in the first semester, then transfer responsibility to the area.
  • The supervisory committee (except in the D.M.A. for the outside member) should be formed during the semester in which or immediately after the major is identified, and before the plan of study is formulated.

Special case for performance master’s students:

  • If the applied teacher is an adjunct faculty member, they serve as the recital director.
  • A formal advisor within the area is also appointed.
  • Both serve on the student’s committee.

Committee Membership:

  • At least three members are required.
    1. Major Advisor
      • Full or associate member of the graduate faculty.
      • Assigned by the area.
      • Serves as chair of the committee and manages the Plan of Study.
    2. Second Member
      • Full or associate member of the graduate faculty.
      • In the student’s major area.
    3. Third Member
      • From music history or music theory.
    4. Graduate School Appointee (required only for D.M.A.)
      • Full graduate faculty member outside the student’s program.
      • If in the same college as the major, must be tenured.
      • Officially appointed by the Graduate Dean (suggested by the area).
      • Ensures compliance with Graduate School guidelines and professional committee conduct.

Other Qualified Individuals:
May serve on committees with approval from the Graduate Dean, accompanied by rationale and CV.

Approval Process:
Committee members are agreed upon by the major advisor and student, approved by the graduate coordinator and Dean of AH&SS, and recommended to the Graduate Dean for final approval.

The committee assists the student in preparing a plan of study and provides ongoing advising.

Plan of Study

  • Students should develop a tentative plan of study with their advisor in the first semester.
  • Most music students may need to attach an additional page listing courses.
  • Once approved by the committee and graduate coordinator, it is submitted to the Graduate School.
  • Changes: Any changes to the plan (except semester timing of classes) must be submitted via a change form.

Timeline and Checklist for M.M.M.E. Students

  • Plan of Study – submit within first year of study.
    • Signatures: Committee
  • Practicum Report – submit to Graduate School within 7 days of completion.
    • Signatures: Committee
  • Application for Graduation
    • Signatures: Advisor

Timeline and Checklist for M.M. Students

  • Plan of Study – submit within first semester.
    • Signatures: Committee of three (including one history/theory member and the CSoM director or graduate coordinator)
  • Request to Schedule Comprehensive Exam – submit to Music Office at least 2 weeks before exam.
    • Signatures: Advisor
  • Report of Comprehensive Examination – submit to Music Office after exam.
    • Submitted by: Advisor
  • Report of Final Recital – submit to Graduate School immediately after recital.
    • Submitted by: Advisor
    • Signatures: Committee
  • Application for Graduation
    • Signatures: Advisor

Committee members must attend the comprehensive oral exam and recital.

Timeline and Checklist for D.M.A. Students

  • Plan of Study – submit within first year of study.
    • Signatures: Committee of four (one history/theory, one outside member, and CSoM director or graduate coordinator)
  • Report of Language Exam (if required by area) – submit to graduate coordinator after exam.
    • Signatures: Advisor
  • Report of Choral Conducting IPA Exam (if required) – submit to graduate coordinator after exam.
    • Signatures: Advisor
  • Request to Schedule Comprehensive Exam – submit to Graduate School at least 2 weeks before exam.
    • Signatures: Advisor and CSoM director or graduate coordinator
  • Report of Comprehensive Examination – submit to Graduate School after written and oral exams are complete.
    • Submitted by: Advisor
    • Signatures: Committee
  • Request to Schedule Final Lecture Recital – submit at least 7 calendar days before recital.
    • Signatures: Advisor and CSoM director or graduate coordinator
  • Report of Final Lecture Recital – submit to Graduate School immediately after recital.
    • Submitted by: Advisor
    • Signatures: Committee

Additional Details:

  • The language exam must be taken before the final recital.
  • The Graduate School Representative (GSR) is a voting member:
    • Must sign the Plan of Study.
    • Must attend all committee meetings, exams, and the lecture recital.
    • Reviews the dissertation.
    • Votes and signs all exam reports.
  • The comprehensive exam and lecture recital cannot occur in the same semester.
  • Students have one year from the final lecture recital to complete the Graduate School format review process.
  • Students must maintain continuous enrollment each Fall and Spring until all degree requirements (including format review and approval) are complete.