9 Additional Degree Requirements

IX Additional Degree Requirements

Language Requirements

  • Requirements differ by degree and area.
  • Proficiency includes vocabulary, grammar, and (for voice/choral students) diction.
  • Administered by the area designee and may be taken at any time.
  • Must be passed before final recital and preferably before comprehensive or qualifying exams.

Alternatives:

  • A computer language or other research skill may substitute with approval from the committee, graduate coordinator, and CSoM director.

Specifics by Area:

  • Vocal Performance:
    • Reading/diction proficiencies in English, French, German, and Italian.
    • Ability to derive translations.
    • Remedial work may be required.
  • Choral Conducting:
    • Proficiency in IPA pronunciation of English, French, German, Italian, and Latin.
    • Remedial work may be required.
    • All D.M.A. choral conducting students must pass an IPA exam.

Note: Graduate students may take up to 8 credits of undergraduate language study tuition-free. Notify the graduate coordinator to arrange for a tuition waiver.

Ensemble Requirements

  • Students are expected to be in a major ensemble in their area each semester in residence.
  • Exceptions require advisor, committee, and area approval.

Choral Conducting:

  • M.M.: 2 credits of major choral ensemble participation.
  • D.M.A.: 6 credits (2 may be transferred from the master’s program, 4 must be completed at NDSU).
  • Participation provides experience in rehearsal techniques, vocal technique, choral literature, and ensemble management.
  • At least one ensemble each semester is required.
  • No credit for ensembles where the student has primary teaching/conducting responsibility.
  • Ensemble membership must be approved by the major advisor.
  • Off-campus ensembles may count with approval from advisor and committee.

Keyboard Competence

  • Voice: Must be able to accompany beginning lessons. Evaluated during assistantship duties (or formal evaluation if required).
  • Choral: Must demonstrate rehearsal piano skills, including warmups, open score, and simple accompaniments. Evaluated during assistantship duties (or formal evaluation if required).
  • Instrumental: No keyboard requirement.

Recitals

Recitals are central to M.M. and D.M.A. degrees. Highest performance standards are expected.

  • Repertoire is chosen in consultation with the advisor and must be committee-approved.
  • Recitals must be scheduled at least 3 months in advance with the advisor and facilities manager.
  • Repertoire approval is required before scheduling a date.
  • Programs must use the CSoM format; translations and notes are the student’s responsibility.
  • Archival recording required for all graduate recitals (student arranges recording for off-campus recitals).
  • Program notes:
    • Must be approved 6 weeks before recital.
    • Must be submitted 3 weeks before to promotions director.
  • Recital hearings:
    • Memorized recital: at least 1 month prior.
    • Non-memorized recital: at least 2 weeks prior.
    • Committee may require rescheduling if not performance-ready.

Responsibilities:

  • Students must pay accompanist/supporting musician fees.
  • All committee members must attend recitals.
  • All area committee members must attend hearings.

Specific Area Recital Policies

Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano

  • D.M.A. Collaborative Piano: 4 recitals (MUSC 780), including lecture recital.
  • D.M.A. Piano Performance: At least 3 recitals, including lecture recital.
  • M.M. Piano Performance: 1–2 recitals.
  • M.M. Collaborative Piano: 2 recitals.
  • Repertoire must represent substantial artistic level, and program notes must be professional.

Timeline:

  • 4 months prior: Select recital and dress rehearsal date.
  • 1 month prior: Submit program to committee and promotions director.
  • Lecture recitals: 3 weeks prior, submit lecture draft to committee.

Lecture Recital:

  • Combines scholarship and performance.
  • Scheduled after qualifying exams.
  • Requires MUSC 789 D.M.A. Thesis (first draft complete before lecture).

Vocal Performance

  • M.M. Vocal Performance: 1 recital (50–60 minutes).
    • At least 3 languages.
    • At least 3 musical periods (preferably all 4: baroque, classical, romantic, modern).
    • All music performed from memory.
  • D.M.A. Vocal Performance: At least 3 recitals + lecture recital.
    • Two solo recitals, one chamber music or major opera role with NDSU Opera.
    • Combined repertoire: at least 4 languages and all 4 main style periods.
    • Program notes required.

Timeline:

  • 4 months prior: Select date, location, pianist; committee approval of repertoire.
  • 2 months prior: Submit first draft of notes; schedule hearing.
  • 1 month prior: Recital hearing.
  • 2 weeks prior: Submit final program to committee and promotions.

Instrumental Conducting

  • M.M.: 1 recital, usually in year 2. At least 2 medium-length works or 1 major work for wind band.
  • D.M.A.: 3 recitals total.
    • If a recital completed at master’s level: 2 required at doctoral level.
    • If master’s was in another area: 3 required at doctoral level.
    • Recitals include:
      • One chamber-based recital (year 2).
      • One lecture recital (scheduled depending on program role).
      • Possible ensemble-developed recital compiled from large ensemble performances.

Instrumental Performance

  • M.M.: 1–2 recitals.
  • D.M.A.: 3 recitals, including lecture recital.
  • Repertoire must represent substantial artistic level.
  • Includes collaborative, solo, and chamber works.

Timeline:

  • 4 months prior: Select recital and dress rehearsal date.
  • 1 month prior: Schedule hearing (≥2 weeks before recital). Submit program to committee and promotions director.
  • Lecture recital: 3 weeks prior, submit lecture draft to committee.

Choral Conducting

  • M.M.:
    • 1 recital + preparation/conducting of other NDSU choral concerts.
    • Formal recital: 25–35 minutes, may be shared with another student.
    • Combined conducting should equal a full-length program.
  • D.M.A.: 3 recitals total.
    • First Doctoral Recital: By 60 post-baccalaureate credits (30–45 minutes).
    • Second Doctoral Recital: By 75 credits. Full-length, with instrumental ensemble.
    • Lecture Recital: By 90 credits, after qualifying exams. Includes MUSC 789 D.M.A. Thesis.

Timeline (M.M. and D.M.A.):

  • 4 months prior: Select date, location, ensemble; approval by advisor/committee/promotions.
  • 2 months prior: Submit first draft of notes; schedule hearing.
  • 1 month prior: Submit final program to committee and promotions director.
  • 3 weeks prior: Submit final program (doctoral lecture recital also: submit lecture draft).
  • 2 weeks prior: Recital hearing.

Lecture Recital:

  • Combines scholarship and performance.
  • 60–70 minutes including lecture.
  • Thesis draft must be complete prior to lecture draft.
    • Topic and repertoire approved 6–12 months prior.