Master of Music in Commercial Music

• The Entrepreneurial Challenge: This course explores the contemporary view of entrepreneurship as a method of management applicable in enterprises of all sizes and stages of development. Within this view, entrepreneurs are “made, not born” as they develop different strategic orientations, different patterns of commitment to opportunity and differing perspectives on resource control, management structure, and compensation/reward policy. This orientation may be summarized as being more nimble with a persistent emphasis upon innovation. Completion of an entrepreneurship project is an integral part of the course.
• Historical Master Recording Techniques: A study of the history, influence, and application of recording technology to music production for today’s media. Through critical listening analysis, combined with an in-depth study of analog and digital recording methods, students will explore and discover recording techniques through the re-creation of historically significant master recordings.
• Advanced Commercial Music Analysis: The advanced study of melodic, rhythmic, harmonic, and formal analysis in jazz and popular music through application of appropriate theoretical concepts and analytical tools including chord/scale relationships and stylistic traits. Included is an analysis of modern improvisation and songwriting techniques, as well as composition in a variety of styles. Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on graduate entry placement test for MM in Commercial Music.
• Music History Seminar: Commercial Music: A graduate level course which examines an aspect of the history of commercial music from among the popular ballads of the mid-nineteenth century to popular music forms of the present day. This course may examine the creation and production of many styles of commercial music including pop, jazz, country, and hip hop in terms of political, economic and social influences. This course is research intensive through the examination of primary sources and recordings of music from a largely un-notated tradition. Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on graduate entry placement test for MM in Commerical Music.
• Introduction to Music Research: Introduction to music research tools, materials, and techniques. The focus of the course will include major references and indexes, database, and internet research. The course will be relevant to all majors and will encompass both quantitative and qualitative research. A research project relating to the student’s major will be required.
• Music Industry Apprenticeship: A formal career educational assignment that enables a student to work for a selected period of time as an apprentice to a music industry professional or a music industry organization. The student will document apprentice experiences in a Work Journal. An Apprentice Contract must be completed and approved prior to enrollment, describing specific responsibilities and expectations of the apprenticeship. Prerequisites: Permission of the Coordinator of Graduate Commercial Music.
• Commercial Ensemble Internship: Graduate students majoring in Commercial Music may select an internship with a School of Music commercial instrumental or choral ensemble. An Internship Contract must be completed and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies, describing specific responsibilities of the internship (e.g. assistant director, arranger, etc.). Limited to two semesters of participation. Prerequisites: Permission of ensemble director and Director of Graduate Studies in Music.
• Culminating Project/Examinations: MUG 6000 includes the terminal requirements for the M.M. degree. All students are required to successfully complete comprehensive written and oral examinations and a culminating project which varies, depending on the student’s particular track. Options and requirements for each culminating track are described in Guidelines for the Master of Music Degree accessed through the Belmont University Portal. Students should register for the course during their final semester of enrollment. The class is graded pass/fail. Prerequisites: Student must have achieved Candidacy status.

• Private Applied Lessons: Applied commercial graduate study. One 50-minute lesson per week. Jury required if applied study leads to graduate recital, lecture recital or recording project. ($300.00 course fee)
• Advanced Improvisation: Course focusing on increasing skills in improvisational techniques used in prevalent mainstream commercial genres. Study will be tailored to the experience level, abilities, and creative goals of the students. Students registered for the course will meet in small group format for 50 minutes per week with the instructor.
• Advanced Commercial Styles: Course focusing on increasing skills in performance styles used in prevalent mainstream commercial genres. Study will be tailored to the experience level, abilities, and creative goals of the students. Students registered for the course will meet in small group format for 50 minutes per week with the instructor.
• Commercial Pedagogy: Course focusing on increasing skills in introductory and advanced commercial pedagogical techniques. Study will be tailored to the experience level, abilities, and creative goals of the students. Students registered for the course will meet in small group format for 50 minutes per week with the instructor. When there is one student enrolled, the course will meet for 25 minutes per week in a private lesson format.

• Private Applied Commercial Composition: Applied commercial graduate study. One 50-minute lesson per week.
• Music Technology for Composition: Utilizing various facets of music technology to assist in the ideas and process of music composition. Various types of music technology (Music notation programs, Audio/MIDI Sequencing applications, Synthesis, Samplers, MIDI Sound Modules, Software based synthesizers, etc.) will be used as aids in creating compositions. In addition to technology being a tool, attention will also be given to the use of technology as a creative outlet or as a “Musical Instrument.”
• Advanced Media Writing I: Advanced writing, arranging, and production of music for short media forms (jingles, post-scoring for advertising spots, TV shows, game music, etc.). The course will focus on logistics, musical techniques and artistic considerations used to create music that supports various short media forms. Industry use of these forms will be examined.
• Advanced Media Writing II: Advanced writing, arranging and production of music for longer media forms (documentary and feature films, multi-media presentations, etc.). The course will focus on logistics, musical techniques and artistic considerations used to create music that supports various longer media forms. Industry use of these forms will be examined. Prerequisites: MUC 6110.
• Lyric Writing for Media: Advanced instruction in the application and technique of the use of words (lyrics) in media music. The use of lyrics in basic songwriting, jingles, movie themes, TV show-themes, and other media forms will be reviewed. The class will participate in individual lyric writing projects, and group projects and critique sessions.

You'll have a variety of opportunities in Belmont's Master's of Music in Commercial Music program including:

• Participate in ensembles with other students passionate about music
• Perform in state-of-the-art performance halls
• Join a thriving, musical community in Nashville

National Association of schools of Music (NASM)

1. Apply to the University

• Create a BU4U account
• Complete the Belmont University Graduate Studies Application for Admission
• Pay the $50 Application Fee

2. Submit Supplemental Materials

Once your application is submitted and the application fee is paid, you will receive an email with instructions on how to submit the supplemental pieces of the application. You will be required to provide the following:

1. Two completed recommendation forms from individuals who know the applicant's musical abilities. At least one recommendation must be completed by an individual who can address the applicant's accomplishments and potential in the academic classroom setting.
2. A list of repertory studied in the principal performing area, including undergraduate junior and senior recital repertory, if applicable.
3. A writing sample from undergraduate academic course work.
4. Statement of Purpose. This one-page essay should describe why you are interested in the desired degree program and Belmont University, and address your personal and professional career goals.
5. Official transcripts of all previous college and masters level work. International applicants with college level coursework from foreign institutions must have their transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education Services ( wes.org). Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students who have earned below a 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

3. Submit Prescreening Materials

In addition to the listed supplemental materials, all applicants are required to submit prescreening materials for their degree of choice. The materials you submit to Acceptd will be reviewed as your prescreen materials, and not your formal audition. An email will be sent with instructions for submitting these materials via our prescreening platform, Accept’d. The prescreening process is as follows: 

1. Submit the University application and pay the application fee; instructions are then sent detailing how to submit prescreening materials.
2. Create an account via our prescreening platform, Accept’d,
3. Upload required prescreening material by the deadline that corresponds with your intended audition date. Deadlines and requirements are listed below.
4. If the prescreening is passed, register for a live audition date. 

Video/audio editing, mixing, or re-mastering of any kind is not permitted for prescreening submissions. Any materials received that have been altered will result in an automatic denial. 

Prescreening results will be released in rounds that correspond with the prescreening deadlines. Results may be released earlier, but are guaranteed to be released within two weeks of the deadline. 

4. Audition for the School of Music

All applicants are required to audition for the School of Music. The audition day will consist of a live audition and interview with our faculty. The interview will also allow time for questions from attendees. 

An audition registration email will be sent upon receipt of the application, all supplemental materials, and passing through the prescreening.

DATES AND DEADLINES

Prescreening Requirements:

Performance + Media Composition and Arranging Emphasis

1. Include 10-12 minutes of high-quality audio and/or video, which should:
   • Demonstrate the applicant's best work by highlighting musical ability and technical training. 
   • Demonstrate the applicant's knowledge of and potential for success in the program.
   • Highlight contrasting abilities within commercial genres performed or highlight contrasting abilities within a single genre of specialization. 
2. Include "liner notes" detailing background information on the audio or video submitted. 

Recordings may be of existing performances, demos, and recording projects from professional or undergraduate work, or be created specifically for this audition. Full songs or excerpts are acceptable. If you choose to submit a professionally produced recording project for your prescreening, only one of your pieces may be from that project - all other submissions should be unedited, live audio. 

Applicants to the Media Composition and Arranging Emphasis must also include a PDF of scores with their prescreening materials.

Liner Notes Template

• Student Name
• Intended Major and Emphasis
• Principal Instrument
• The following details for each musical selection:
  • Title
  • Songwriter/Composer
  • Your role in each recording (i.e composer, arranger, vocalist, producer, etc.)
  • Date of recording
  • Purpose of recording (i.e undergraduate recital, professional studio project, professional live performance, demo recording, newly recorded for this submission, etc.)

Audition Requirements:

Emphasis Area - Performance

Voice

1. Perform 3 pieces on a microphone with a rhythm section provided by the School of Music (Drums, Bass, Piano and/or Guitar).
   • One piece may be self-accompanied (a piano will be available. If you choose to play guitar, please bring your own instrument).
   • One piece may be an original composition.
   • At least one piece should either demonstrate virtuosity in commercial vocal technique (i.e. range, flexibility) or an advanced level of musicianship (i.e. improvisation/ad lib, complex original arrangement).
   • Contrast in selections is greatly encouraged. This can be achieved by selecting pieces in three distinctly different commercial genres or by selecting pieces of contrasting tempo and feel within a genre of specialization.
   • No classical or musical theater repertoire will be accepted.
2. Provide accurate and readable charts and arrangements for the rhythm section (4 copies). Charts should be prepared in the key of performance.
3. Be prepared to coach the rhythm section with minimal rehearsal time while adjudicating faculty observe.

Instrumental (Includes Piano)

1. Perform 3 pieces with a rhythm section provided by the School of Music (Drums, Bass, Piano and/or Guitar).
   • At least one piece should demonstrate technical virtuosity on the instrument (i.e. string applicants are encouraged to perform a tune from fiddle repertoire, pianists and guitarists are encouraged to prepare a solo piece).
   • At least one piece should demonstrate an advanced level of musicianship (i.e. improvisation on a jazz standard or similar repertoire).
   • One selection may be a transcription or original composition.
   • Contrast in selections is greatly encouraged. This can be achieved by selecting pieces in three distinctly different commercial genres or by selecting pieces of contrasting tempo and feel within a genre of specialization.
   • If desired, applicants can offer one classical excerpt IN ADDITION to the 3 required commercial pieces.
2. Provide accurate and readable charts and arrangements for the rhythm section (4 copies). Charts should be prepared in the key of performance.
3. Be prepared to coach the rhythm section with minimal rehearsal time while adjudicating faculty observe.
4. Demonstrate the ability to sight-read a selection provided by the faculty adjudicators and demonstrate knowledge of scales and arpeggios.

Emphasis Area - Media Composition and Arranging

The audition day will consist of a portfolio review with our Composition faculty. 

Portfolio Requirements:

1. Scores and recordings for 3 original works featuring at least two different combinations of instruments and/or voices, and totaling approximately 10-15 minutes of music. If an audio recording of a live performance is unavailable, electronic mock-ups will be accepted. (These pieces should be different than those submitted for the prescreen recording). 
2. A repertory list of all compositions including dates and brief descriptions.

Please submit portfolio materials (standard audio MP3 or WAV file) via email to the Graduate Admissions Coordinator. Files too large to email should be shared through Dropbox or Google Drive.

All scholarships will be distributed based on the strength of the audition. All applicants are considered for scholarships.