Wells School of Music Information

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to a degree program at West Chester University, music applicants are considered on the basis of academic record, interviews, Wells School of Music Graduate Placement Test, portfolio review in composition, and auditions for performance programs.

Prior to enrollment all applicants must:

1. Possess appropriate undergraduate degrees and may be required to remedy not more than 12 credits of deficiency
2. Schedule interviews with the graduate coordinator and appropriate department chairperson in the Wells School of Music

The areas of concentration, directed electives, and free electives are described fully in a student handbook compiled by, and available from, the graduate coordinator of the Wells School of Music.

Two (2) weeks prior to the first semester of study, each incoming graduate student must have completed the Graduate Assessment Tests. These tests comprise the  Music History Assessment Test and the Music Theory Assessment Test. They are administered online through the University’s learning management system, D2L, and can be taken anytime once access is granted by the graduate coordinator. A minimum score of 70% on the required Music History Assessment Test waives the MHL 501 course requirement.  Students scoring below 70% on the Music History Assessment Test are required to take MHL 501 (Style, Form, & Genre) prior to enrolling in other Music History course(s). A minimum score of 70% on the required Music Theory Assessment Test waives the MTC 591 course requirement. Students scoring below 70% on the music Theory Assessment Test are required to take MTC 591 (Music Theory Review) prior to enrolling in other Music Theory course(s). Students that do not complete the required Graduate Assessment Tests by the specified date are required to take MHL 501and MTC 591.

1. The Music History Assessment Test covers styles, forms, and genres of all major periods of music history, representative composers and their works, and philosophical and social issues relating to music history. This knowledge will be assessed through a combination of written questions and aural listening examples.

1. The Music Theory Assessment Test covers music terminology, part-writing techniques, analysis of harmonic and melodic structures, basic arranging and composition, and aural skills. These skills and knowledge will be assessed through a combination of written and aural questions. 

M.M. in Conducting (Choral Conducting) only

Two (2) weeks prior to the first semester of study, each incoming graduate student must have completed the Diction Assessment Test. The Diction Assessment Test evaluates the student’s basic knowledge of foreign language pronunciation in Latin, Italian, German, French, and English (for non-native English speakers). Students scoring below 70% on any section of the Diction Assessment Test will receive instruction in their applied choral conducting lessons in addition to having the option to take a course in that language diction. Students are assessed in Vocal Pedagogy during their Choral Conducting interview and audition. If it is determined that any student requires further instruction in vocal pedagogy, they will be directed to take VOC 591 (Vocal Pedagogy) and/or individual minor voice lessons. 

M.M in Performance (Vocal Concentration) only

Two (2) weeks prior to the first semester of study, each incoming graduate student must have completed the Diction and Vocal Pedagogy Assessment Tests. The Diction Assessment Test evaluates the student’s basic knowledge of foreign language pronunciation in Latin, Italian, German, French, and English (for non-native English speakers).  Students scoring below 70% on any section of the Diction Assessment Test are required take a course in that language diction. Students must earn a score of 70% on the Vocal Pedagogy Assessment Test. Students who receive scores below the required percentage are required to take VOC 591 (Vocal Pedagogy).

Each degree candidate is individually responsible for satisfying degree candidacy and graduation requirements stated elsewhere in this catalog and for meeting deadline dates for the May, August, or December graduation, as appropriate.