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School of Music

Master of Music

Master of Music in Opera Theater

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There are two tracks for this degree:

Opera Performance

Music Bibliography and Research (MUSC 707) 2 credits

Major Area
a) Applied studies (6 credits of MUSC 711V)
b) Opera experiences (2 credits of MUSC 780 and 2 credits of MUSC 781)[1]
c) Survey of the Opera (MUSC 545, 3 credits)
d) Advanced Diction (MUSC 778, 2 credits)

15 credits 
Cognate Studies[2] 6 credits
Music History (advisor-approved) 3 credits
Music Theory (advisor-approved) 3 credits
Elective Studies (may include credits from the Department of Theatre) 3 credits
Total 32 credits

Ensemble requirement: Minimum of two semesters in an opera ensemble (MUSC 734)

Diction proficiency requirement: diction proficiency in French, German, and Italian (one proficiency must be satisfied at the end of one semester of full-time study, one must be satisfied before the completion of two semesters of full-time study, and the remaining must be satisfied before the Oral Comprehensive Examination)

Foreign language requirement: reading proficiency in any two of French, German, or Italian (one proficiency must be satisfied before the completion of two semesters of full-time study and the other before the Oral Comprehensive Examination)

[1]Successful completion of two credits of MUSC 781 includes the presentation of two significant opera roles and one minor role.

[2]Six advisor-approved credits from MUSC 581 and 500-700 level courses from THEA and DANC.

Prerequisites: Admittance into the Master of Music degree in Performance (Voice)

Opera Stage Directing

Music Bibliography and Research (MUSC 707) 2 credits

Major Area
a) Applied studies (3 credits of MUSC 511V or MUSC 711V)
b) Opera experiences (2 credits of MUSC 780 and 4 credits of MUSC 782)[1]
c) Survey of the Opera (MUSC 545, 3 credits)
d) Advanced Diction (MUSC 778, 2 credits)

12 credits 
Cognate Studies[2] 8-9 credits
Music History (advisor-approved) 3 credits
Music Theory (advisor-approved) 3 credits
Elective Studies (may include credits from the Department of Theatre) 3-4 credits
Total 32 credits

Ensemble requirement: Minimum of two semesters in an opera ensemble (MUSC 734)

Diction proficiency requirement: diction proficiency in French, German, and Italian (one proficiency must be satisfied at the end of one semester of full-time study, one must be satisfied before the completion of two semesters of full-time study, and the remaining must be satisfied before the Oral Comprehensive Examination)

Foreign language requirement: reading proficiency in any two of French, German, or Italian (one proficiency must be satisfied before the completion of two semesters of full-time study and the other before the Oral Comprehensive Examination)

[1]Successful completion of four credits of MUSC 782 includes serving as student assistant director for two operas and as stage director for two other operas.

[2]Six advisor-approved credits from MUSC 581 and 500-700 level courses from THEA and DANC.

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in music or music education, including keyboard skills and proficiency in either voice or keyboard equivalent to the completion of the fourth year of undergraduate instruction at USC; applicants must also be able to document extensive singing or acting experience.


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