Graduate Student Requirements

Graduate study at the UL Lafayette School of Music is designed to elevate your skills in performance, education, research, and leadership. These guidelines outline important milestones and requirements to help you plan effectively and achieve your goals.

1. Graduate Committee & Candidacy

• After completing 12 credit hours, each student forms a committee of 3–4 faculty—including experts in your concentration (e.g., theory, conducting, performance).
• The committee chair must be Graduate Faculty, and the committee guides your final evaluation.
• Submit the candidacy form (with signatures) before your second semester. Forms are available via the Graduate School.

2. Diagnostic & Proficiency Exams

• Newly admitted students must take a Music History listening exam and a Theory Placement Exam.
  • Optional remedial courses (e.g., Review Theory MUS 481) may fulfill deficiencies but do not count toward your degree credit requirements.
• Instrument-specific proficiencies: Conducting, Jazz, Theory/Composition, vocal majors, and Music Education students must pass keyboard and aural skill diagnostics based on their concentration.

3. Course Enrollment & Ensemble Participation

• All full-time graduate students must enroll in at least one graduate ensemble (e.g. MUS 544) per semester—regardless of financial aid or assistantship status.
• The Review Theory course (MUS 481) does not fulfill degree requirements but may contribute to the credit load if necessary.

4. Recital Hearing & Final Exam Requirements

• Approximately two weeks before your recital, you must complete a Recital Hearing, including prepared program notes, before your graduate committee.
  • (Conducting students may schedule a mock rehearsal.)
• At the end of your final term, you’ll take:

1. A Comprehensive Written Exam (3–4 questions, including theory and major area).
2. A Comprehensive Oral Exam coordinated by your committee and Graduate Coordinator.
   Individual committee members may allow restricted use of books or the internet.
3. A separate Music History analysis test administered by the music faculty before the comprehensive exams.

5. Thesis Defense (Theory/Composition Majors Only)

• Students pursuing the Theory/Composition concentration must author and defend a written thesis before graduation.
• Submit your thesis proposal to your committee one semester in advance.
• Final defense and committee feedback take place two months before the Graduate School deadline, with revisions due one month prior.

6. Graduation Checklist

In your final semester, complete the following administrative steps:

• Submit your graduation application and fee.
• Complete the Graduate School checklist.
• Order your cap and gown during Graduation Expo.
• Meet all degree and recitals deadlines as outlined in the academic calendar.

Need Assistance?

Your Graduate Coordinator and program faculty are available to guide you at every step. If you have questions about testing, committee formation, or graduation procedures, reach out anytime.

Email: music@louisiana.edu 
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