Graduate Programs

Graduate Music Degrees

Graduate Programs

The University of Nebraska at Omaha is a comprehensive, urban-oriented institution dedicated to breadth and quality. It contributes to the community and to the state through its strong academic programs, research and creative activity of its faculty, and through a very special orientation to public service. Through these and through the accomplishments of its graduates, UNO takes advantage of its unique role in the area and serves both students and community through relevant programs of high quality. The Master of Music degrees offered by the School of Music are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The degree Master of Music at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is divided into three concentrations: Music Education, Music Performance, and Conducting.

Campanile

Music Performance

The Music Performance concentration is a thirty credit hour program that emphasizes performance and applied music. Courses in history, theory and pedagogy as they relate to performance are included, and opportunities for internships and performances in local professional organizations such as Opera Omaha and the Omaha Symphony are enjoyed by students at UNO. Students may choose to study with talented artist-faculty in brass, woodwind, percussion, string, keyboard or voice.

Pianist

Music Education

The Music Education concentration is available in both a thirty credit hour thesis and thirty-six credit hour non-thesis option. Music Education graduate courses emphasize pedagogy and practical application of music skills and research for teachers at all levels. Special courses like Pedagogy of Multicultural Music and Pedagogy of Theory, flexibility in elective options, and the ability to complete the degree exclusively during the summer make this program unique.

Music Education

Conducting

The Conducting concentration is a thirty credit hour program that emphasizes individualized instruction in conducting and maximizes experiences in front of an ensemble. Courses in music history, literature, and theory supplement the practical experience to help produce well-rounded graduates with considerable knowledge of techniques and literature.

Conducting

Nebraska Kodály Certification Program 

Kodály levels courses at UNO are designed to provide participants with strategies for teaching music based on the philosophies and practices of musician-composer-educator Zoltan Kodály—commonly known as “Kodály” nationally and internationally. The Kodály approach to music teaching and learning is appropriate for pre-school children through students in middle school grades and has applications for high school and adult education, particularly in choral settings. The focus of Kodály is music literacy, achieved through listening, singing, reading, writing, and creating music. Kodály pedagogy emphasizes developing music literacy through the indigenous music of the culture, beginning with folk songs. 

The Kodály courses at UNO are approved by the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) – the national association governing Kodály pedagogy in the United States – and meet the hour requirements and content standards required by OAKE as well as university requirements. Classes include instruction in pedagogy, solfége, folk song research, conducting and choral singing. In addition, special topics covered may include, but are not limited to, folk dance, music listening and multicultural topics in music education. 

Director of the Nebraska Kodály Certification program
Dr. Shelly Cooper
sccooper@unomaha.edu
 402-554-4897

Dates for Upcoming Program 
 June 18-22 and 25-29
Courses held on the University of Nebraska at Omaha Campus
School of Music, Strauss Performing Arts Center

Register Here

Typical Course Schedule
 The Nebraska Kodály Certification Courses at UNO are reviewed and approved annually by the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE). Each level requires a minimum of 60 clock hours of in-class work and various out-of-class assignments requiring additional student time. Classes typically meet from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily for two weeks (M-F), with breaks for lunch and breaks between class sessions. All Kodály levels courses are offered for graduate credit or non-degree credit.

Level I Course Description


Level I courses (pedagogy and solfége) focus specifically on pedagogy for pre-K through grade 2, including singing, movement, hand signs and solfége, and the development of music reading and writing skills. Planning and delivery of instruction as well as curriculum development for early grade music instruction are included. Choral singing and conducting are included in the Level I curriculum. 

Level II Course Description
 Level II courses focus specifically on pedagogy, repertoire, and materials for grades 3 through 4 or 5, with a review of K-2 techniques, pedagogy and repertoire as appropriate.  In addition to concentrated work in singing, movement, hand signs and solfége, and the development of music reading and writing skills, Level II students engage folk song research and analysis.  Choral singing and conducting are included in the Level II curriculum. 

Level III Course Description
 Level II courses focus specifically on pedagogy, repertoire, and materials for grades 5 and above with a review of K-4 techniques, pedagogy and repertoire as appropriate.  In addition to concentrated work in singing, movement, hand signs and solfége, and the development of music reading and writing skills, Level III students engage folk song research and analysis.  Choral singing and ensemble conducting are included in the Level III curriculum. 

Level IV Course Description
 The course, Kodály Advanced Studies: Application, is designed for students who have completed Kodály certification (levels 1-3). The course assists students in continual development of individual musicianship, mentoring, and research skills. The mentorship portion of Level IV assists students who have an interest in becoming a Kodály instructor.

Student Outcomes:

  • Kodály Instructor Preparation
    1. Students will select an area of study (pedagogy or solfa)
    2. Students will “shadow” an instructor within the chosen area of study to gain in-depth knowledge on instructional delivery methods and strategies
  1. Culminating Project that Advances Knowledge of the Kodály philosophy.
    1. Statement of Purpose
    2. Overview
      i.  Outline for achieving goals
      ii. Approximate Time and Duration of Activities
  1. Expected Outcomes – description of final document or activity that evidences personal knowledge advancement and success
    i.  Overview of your learning
    ii. How this project/research might aid the instructor and/or contribute to other participants’ learning
  1. Present an overview of your project to the students enrolled in levels 1-3 during the second week of classes.

Note: Duties may include mentoring participants in levels 1-3 and assisting course instructors.

Additional Kodály Resources

 Plains States Kodály Organization (PSKOR): http://pskornebraska.wixsite.com/pskor

Organization of American Kodály Educators: https://www.oake.org

International Kodály Society: http://www.iks.hu

Kodály Society of Canada: http://kodalysocietyofcanada.ca

Holy Names University Kodály Center: The American Folk Song Collection: http://kodaly.hnu.edu

Other Information

For a list of requirements, application procedures, and other information please see the School of Music Graduate Student Handbook.

For any other questions about the Graduate Programs UNO offers please contract Dr. Pete Madsen by email petermadsen@unomaha.edu or 402.554.2297.

Graduate Comprehensive Exam Schedule
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Saturday, June 30, 2018