Departmental Thesis Requirements
In music, the thesis may take many forms. It could be a research paper, an original composition
with artist’s statement, a lecture recital (with submission of a written form of the lecture component), a recital with extensive program notes, and so on. Individual areas (such as the Music Composition area) may establish guidelines for typical formats of honors theses in their subdisciplines, but regardless of area, students may propose alternative formats for the honors thesis in music. The format as well as the topic must be described in the Thesis Proposal Form and agreed upon by the Thesis Mentor and Departmental Honors Liaison.
How does the Honors Thesis relate to other aspects of the major, like a Capstone Project?
An honors thesis may be combined with other capstone activities completed in the School of Music, such as a senior recital or a senior project in music theory, history, or composition (MUSC 4970). In such cases, however, the choice to complete and Honors Thesis indicates that the student intends to complete substantial work that exceeds the requirements of the equivalent non-honors degree. To determine this, students should consult the standards set by individual areas within the School of Music.
Departmental Coursework Supporting Thesis
At present, the School of Music has no dedicated coursework designed specifically to facilitate the thesis aside from MUSC 4999.
Additional Information for Students
Because of the wide variety of possible formats for theses in the School of Music, students are strongly encouraged to consult with the DHL early during their penultimate ("junior") year to identify possible thesis formats and mentors. The DHL will maintain an archive of Honors Thesis Guidelines developed by individual areas within the School of Music.
Faculty Thesis Mentors: More Info
All faculty members in the School of Music, including adjuncts as well as career- and tenure-line faculty members, are eligible to be a faculty thesis mentor. Students should be aware that some faculty members, especially adjunct faculty, might not have service duties such as thesis mentoring as part of their job description: such faculty are under no obligation to agree to mentor a thesis, though many are willing to. Students should consult the DHL for guidance in selecting a faculty mentor. If a faculty mentor leaves before completion of the project, the music DHL will step in as mentor unless an appropriate substitute can be found.
Collaborative Theses: More Info
Because of the collaborative nature of most music making, collaborative honors theses are encouraged. Two examples of possible collaborations would be a small ensemble that consists of multiple honors students, and an honors composer who writes several pieces for an honors performer to premiere. Collaboration with honors students in other programs--such as students in Dance, Film & Media Arts, or the Division of Games--are also potentially valuable. In most collaborations, students should expect that while the creative components of the thesis are made collaboratively, the written component of the theses will be completed individually. In all collaborative theses, the thesis proposal must clearly delineate the expected contributions of each participant, and each student must submit a contribution and reflection statement with the thesis.
Joint Thesis Mentors: More Info
A joint thesis that combines multiple majors is permitted if a suitable project can be designed, with approval of the proposal by DHLs and faculty mentors from all relevant majors. A faculty member from the School of Music should be involved in mentoring the music component of the joint thesis unless a student receives prior approval for an exceptional case.
Faculty Thesis Mentor Eligibility
Tenure-line, Career-lineCan FTM be in a different department?
YesCollaborative Theses
Yes
Joint Thesis
Yes