The Music Capstone (MUHI 395A/B) is a significant culminating project required of all music majors, completed (unless completing a capstone in another degree program). It is completed across two semesters and may take the form of either:
- A Senior Thesis, or
- A Senior Recital with a Supporting Document
All Capstone projects include:
- A substantial written component
- A public presentation (recital or oral presentation)
Course Sequence
MUHI 395A: Music Capstone I
(Fall semester, 2.00 credits)
Focuses on bibliography development, preliminary research, outlining, and drafting the written component. Includes group sessions and individual tutorials.
MUHI 395B: Music Capstone II
(Spring semester, 1.00鈥�3.00 credits)
Emphasizes finalizing the written component and completing the public presentation. Format includes class sessions and one-on-one tutorials.
Instructor: Dr. Georgia Cowart
Email: [email protected]
Office: Haydn Hall 314
Course Structure
- Group Sessions: Begin each semester with shared meetings
- Individual Tutorials: Weekly meetings continue with the instructor or graduate assistant
Capstone Formats
Senior Thesis with Public Presentation
- Final Paper: 20鈥�25 pages (excluding bibliography)
- Public Presentation: 20-minute talk with PowerPoint slides and 10-minute Q&A; presented at the end of spring jury exams
- Audience: open to friends and family; attendance required for all Capstone students
Senior Recital and Supporting Document
- Supporting Document: 15鈥�20 pages (excluding bibliography)
- Public Presentation: the recital itself fulfills the public presentation requirement
- Must enroll in 2.00 credits of primary applied lessons each semester
- The recital may substitute for the Exit Jury
- Requires three faculty jury members and pre-arranged evaluation sheets from the music office
Document Length
- Senior Thesis: 20鈥�25 pages (excluding bibliography)
- Supporting Document for Recital: 15鈥�20 pages (excluding bibliography)
Policies and Guidelines
Is MUHI 395 Required?
Music majors must complete the Capstone within the music department unless they are double majors or dual degree candidates who may choose another department for their Capstone. The two-semester sequence must be taken in order and is typically completed in the senior year.
Elective Option
MUHI 395 may be taken as an elective if prerequisites are met. However, space is limited, and preference is given to music majors for whom the course is a requirement.
Early Completion
Students planning to study abroad or who will be away from campus during their senior year must complete the Capstone sequence in their junior year or fulfill it in another department.
Applied Instruction
Students opting for a senior recital as their Capstone must enroll in 2.00 credits of primary applied music during both semesters of Capstone registration. The recital may substitute for the Exit Jury if needed, requiring three jury members and pre-arranged evaluation sheets from the music office.
Non-Capstone Senior Recital
With approval from their applied instructor, students may perform a senior recital outside of the Capstone project. They must register for 2.00 credits of primary applied music during the semesters before and during the recital and obtain approval from their applied instructor.
Prerequisites
Students must complete MUHI 201 and MUHI 202 before enrolling in MUHI 395A. It is recommended to complete the department seminar and as many music history electives as possible prior to starting the Capstone project.
Department Honors
Music majors who maintain a GPA of 3.75 or above in the major, and who complete an ambitious and outstanding Music Capstone project, may be awarded Departmental Honors through faculty nomination and vote.
This distinction is:
- Printed on the student's official transcript
- Announced at Commencement
- Included in the Commencement program