Bilkent University

MUSIC

Tahsin Tolga Yayalar, Ph.D., Chair

The aim of the graduate program is to train professional artists in the areas of performance, creativity and research. Students have the opportunity to study and develop under the guidance of internationally renowned artists at the Faculty, and to display their development professionally through presentations, recitals, concerts as well as live and studio recordings. Music Performance and Interpretation majors are invited for selected events to perform with the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra and Composition majors works are widely presented by the Faculties professional ensembles.

These public appearances and recordings are organized by the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts to equip the student with advanced professional experience, thereby widening their horizons in the artistic world.

The graduate program offers the following degrees in various fields and majors. Courses and requirements are also listed below. (Also refer to the "Graduate Admissions" section in the introduction of this catalog for the general graduate admission requirements.)

Admission requirements common to programs include a Bachelor's degree (non-music majors accepted) with a standing of 2.50 CGPA for scholarship applicants. English Language Proficiency, Reference letters, Admission Interview, Admission Recital, Composition Portfolio Review, Music Theory and History Assessment.

The Master of Arts in Music program comprises a wide range of options in majors of creative and interpretational fields of musical art in three curriculum tracks:

1) Music Performance and Interpretation

The curriculum track for the Music Performance and Interpretation option comprises majors in Musical Instruments or Chamber Music. The goal of the thesis program in Music Performance and Interpretation is to enhance the musical performance of high level musicians holding an undergraduate degree to international standards. It aims to further their interpretative skills by advancing the general level they have achieved from previous studies in music theory, history and the relationship of these with other scientific disciplines. A candidate choosing the Master of Arts program aims to advance in a professional performance career as well as develop academic skills in writing and research.

The M.A. degree in Music Performance and Interpretation is offered in the following areas of specialization: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion, Harp, Piano, Classical Guitar, Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double-bass, Operatic Voice, Chamber Music.

2) Conducting

The conducting program aims to provide highly gifted and skilled candidates with practical and theoretical skills, tools and knowledge to progress in this most demanding and complex discipline to achieve the role of a conductor with opera and orchestra ensembles upon graduation. Students will receive individual instruction and training in conducting techniques as well as repertoire along with musicianship skill, theory and history courses and seminars as necessary. They will gain an all-round understanding and a high level of knowledge of the practical, technical, artistic, psychological and business issues involved with the profession, and will build experience with podium and performance possibilities to achieve technical proficiency and artistic integrity.

3) Composition

Master of Arts in composition at Bilkent offers a program designed to enable each student to contribute to the composition field in a productive, resourceful and personal way. The M.A. Program in Composition provides intensive training through independent lessons, lecture courses and weekly seminars in the student's field supported by studies in theoretical and historical subjects.

Degree Requirements

Applied Music Restricted Electives: All MSC 5XX level courses with at least 3 Bilkent credits.

Music Restricted Electives: All MSC 3XX or higher-level courses with 3 Bilkent credits.

Graduate Elective: All 5XX or higher-level courses with at least 3 Bilkent credits.