This program is available for applicants who wish to take advantage of the academic year offerings and cultural events at Illinois. The completion of all degree requirements for the 32-credit program usually involves one contiguous summer in residence as well. Students in the academic year program can take advantage of the many curricular, cultural, and educational opportunities available during the academic year, such as performance in ensembles, attendance at concerts, courses of study across campus, and participation in the richness and diversity of campus life.Applied study. Students wishing to enroll in graduate level applied instruction as part of their degree program must audition with the appropriate applied-area professor. It is the student's responsibility to contact the professor and arrange for an audition. Only applied study taken at the 400 or 500 level may count toward the MME degree.