Acceptance into a Music Department Graduate program requires academic acceptance by the University as well as acceptance by the Music Department. The Music Department part of the application process includes an audition (for degrees with a performance component) or submission of appropriate scores and documents (for degrees which have no performance component). Please see below (Graduate Degree Programs) for clarification.
Application to the M.M. with a concentration in Music Education, Music History or Music Theory, or the Ph.D. with a concentration in either Music Education or Music Theory requires the General Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Academic application forms for admission to graduate study are available from the UMass Amherst Graduate School web page or from the Graduate Admissions Office:
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE
University of Massachusetts Amherst
530 Goodell Building
140 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9333
(413) 545-0722
E-mail: gradadm@grad.umass.edu
APPLICATION DEADLINES: For fall admission, the application deadline for all graduate programs in Music, except Music Theory, is February 1. The application deadline for graduate study in the Music Theory programs (MM, PhD) is January 15. Applications must be submitted by October 1 for spring admission.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, or veteran status, in any aspect of the admission or treatment of students or in employment.
Administered by the Department of Music & Dance through Continuing & Professional Education, the PPC offers performing musicians in the early stages of their careers the opportunity for private instruction with the faculty members of the UMass Music Department and for participation in the many small and large ensembles of the Department. The pre-requisite for participation in this program is an undergraduate degree in music or demonstrated equivalent musical training. The purpose of the Certificate program is to provide a concentrated year of artistic development, career preparation, and work experience for aspiring professional musicians.
As well as applying through the UMass Amherst Graduate School, graduate applicants in Music may wish to contact the appropriate area-of-concentration program director (see below for list) if more specific information about the degree program and its requirements is desired. DEGREE SUBPLANS (required & optional courses) for all Masters and PhD programs are also available in the Music Programs & Degrees-Graduate page of this website and the Graduate Handbook (pdf file).
If your degree program does not require an audition, you may elect to perform an audition if you would like to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship (TA) that includes performing. Ensemble auditions are always required for placement in ensembles. You must submit any required scores or other documents to the Graduate Program Director, Jeff Cox. Click for Graduate String Quartet program info.
Some graduate programs require additional support materials as part of the application process. The degree and support material requirements are:
Master of Music in Composition: examples of original compositions in varied styles or genres.
Master of Music in Jazz Composition & Arranging: samples of completed arrangements and original compositions, on CDs, with copies of scores. Please note your performance contributions to CD tracks if applicable. An on-campus performance audition/interview may also be scheduled, preferably on, but not limited to, departmental audition dates.
Master of Music in Choral Conducting: a 20 minute DVD of rehearsal and performance footage; a comprehensive list of repertoire conducted; a current resume. For more information, visit www.umass.edu/choirs.
Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting: a 20 minute DVD of rehearsal and performance footage (camera to face of conductor); a comprehensive list of repertoire conducted; a one-page philosophy of music education; a current professional CV.
Master of Music in Wind Conducting: a 20 minute DVD of rehearsal and performance footage (camera to face of conductor); a comprehensive list of repertoire conducted; a one-page philosophy of music education; a current professional CV.
Master of Music in Music Education with a Research Emphasis: one scholarly paper (thesis, term paper, journal article, etc.) at least ten pages in length that demonstrates writing ability, understanding of the connection between theory and practice, critical analysis and synthesis, and appropriate use of sources and citations.
Master of Music in Music History: senior thesis or extended term paper; at least 10 pages in length, that demonstrates writing ability, analytic reasoning, and appropriate use of sources and citations.
Ph.D. in Music Education: two contrasting scholarly papers (thesis, term paper, journal article, research study, etc.) each at least ten pages in length that demonstrate writing ability, understanding of the connection between theory and practice, critical analysis and synthesis, research skills, and appropriate use of sources and citations.
Master of Music or Ph.D. in Music Theory: two contrasting papers in music theory (senior thesis, term paper, etc), each at least ten pages in length, that demonstrate writing ability, analytical and critical reasoning, and appropriate use of sources and citations.
Send all supporting materials, such as video recordings or CDs, scores, and research papers, directly to the DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC AND DANCE Graduate Program Director. Make sure to include the concentration you are applying for (i.e.: performance/instrument, theory, etc.). Sending supporting materials to the Graduate School will delay their consideration by the appropriate music faculty.
UMass Amherst Audition dates for 2013-14: (for graduate or undergrad applicants)
All Instruments & Voice (EXCEPT Strings - violin, viola, cello, double bass):
Saturdays:
December 7, 2013 (Suggested date for "early action" applicants)
February 1, 2014
February 15, 2014
March 1, 2014 (INCLUDES STRINGS; Suggested last date for non-transfer Fall applicants)
March 29, 2014 (Transfers only)
Violin, viola, cello, double bass only:
Monday, December 2, 2013 (Suggested date for "Early Action" applicants)
Monday, February 10, 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014 (with ALL Instruments)
Wednesday, March 26, 2014 (Transfer applicants- strings)
Students should schedule an audition as early as possible, and may do so even before submitting the application for academic acceptance. Auditions may take place prior to academic acceptance to the University; however, Music Department faculty cannot hear an audition unless a University application has been submitted.
This form is only for those graduate programs requiring an instrumental or vocal audition.
See the Graduate Degree Programs section on this page to determine which programs require an audition.
The form is available online (submitted electronically). If you have questions about the form or the Music Admissions/Audition process, please contact the Admissions Director at 413-545-6048 or musicdegreeinfo@music.umass.edu.
Audition Requirements
When an audition is required for admission to a Graduate Program (see above), applicants are expected to perform in various period styles within the repertory of their instrument/voice, before March 1st. Please visit the Graduate Audition Requirements page for specific repertory, general audition guidelines, and studio professor contact information.
Graduate Program Director
Jeff Cox
Department of Music and Dance, Fine Arts Center Room 273 East
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003-9330
Phone: 413-545-0311
e-mail: jcox@music.umass.edu
All entering Masters students must take the Diagnostic Examinations in Music Theory and Music History before they may enroll for coursework in these subject areas. Each test takes approximately one hour to complete. The exams are offered during Departmental auditions and/or at the time of the on-campus audition/interview. The exams are also administered before classes begin in the fall and spring semesters.
Applicants for a concentration in Music Theory must pass the corresponding Diagnostic Exam as an entrance test prior to acceptance. Theory applicants must pass all sections of the written theory exam.
The results of the Music History exam will be used to advise students into appropriate graduate level history courses.
Students who do not pass section(s) of the Diagnostic Exam in Music Theory must retake and pass those sections before they may take graduate-level theory courses. Students may study on their own, participate in summer music theory review online, hire a tutor, and/or take the Graduate Theory Review course in the fall to prepare for retaking the exam.
We welcome visits by prospective students and their families and can arrange meetings with faculty and students, attendance at classes and rehearsals, and tours. Please contact the Department (musicdegreeinfo@music.umass.edu, 413-545-6048) in advance to schedule an appointment.
One of the best music schools/departments in Massachusetts and in New England, offering graduate and undergraduate Music Education, Jazz, Performance, Music History and Music Theory degrees and programs.
