Graduate Admission - Supporting Materials
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: at least three scores of original compositions in varied styles or genres.
Master of Music in Jazz Composition & Arranging: samples of completed arrangements and original compositions, on downloadable audio files, with copies of scores. Please note your performance contributions to 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 video recording 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 YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive link of rehearsal or performance footage; a representative list of repertoires conducted; a one-page philosophy of music education or writing sample; a current professional CV including reference contact information.
Master of Music in Wind Conducting: A YouTube link or mp4 of rehearsal or performance footage (camera to face of conductor); a comprehensive list of repertoires conducted; a one-page philosophy of music education or writing sample; a current professional CV including reference contact information.
Master of Music in Music Education: (a) 3 letters of recommendation, (b) resume, (c) personal statement outlining philosophy of music education and carreer goals (3-5 double-spaced pages in length), (e) professional writing sample (scholarly writing on a topic of interest in music education, minimum of 5 double-spaced pages in length). Applicants for the Applied and Conducting focus areas must complete an audition. An interview (in person or online) will also be required.
Master of Music in Music History: two contrasting papers in music history (senior thesis, term paper, etc.), each at least seven pages in length, that demonstrate writing ability, analytical and critical reasoning, and appropriate use of sources and citations.
Master of Music in Music Theory: (a) curriculum vitae; (b) three letters of recommendation; (c) personal statement addressing research interests, teaching philosophy, and career goals (2–3 pages); (d) two contrasting papers (8–16 pages each) in music theory that demonstrate writing ability, analytical and critical reasoning, and the appropriate use of sources and citations; (e) other supporting materials the applicant might wish to include (e.g., compositions, examples of species counterpoint, teaching materials, GRE scores, etc.). An interview in person or online is required.
Ph.D. in Music Education: (a) 3 letters of recommendation, (b) resume, (c) teaching video (K-12 or collegiate class in area of expertise, 12-15 minutes in length), (d) personal statement outlining philosophy of music education and career goals (3-5 double-spaced pages in length), (e) professional writing sample (scholarly writing on a topic of interest in music education, minimum of 5 double-spaced pages in length). An interview (in person or online) will also be required.
Send all supporting materials, such as video recordings, scores, and research papers, directly to the Department of Music & Dance Graduate Program Coordinator, Nicole Avakian. (Mailing address: Department of Music & Dance, UMass Amherst, Bromery Center Rm. 273, 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA 01003-9330)
Make sure to include the concentration you are applying for (i.e. wind conducting, theory, etc.). Sending supporting materials to the Graduate School will delay their consideration by the appropriate music faculty.
