GRADUATE AUDITIONS & PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Submit a 2-4 minute video personal statement of yourself discussing some or all of the following questions/statements. You may share some of the same information that you include in your written personal statement. The admissions committee will use both the written and video statements to evaluate how you present yourself on and off the page.

1. What qualities or experiences first drew you to conducting?
2. Why do you believe the conducting program at the University of Maryland would be a good fit for you?
3. Describe the future you envision for classical music and your potential role in it.

Expand the applicable accordion below to find the additional pre-screening requirements for your area of study.

Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts

Upload a video of 10-20 minutes in length of a rehearsal with a mixed vocal ensemble of at least 12 singers.

The rehearsal video should be made with the conductor facing the camera.

You may also submit a performance video, but this is not a requirement.

Pre-screen results will be sent via email by early January.

Master of Music

Upload a video of 10-20 minutes in length of you conducting an instrumental ensemble of no less than seven players (preferably an orchestra.) Please include work on at least 2 different pieces. One of these can be opera.

The video may be a combination of rehearsal and performance conducting, or it may all be of rehearsal(s). It should not be only a performance. A dress rehearsal with no talking does not count as a rehearsal.

Note: the rehearsal video should be made with the conductor facing the camera as much as possible.

Master of Music

Upload a list of what you consider to be the 35 finest works that would be considered in the repertoire of university or conservatory wind ensembles (i.e. Hindemith’s Symphony in Bb or Septet would be appropriate, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony would not.)

Upload a video of 10-20 minutes of you conducting an instrumental ensemble of no less than seven players (preferably a wind ensemble).

The video may be a combination of rehearsal and performance conducting, or it may all be of rehearsal(s). It should not be only a performance.

Note: The video should be made with the camera behind the ensemble and you facing the camera.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Upload a video of approximately 20 minutes of you conducting an orchestra. Please include excerpts of at least two contrasting works. One excerpt could be of opera. 

The video may be a combination of rehearsal and performance conducting, or it may all be of rehearsal(s). It should not be only a performance.

Note: the rehearsal video should be made with the conductor facing the camera as much as possible.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Upload a list of what you consider to be the 35 finest works that would be considered in the repertoire of university or conservatory wind ensembles (i.e. Hindemith’s Symphony in Bb or Septet would be appropriate, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony would not.)

Upload a video of approximately 20 minutes of you conducting an instrumental ensemble of no less than seven players (preferably a wind ensemble).

The video may be a combination of rehearsal and performance conducting, or it may all be of rehearsal(s). It should not be only a performance.

Note: The video should be made with the camera behind the ensemble and you facing the camera.

Pre-screen results will be sent via email by early January.

Pre-screening requirements for in-person auditions:

A video recording of two contrasting pieces: one piece may be an étude, but the two pieces should be by different composers (the movements may not be from the same work).

Pre-screening requirements for in-person auditions:

Solo Piano

(M.M. and D.M.A.)

A video recording of 10-15 minutes worth of music that is representative of your ability. You must include a minimum of two contrasting styles. You may submit excerpts of a longer work, but the total amount of music submitted on the recording may not exceed 15 minutes. The video recording must show your hands on the keyboard.

Collaborative Piano and Chamber Music Emphasis

(M.M. and D.M.A.) 

1. A solo piece
2. A collaborative piece

(Applicants invited to a live audition will be provided musicians to accompany)

Total of four selections, for ALL programs:

1. One German lied
2. One French melodie
3. Two arias, either from opera or oratorio, one of which must be in Italian

Choral Conducting

Applicants chosen for an on-campus audition after initial screening will be asked to lead a choral rehearsal of up to 30 minutes, have a personal interview with members of the conducting faculty and complete musical skills testing. Auditions will take place in the Spring semester. Those selected for a live audition will be given 2-3 dates from which to choose.

Orchestral & Wind Conducting*

Live auditions for those selected for the orchestral and wind conducting programs will take place in the Spring semester. Those chosen for an on-campus audition after the initial screening will be asked to complete a test of ear training skills and general knowledge of the field. Candidates will also be asked to perform on their primary instrument and demonstrate their level of score-reading at the piano. This will be followed by a session of up to 25 minutes with the UMD Symphony or Wind Orchestra on works chosen by the conducting faculty.

All prospective jazz applicants should be prepared to discuss previous performance experience, teachers and method books used in study. Please use your own mp3 or CD accompaniment.

Master of Music

Jazz Bass (acoustic preferred), Guitar, Piano, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet

1. Major, whole tone, diminished and ascending melodic minor scales.
2. Play the melody and improvise from memory on the chord changes of one tune from each of the following three lists:
   1. Bebop tunes: Groovin’ High, Half Nelson, Confirmation, Donna Lee, Joy Spring, Stablemates
   2. Standard tunes: All The Things You Are, Stella By Starlight, What Is This Thing Called Love?, Star Eyes, Alone Together, There Will Never Be Another You, Have You Met Miss Jones?, On Green Dolphin Street
   3. Post-bop tunes: Giant Steps, Moment’s Notice, Bolivia, Inner Urge, Dolphin Dance, Moontrane
3. Perform one jazz étude or transcription
4. Auditionees may be asked to sight-read typical jazz ensemble parts

Master of Music

Drumset

The applicant must demonstrate their ability to play in the following musical styles:

1. 4/4 swing at a variety of tempos
2. Funk and rock styles at a variety of tempos
3. Samba and bossa nova
4. Mambo
5. Afro-Cuban 6/8

Additional skills assessed during the jazz drumset audition:

1. Brush technique
2. Waltz and odd meter performance
3. Repertoire: transcription or jazz étude

Master of Music

1. A Delecluse snare drum étude of your choice.
2. An advanced-level mallet solo suitable for a senior recital (first movement of a concerto).
3. An advanced-level timpani solo (one movement) or advanced étude.
4. Two orchestral excerpts each for timpani, snare drum and xylophone.

Doctor of Musical Arts

1. A Delecluse snare drum étude of your choice.
2. An advanced-level four mallet solo suitable for a graduate level recital.
3. An advanced-level two mallet solo suitable for a graduate level recital.
4. An advanced-level timpani solo (one movement) or advanced étude.
5. Four orchestral excerpts each for timpani, snare drum, and xylophone.
6. Two orchestral excerpts each for tambourine, triangle, cymbals, and bass drum.

Solo Piano

Master of Music

Prepare a solo program of at least 45 minutes representing a variety of styles and historical periods, equal in difficulty to a Bachelor of Music solo recital.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Prepare a solo program of at least 60 minutes representing a variety of styles and historical periods, equal in difficulty to a Master of Music solo recital.

Assistantship Information for Solo Pianists

The primary source of funding for graduate students in solo piano is through assistantships. We offer assistantships in teaching and in accompanying.

Teaching Assistantship

In order to be considered for the piano teaching assistantship, please include information in your resume about your teaching experience.

Accompanying Assistantship

In order to be considered for a piano accompanying assistantship, please upload a statement of your collaborative experience, a collaborative repertoire list and a video recording of one of the following:

1. One movement of any Mozart or Beethoven piano and violin sonata
2. Three contrasting lieder

Substitutions may be possible with permission only. Please contact Professor Larissa Dedova if you wish to provide a recording of something different.

Please note, if you are interested in being considered for the accompanying assistantship, sight-reading will be included in your degree audition.

Collaborative Piano and Chamber Music Emphasis

(Applicants invited to a live audition will have musicians to accompany provided)

For those invited for a live audition, you will be asked to submit any changes to your audition repertoire. Musicians will be provided for you to accompany, and rehearsal time will be coordinated with the musicians prior to your scheduled audition time.

Master of Music

1. A work for solo piano which best demonstrates the applicant's musicianship and keyboard technique.
2. A group of five songs representing three different languages and one operatic aria. Please be prepared to sing and play one of the vocal selections.
3. Two contrasting movements from an instrumental sonata or work originally written for solo instrument and piano.
4. A demonstrated proficiency in sight-reading.

Doctor of Musical Arts

1. A 45-60-minute program that includes solo, vocal and instrumental repertoire representing various styles and languages. One selection should be an orchestral reduction. Please be prepared to sing and play one of the vocal selections.
2. A demonstrated proficiency in sight-reading.

Violin, Viola and Cello

Master of Music

A 30-minute program that includes:

1. The first movement of a major concerto from memory.
2. Two contrasting movements of an unaccompanied work by J. S. Bach from memory.
3. A virtuosic work.
4. Three standard orchestral excerpts.
5. Other repertoire of the auditionee's choice as needed to fill out the program.

Doctor of Musical Arts

A 60-minute program that includes:

1. The first movement of a major concerto from memory.
2. Two contrasting movements of an unaccompanied work by Bach from memory.
3. A virtuosic work.
4. One contemporary work (written after 1950).
5. Three standard orchestral excerpts.
6. Other repertoire of the auditionee's choice as needed to fill out the program.

Double Bass

Master of Music

A 30-minute program that includes:

1. Two contrasting movements of any concerto, performed from memory.
2. Two contrasting movements of a work from the Baroque era.
3. Any other repertoire of your choice that you feel represents your abilities and interests.
4. Three contrasting orchestral excerpts.

Doctor of Musical Arts

A program of approximately 60 minutes that includes:

1. A concerto performed from memory.
2. Two contrasting movements of a work from the Baroque era.
3. A virtuosic work.
4. One contemporary work.
5. Any other repertoire of your choice that you feel represents your abilities and interests.
6. Three contrasting orchestral excerpts.

Harp

Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts

A 30-minute program that includes:

1. A movement from a concerto from memory.
2. A solo from a time period that contrasts with the concerto.
3. A virtuosic work.
4. Three to five standard orchestral excerpts.
5. Other solos of the auditionee's choice as needed to fill out the program.

Accompanists are provided for all graduate voice applicants invited for a live audition. All applicants, if invited to the live audition, may change their audition repertoire but must provide 8 copies of the updated list to the audition committee at the time of their audition.

Master of Music, Opera Performance (Maryland Opera Studio)
 
For M.M. applicants, please prepare five to six selections and a monologue, all memorized.
 
Repertoire for M.M. applicants should include four arias in three different languages, one of which must be in English and not a translation. We welcome the submission of a sixth selection, particularly if it further represents the breadth and individuality of your artistry, regardless of whether it would be classified as part of the operatic or classical repertoire. We encourage your creativity with this selection!

RECORDED AUDITION INFORMATION:

1. Only video submissions will be accepted—we’re interested in the totality of your performance—both visual and audio
2. Recordings should be made in the last 6 months
3. All selections, including the monologue, should be performed by memory
4. Performances should be with piano—a capella singing and  self-accompaniment will not be accepted
5. Pre-recorded piano tracks may be used (please record yourself with the track playing at a volume that the panel can hear)
6. Please include the upper 2/3rds of your body in the video frame
7. If performing with pianist, the camera should be centered on the singer; no split screen is needed if the pianist is not present
8. Please submit separate videos for each selection—please introduce yourself and your piece for each selection
9. Please wear appropriate audition attire for the video submissions 

Please contact interim director Corinne Hayes with any questions. 

**Please see remote audition recommendations from Opera America Audition Task Force** 
 
INTERVIEWS—to be scheduled 

1. For some applicants, an additional interview will be scheduled with the voice and opera faculty
2. Please be prepared to perform your monologue and any of the repertoire you submitted with your original repertoire
3. For this interview, you may perform a capella or with pre-recorded tracks
4. Please wear appropriate audition attire for this interview

Master of Music, Solo Vocal Performance

Five selections in differing styles and a monologue, all memorized. Repertoire should include a work in each of these languages: English, French, German and Italian. Of the five selections, at least two arias from an opera or an oratorio must be represented and one selection must be from the 20th or 21st century. The monologue must be from a standard theatre piece no longer than one minute in length. English is preferred, however, you may present a monologue from a standard theatre piece in your native language if you provide the committee with an English translation.

Doctor of Musical Arts, Opera Performance (Maryland Opera Studio)

For D.M.A. applicants, please prepare eight contrasting selections and a monologue, all memorized.
 
Repertoire for the D.M.A. applicants should include four operatic arias and four art songs. The French, German, Italian and English languages must be represented. We welcome submissions that represent the breadth and individuality of your artistry, regardless of whether it would be classified as part of the operatic or classical repertoire. Please see the instructions above for recorded audition information. Please contact interim director Corinne Hayes with any questions. 

Doctor of Musical Arts, Solo Vocal Performance

Eight contrasting selections and a monologue, all memorized. Selections must include at least one, but no more than two, operatic arias and the French, German, Italian and English languages must be represented. The monologue must be from a standard theatre piece no longer than one minute in length. English is preferred, however, you may present a monologue from a standard theatre piece in your native language if you provide the committee with an English translation.

Doctor of Musical Arts, Vocal Pedagogy

Eight contrasting selections and a monologue, all memorized. Selections must include at least one, but no more than two, operatic arias and the French, German, Italian and English languages must be represented. The monologue must be from a standard theatre piece no longer than one minute in length. English is preferred, however, you may present a monologue from a standard theatre piece in your native language if you provide the committee with an English translation.

In addition to the performance audition, the applicant will be required to teach a vocal student as part of the audition. The audition in total will last approximately 30 minutes.

All applicants for the D.M.A. in vocal pedagogy degree must also upload a sample of scholarly writing. A research or an analysis paper written for an academic music course is acceptable. The paper should be at least 5-10 pages long and demonstrate your ability to form an argument and write persuasively.

Oboe, Clarinet, Euphonium, Tuba

Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts

1. The first movement of a major concerto or similar work.
2. Three to five standard orchestral audition excerpts of your choice.
3. Other repertoire (which may include solos, études or excerpts) of your choice, if needed, to fill out a program of 30 minutes for the M.M. and 60 minutes for the D.M.A.

Flute

Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts

1. Two standard orchestral audition excerpts of your choice.
2. Other repertoire (which may include solos, études or excerpts) of your choice, if needed, to fill out a program of 20 minutes for the M.M. and 40 minutes for the D.M.A.

Bassoon

Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts

A pianist is not required for solo works.

1. The first movement of a major concerto or similar work.
2. A contrasting piece or movement from a separate work.
3. Three standard orchestral audition excerpts.

Saxophone

Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts

1. Select one work from the standard repertoire (pre-1980) such as the following, or similar in difficulty:
   1. Ibert - Concertino da Camera
   2. Glazunov - Concerto
   3. Milhaud - Scaramouche
   4. Pascal - Sonatine 
   5. Desenclos - Prelude, Cadence et Final
   6. Maurice - Tablauex de Provence
   7. Decruck - Sonata 
   8. Muczynski - Sonata
   9. Dahl - Concerto
   10. Gotkovsky - Brilliance
   11. Worley - Sonata
   12. Tomassi - Ballade, Concerto
   13. Larsson - Concerto
   14. Dubois - Concerto
2. Select one work composed after 1980 such as the following, or similar in difficulty:
   1. Albright - Sonata
   2. Bolcom - Lilith, Concert Suite
   3. Maslanka - Sonata
   4. Harbison - San Antonio
   5. Mucynski - Concerto
   6. Swerts - Klonos
   7. Zupko - In Transit
   8. Feld - Sonata, Suite Rapsodica
   9. Wanamaker - Sonata Deus Sax Machina
   10. Rueff - Sonata
   11. Berio - Sequenza VIIb, Sequenza IXb
   12. Bassett - Duo Concertante
   13. Tichelli - Concerto
   14. Wuorinen - Divertimento
3. Additional work(s) of your choice
   1. Master of Music - prepare one additional work of your choice
   2. Doctor of Musical Arts - prepare two additional works of your choice
4. Jazz is not required, but recommended. A demonstration could be either improvising over a standard, or playing a solo transcription.

Any questions regarding audition repertoire should be directed to Tim Powell.

Horn

Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts

1. Please prepare two contrasting solo works of your own choice and prepare a single full movement from one of the following:
   1. Christoph Förster: Concerto for Horn and Orchestra
   2. Reinhold Glière: Concerto for Horn, Op. 91
   3. Paul Hindemith: Horn Sonata in F 
   4. Wolfgang A. Mozart: Concerto No. 4, K. 495 with cadenza
   5. Vincent Persichetti: Parable for Solo Horn
   6. Gioachino Rossini: Prelude, Theme and Variations
   7. Robert Schumann: Adagio and Allegro
   8. Richard Strauss: Horn Concerto No. 2 in E flat Major
   9. George Philipp Telemann: Concerto for Horn in D 
   10. Carl Maria von Weber: Concertino in E Minor for Horn and Orchestra
2. Please choose six works from the following list or you may choose comparable excerpts:
   1. Kenneth Amis: Brass Quintet - I. Allegro vivo -  m. 15 - 38
   2. J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 - Complete 
   3. J.S. Bach: B Minor Mass - X. Quoniam - Beg - m. 15
   4. Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 - 2nd Horn Trio
   5. Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 - First Movement
   6. Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 III. Fourth Horn Solo
   7. Lauren Bernovsky Brass Trio: III. Beg - Reh A
   8. Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 2 (1st mvt D horn solo; 2nd mvt B horn solo)
   9. Bruce Broughton: Silverado - Prelude - m 127 - 153
   10. Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 5 - III. - Beg - 9 after Reh 12
   11. Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 (Scherzo, 3rd horn)
   12. Dimitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 (low horn tutti)
   13. Claude T. Smith:  Festival Variations - m. 234 - 243; pickup to m. 252 - 272
   14. William Grant Still: Afro-American Symphony - Third Movement
   15. Richard Strauss: Ein Heldenleben - Beg - 4 before Reh 2
   16. Joan Tower: Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman 
   17. Richard Wagner: Siegfried (long call)
   18. John Williams: American Journey - I. pickup to m. 33 - 48
3. Please choose two contrasting études from the following list or you may choose comparable études:
   1. Maxim-Alphonse: Deux Cents Études Nouvelle; Cahier 5 or 6
   2. Jacques-François Gallay: 12 Grand Caprices for Solo Horn, op. 32
   3. Henri Kling: 40 Characteristic Études
4. Optional: We encourage you to perform any selection not on this list that represents your strengths and passions.

Trumpet

Your audition can be organized along the same guidelines as the undergraduate one, but might include more advanced works, and will be a little longer: 10-15 minutes of prepared music.

For trumpeters who are applying to study jazz specifically, your audition should be focused more in this area, both improvisation and playing written passages from combo/big band repertoire.

If you have any questions about our program, or would like to discuss repertoire options, please do not hesitate to contact Chris Gekker at cgekker@umd.edu.

Trombone: Tenor

Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts

1. One movement from two contrasting solos, chosen from:
   1. Concerto for Alto Trombone – J.G. Albrechtsberger
   2. Preludes No. 1-5 for Trombone and Piano – Ken Amis
   3. Two Latin Dances – Lauren Bernofsky
   4. Sonatine – Jacques Casterede
   5. Sonata – Eric Ewazen
   6. Concerto – Launy Grondahl
   7. Arrows of Time – Richard Peaslee
   8. Fantasy for Trombone – Elizabeth Raum
   9. Piece in Eb minor – J.G. Ropartz
   10. Concerto – Henri Tomasi
   11. Concerto for Trombone & Orchestra – George Walker
2. Two contrasting études of the candidate’s choice
3. Three orchestral excerpts of the candidate's choice
4. Two major scales and one natural minor scale (any pattern or octaves)

Trombone: Bass

Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Art

1. One movement from two contrasting solos, chosen from:
   1. New Orleans – Eugene Bozza
   2. Unaccompanied Suite for Bass Trombone – Eric Culver
   3. Concerto for Bass Trombone – Eric Ewazen
   4. Discourse of Goatherds – Vivian Fine
   5. Sonata – David Gillingham
   6. Meditation – Frigyes Hidas
   7. Concerto for Bass Tuba and Orchestra – Vaughan Williams
   8. Jazz Triptych – David F. Wilbon
   9. Sonata for Bass Trombone and Piano – Alec Wilder
2. Two études of contrasting styles of the candidate’s choice
3. Three orchestral excerpts of the candidate’s choice
4. Two major scales and one natural minor scale (any pattern or octaves)

The preferred deadline for applicants wishing to be considered for assistantship funding is January 15. All graduate applicants in music education must be submitted by December 1. M.A. and Ph.D. applicants are eligible for a fee waiver if the Music application is submitted by the December 1 deadline. For specific admissions questions, please contact Kenneth Elpus.

In addition to submitting your School of Music application, all graduate applicants must also apply to the UMD Graduate School. View the step-by-step list of Graduate School application procedures. You will need to use the four-letter program code: MUED.

Master of Music, Master of Arts

The Master of Music in music education degree is designed for qualified graduate students holding a Bachelor of Music who are seeking a professional degree in music education that culminates with a final project. Applicants who are considering pursuing doctoral study in music or music education after the master's degree might instead prefer the Master of Arts in music education program. Tracking into the M.M. or M.A. program will be determined in consultation with music education faculty following admission to the university and the School of Music. For all master's of music education applicants, evidence of at least two years of classroom teaching experience is highly desirable.

All master's music education applicants must submit the following:

1. Transcript(s) from all undergraduate institutions
2. Three letters of recommendation
3. A PDF of a recent resume. At least two years of teaching experience in a music classroom, ensemble, or community context is highly desirable.
4. Teaching Video, Context, and Reflection: Please upload a 15-30 minute unedited video clip of your recent music teaching experience, The video should be representative of your typical teaching practice in your classroom, ensemble, or community setting. The video should demonstrate your musicianship as well as the developing musicianship of your students. 
   1. Please also include a short written essay that explains the context for this teaching (e.g., previous lessons that led to this example, how long students have been working on this repertoire or unit, where students are in the learning process) and, recognizing that no teaching excerpt is perfect, a reflection on what you think went well and what you might improve upon.
5. All applicants are required to submit a brief (1,000-2,000 word) statement addressing the following two questions:
   1. What are your reasons for undertaking graduate study at the University of Maryland? Indicate, if appropriate, any specific areas of research interest. You may wish to discuss past work in your intended field or allied fields, your plans for a professional career, or how you developed your interest in or knowledge of your chosen subject.
   2. What life experiences have you had that you feel have prepared you to pursue a graduate degree at a large, diverse institution such as the University of Maryland? Among the items you might care to include would be your financial, community and family background, whether you are the first person in your family to pursue a higher education, or any other factors that you feel would contribute to the diversity of our academic community. You may also wish to give the graduate admissions committee some examples of your determination to pursue your goals, your initiative and ability to develop ideas, and/or your capacity for working through problems independently.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Ph.D. in music education was re-designed for music educators who would like to pursue research and prepare future music teachers for work in K-12 classrooms. The degree, which includes a rigorous sequence of courses and colloquia both within and beyond the School of Music, can be completed in as few as three years of full time enrollment. The music education faculty is particularly excited about the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, which will allow students to explore and specialize in fields relevant to their areas of interest and current trends in music education.

Applicants to the Ph.D. in music education must submit the following:

1. Personal statement (500-1,000 words): From your perspective on the current state of music education in the United States, what do you see as the greatest challenge(s) facing the profession, and how do you anticipate that your doctoral studies in music education at the University of Maryland will equip you to become a leader on these issues?
2. A PDF of a current professional resume or C.V. Evidence of at least two years of teaching experience in a music classroom, ensemble, or community context is highly desirable.
3. Academic writing sample: Please provide a sample of your past scholarly work. This could be a course assignment, project or thesis from your master’s degree.
4. Teaching Video, Context, and Reflection: Please upload a 15-30 minute unedited video clip of your recent music teaching experience, The video should be representative of your typical teaching practice in your classroom, ensemble, or community setting. The video should demonstrate your musicianship as well as the developing musicianship of your students.
   1. Please also include a short written essay that explains the context for this teaching (e.g., previous lessons that led to this example, how long students have been working on this repertoire or unit, where students are in the learning process) and, recognizing that no teaching excerpt is perfect, a reflection on what you think went well and what you might improve upon.

Applications will be accepted through January 5. M.A. and Ph.D. applicants are eligible for a fee waiver.

Musicology

Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy

In a personal statement (1,000 - 2,000 words), please discuss the research topics that most interest you, how you envision exploring these subjects or issues in your scholarship, your plans for a professional career and your reasons for applying to the graduate program at the University of Maryland.

Please upload two writing samples. These could be a research paper or master's thesis that demonstrate depth of inquiry, mastery of research techniques and understanding of citation style.

For the musicology degrees, we require a bachelor’s degree in music (B.A. or B.M.) for admission to the M.A. degree and a master’s degree in music for admission to the Ph.D. degree.

Ethnomusicology

Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy

In a personal statement (1,000 - 2,000 words), please discuss the research topics that most interest you, how you envision exploring these subjects or issues in your scholarship, your plans for a professional career and your reasons for applying to the graduate program at the University of Maryland.

Please upload two writing samples. These could be a research paper or master's thesis that demonstrate depth of inquiry, mastery of research techniques and understanding of citation style.

Other beneficial qualifications include language ability in the proposed area of research and/or significant international study or work experience. Information on the M.A. and Ph.D. programs in ethnomusicology can be found in the School of Music Graduate Handbook accessible on the current students page. For further information, please contact faculty members Siv B. Lie or Fernando Rios.

All materials should be submitted electronically through our School of Music application.

For the ethnomusicology degrees, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in music is appreciated, but degrees in other areas are also accepted.

Music Theory

Master of Arts

Applicants to the M.A. in music theory should upload two scholarly papers or thesis chapters (totaling a minimum of 15-20 pages) that demonstrate solid background and exceptional ability in music theory and analysis. For best consideration and fee waiver eligibility, submit all materials by December 1. 

Doctor of Philosophy

Applicants to the Ph.D. in music theory should upload two or three scholarly papers or thesis chapters, on contrasting topics, for a total minimum page count of 30 pages that demonstrate solid background and exceptional ability in music theory and analysis. For best consideration, submit all materials by December 1.

Composition

Applicants should submit 3-5 recent scores and recordings that best represent their most advanced work in composition, demonstrating command of various genres but with a clear focus on contemporary concert music. A recording of each work submitted is highly recommended (MIDI recordings are acceptable; live performances are preferred). Your compositions must be submitted electronically (score in PDF format, recordings in mp3 format) as part of the School of Music application.