Graduate music admission

Master of Music

• Resume (PDF)
• Personal Statement (PDF): A one- to two-page statement outlining your educational and career goals.
• Prescreening portfolio: Three to five original works showing technical facility in composition in a variety of genres. Recent works are preferred.
• Interview: An interview with composition faculty and theory/aural skills exam (scheduled by invitation after review of submitted prescreening portfolios). Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program. 

Doctor of Musical Arts

• Personal statement (PDF): A well-composed statement of professional and educational intent. This statement should contain a brief review of your professional and educational background and academic and professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae (PDF): Documentation of at least three years of appropriate experience in the field.
• Prescreening portfolio: Three to five original works showing technical facility in composition in a variety of genres. Recent works are preferred.
• Interview: An interview with composition faculty and theory/aural skills exam (scheduled by invitation after review of submitted prescreening portfolios). Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program. 
   

Master of Music

• Personal statement (PDF): A well-composed statement of professional and educational intent. This statement should contain a brief review of your professional and educational background and academic and professional goals.
• Resume (PDF)
• Prescreening recording: An uploaded video recording is required to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
• Live audition: A live audition is required. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program. 

Doctor of Musical Arts

• Personal statement (PDF): A well-composed statement of professional and educational intent. This statement should contain a brief review of your professional and educational background and academic and professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae (PDF): Documentation of at least three years of appropriate experience in the field.
• Prescreening recording: An uploaded video recording is required to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
• Writing sample (PDF): An example of a research paper submitted for a graduate-level course in music.

Master of Music: Conducting (Music Theatre)

• Resume (PDF)
• Prescreening recording: An uploaded recording is required to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
• Live audition: A live audition is required, by invitation. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program. 

Master of Music (Orchestra, Wind Band)

• Resume (PDF)
• Prescreening recording: An uploaded video recording is required to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
• Live audition: A live audition is required. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program. 

Doctor of Musical Arts (Orchestra/Opera, Wind Band)

• Personal statement (PDF): A well-composed statement of professional and educational intent. This statement should contain a brief review of your professional and educational background and academic and professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae (PDF): Documentation of at least three years of appropriate experience in the field.
• Prescreening recording: an uploaded video recording is required to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
• Live audition: A live audition is required. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program. 

Orchestral/Opera Conducting Assistantships available for 2022-23.

Master of Arts

• Writing sample (PDF): An example of scholarly work or publication, preferably a paper from an upper-level undergraduate course, or an article or document you have written.
• Personal statement (PDF): A one- to two-page statement outlining your educational and career goals.

Master of Music

• Resume (PDF)
• Personal statement (PDF): One- to two-page statement statement outlining your educational and career goals.
• Prescreening portfolio: Three to five original works showing technical facility in composition and presenting evidence of accomplishments as a composer. Materials may include scores in PDF, recordings of performances, and audio and/or video tracks, depending on media involved.
• Interview: An interview with composition faculty and theory/aural skills exam (scheduled by invitation after review of submitted prescreening portfolios). Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program. 

Doctor of Musical Arts

• Personal statement (PDF): A well-composed statement of professional and educational intent. This statement should contain a brief review of your professional and educational background and academic and professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae (PDF): Documentation of at least three years of appropriate experience in the field.
• Prescreening portfolio: Three to five original works showing technical facility in composition and presenting evidence of accomplishments as a composer. Materials may include scores in PDF, recordings of performances, and audio and/or video tracks, depending on media involved.
• Interview: An interview with composition faculty and theory/aural skills exam (scheduled by invitation after review of submitted prescreening portfolios). Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program. 

Master of Music

• Resume (PDF)

Doctor of Philosophy

• Personal statement (PDF): A well-composed statement of professional and educational intent. This statement should contain a brief review of your professional and educational background and academic and professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae (PDF): Documentation of at least three years of appropriate experience in the field.
• Teaching demonstration: A clear uploaded video recording of teaching (rehearsal or class teaching) focused specifically on instruction. Additional recordings may be submitted to reflect your ability to refine music in a performance setting. Teaching demonstration recordings must be in video and are submitted directly in the music application. Recordings sent by any other method will neither be reviewed nor acted upon.
• Writing sample (PDF): An example of scholarly work or publication, preferably a paper from an upper-level undergraduate course or a graduate course, or an article or document you have written.
• Interview: An interview in person or virutal with the music education doctoral faculty scheduled after review of application materials. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program. 

Master of Arts

• Writing sample (PDF): An example of scholarly work or publication, preferably a paper from an upper-level undergraduate course, or an article or document you have written.
• Personal statement (PDF): A one- to two-page statement outlining your educational and career goals.

Doctor of Philosophy

• Personal statement (PDF): A well-composed statement of professional and educational intent. This statement should contain a brief review of your professional and educational background and academic and professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae (PDF): Documentation of at least three years of appropriate experience in the field.
• GRE: An official score report for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE: verbal, quantitative, analytical sections only). The GRE examination in Music is not acceptable. Scores must be from within five years of the first day of the proposed enrollment semester and should be sent from ETS to ASU (Institutional Code 4007, Department Code 000). Scores may be submitted after the application deadline, but must be received before enrollment at ASU.
• Two writing samples, preferably, a paper from an upper level undergraduate course or a graduate course, or an article or document written by the applicant.
• The three required letters of recommendation should be from individuals familiar with the applicant's musicianship and/or research abilities.

Master of Music

Prerequisites

• Applicants with undergraduate degrees specifically in music therapy are eligible to apply for the Master of Music program in Music Therapy: Two year track.
• Applicants with undergraduate degrees in music (Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Arts in Music), but not specifically in music therapy, are eligible to apply for the Master of Music program in Music Therapy: Three year track.
• Applicants without undergraduate degrees in music or music therapy are not eligible to apply and are instead recommended to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre.

Two year track

• Personal statement (PDF): A one-to-two page statement of your music therapy philosophy, including models of choice, influences, and reason for pursuing an advanced degree. The PDF document should be uploaded in your School of Music application.
• Interview: An in-depth interview emphasizing your music therapy philosophy, research activities and clinical interests. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program. 

Three year track

• Personal statement (PDF): A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing an advanced degree in music therapy. The PDF document should be uploaded in your School of Music application.
• Interview: An in-depth interview emphasizing your decision to pursue a music therapy degree, experience working with people of various backgrounds and abilities. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program. 

Audition requirements

• A short piece on your major instrument or voice
• A simple song sung while accompanying yourself on the piano
• A simple song sung while accompanying yourself on the guitar
• A song sung without accompaniment
• If applying for the two tear track: 1-2 songs you have written or adapted for a music therapy client

Master of Music

• Resume (PDF)
• Repertoire list (PDF): A list of repertoire studied and/or performed after high school, including the title of the work, role (if applicable), and full name of the composer. The list should be divided into two sections: works studied and works publicly performed.
• Audition: A live and in-person audition or uploaded recorded audition. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program.

Doctor of Musical Arts

• Personal statement (PDF): A well-composed statement of professional and educational intent. This statement should contain a brief review of your professional and educational background and academic and professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae (PDF)
• Repertoire list (PDF): a list of repertoire studied and/or performed after high school, including the title of the work, role (if applicable), and full name of the composer. The list should be divided into two sections: works studied and works publicly performed.
• Prescreening recording: an uploaded recording is required to be considered for an invitation to a live audition. Unless noted otherwise, audio is acceptable but video is preferred for prescreening recordings.
• Live audition: A live audition is required unless otherwise noted. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program.

Master of Music

• Resume (PDF)
• Audition: A live and in-person audition or uploaded recorded audition. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program.

Master of Music: Performance

• Resume (PDF)
• Repertoire list (PDF): A list of repertoire studied and/or performed after high school, including the title of the work, role (if applicable), and full name of the composer. The list should be divided into two sections: works studied and works publicly performed.
• Audition: A live and in-person audition or uploaded recorded audition. Prospective organists should contact Kimberly Marshall directly to set up an audition. Organ auditions are not offered on regular audition dates. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program.

Doctor of Musical Arts: Performance

• Personal statement (PDF): A well-composed statement of professional and educational intent. This statement should contain a brief review of your professional and educational background and academic and professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae (PDF)
• Repertoire list (PDF): A list of repertoire studied and/or performed after high school, including the title of the work, role (if applicable), and full name of the composer. The list should be divided into two sections: works studied and works publicly performed.
• Live audition: A live audition is  recommended for organ. Prospective organists should contact Kimberly Marshall directly to set up an audition. Organ auditions are not offered on regular audition dates. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program.

Prescreening is not required of doctoral organ applicants.
 

Master of Music: Performance (Piano Solo, Collaborative Piano)

• Resume (PDF)
• Repertoire list (PDF): A list of repertoire studied and/or performed after high school, including the title of the work, role (if applicable), and full name of the composer. The list should be divided into two sections: works studied and works publicly performed.
• Prescreening recording (for solo or pedagogy applicants): An uploaded video recording is required to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
• Audition: A live and in-person audition or uploaded recorded audition. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program.
• Teaching demonstration (optional): Applicants applying to solo piano who wish to apply for teaching assistantships in class piano or piano preparatory teaching are required to upload the following to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre music application: a video recording of piano teaching in English, including two complete lessons, preferably of students at different levels. Individual and/or group lessons at any level are acceptable. It is also advised that the three recommendation letters address the applicant’s teaching ability and probability of success as a teaching assistant.

Doctor of Musical Arts: Performance (Piano Solo, Collaborative Piano)

• Personal statement (PDF): A well-composed statement of professional and educational intent. This statement should contain a brief review of your professional and educational background and academic and professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae (PDF)
• Repertoire list (PDF): A list of repertoire studied and/or performed after high school, including the title of the work, role (if applicable), and full name of the composer. The list should be divided into two sections: works studied and works publicly performed.
• Prescreening recording: An uploaded video recording is required to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
• Live audition: A live audition is required for piano and recommended for organ. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details for each program.
• Teaching demonstration (optional): Applicants applying to solo piano who wish to apply for teaching assistantships in class piano or piano preparatory teaching are required to upload the following to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre music application: a video recording of piano teaching in English, including two complete lessons, preferably of students at different levels. Individual and/or group lessons at any level are acceptable. It is also advised that the three recommendation letters address the applicant’s teaching ability and probability of success as a teaching assistant.
   

Master of Music (Voice, Music Theatre and Opera)

• Resume (PDF)
• Repertoire list (PDF): A list of repertoire studied and/or performed after high school, including the title of the work, role (if applicable), and full name of the composer. The list should be divided into two sections: works studied and works publicly performed.
• Prescreening recording: An uploaded video recording is required to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
• Audition: A live and in-person audition or uploaded recorded audition. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details. 

Doctor of Musical Arts (Voice)

• Personal statement (PDF): A well-composed statement of professional and educational intent. This statement should contain a brief review of your professional and educational background and academic and professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae (PDF)
• Repertoire list (PDF): A list of repertoire studied and/or performed after high school, including the title of the work, role (if applicable), and full name of the composer. The list should be divided into two sections: works studied and works publicly performed.
• Prescreening recording: An uploaded video recording is required to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
• Live audition: A live audition is required unless otherwise noted. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details. 

Master of Music

• Resume (PDF)
• Repertoire list (PDF): A list of repertoire studied and/or performed after high school, including the title of the work, role (if applicable), and full name of the composer. The list should be divided into two sections: works studied and works publicly performed.
• Audition: A live and in-person audition or uploaded recorded audition. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details. 

Master of Music: Performance

• Resume (PDF)
• Repertoire list (PDF): A list of repertoire studied and/or performed after high school, including the title of the work, role (if applicable), and full name of the composer. The list should be divided into two sections: works studied and works publicly performed.
• Teaching demonstration: Provide a video demonstrating your private lesson piano teaching. Students may be of any level. Demonstration must be in English and video should total no more than 15-20 minutes. 
• Audition: A live and in-person audition or uploaded recorded audition. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details. 

Doctor of Musical Arts: Performance

• Personal statement (PDF): A well-composed statement of professional and educational intent. This statement should contain a brief review of your professional and educational background and academic and professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae (PDF)
• Repertoire list (PDF): A list of repertoire studied and/or performed after high school, including the title of the work, role (if applicable), and full name of the composer. The list should be divided into two sections: works studied and works publicly performed.
• Prescreening recording: An uploaded video recording is required to be considered for an invitation to a live audition. (link to grad auditions page)
• Teaching demonstration: Provide a video demonstrating your private lesson piano teaching. Student may be of any level. Demonstration must be in English and video should total no more than 15–20 minutes. 
• Live audition: A live audition is required. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details. 

Master of Music

• Resume (PDF)
• Repertoire list (PDF): A list of repertoire studied and/or performed after high school, including the title of the work, role (if applicable), and full name of the composer. The list should be divided into two sections: works studied and works publicly performed.
• Prescreening recording: An uploaded video recording is required to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
• Audition: A live and in-person audition or uploaded recorded audition. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for additional details.