Graduate music admission
We invite you to apply to one of our graduate music programs.
Prerequisites
Applicants who meet the following requirements are eligible to apply.
- U.S. bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an international institution officially recognized by that country.
- Applicants who hold undergraduate degrees in fields outside of music may be required to complete deficiency coursework prior to enrollment in graduate-level music courses.
- GPA: B average (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework.
- English proficiency: If you are from a country where the native language is not English (regardless of where you now reside), you must provide proof of English proficiency before the application deadline. The music program in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre does not offer conditional admission under any circumstances.
1. Apply to ASU Graduate Admissions
We recommend submitting your ASU Graduate application (step 1) no later than a week ahead of the deadline for your program. This will give the system time to transfer your information to your music application (step 2). It usually requires 2-3 days.
Graduate admission application
Prepare the following for your Graduate Admission Application
- Non-refundable application fee
- Institutional history: Attendance dates and degree information for all institutions previously attended
- Grade Point Average (on a 4.0 scale): Undergraduate, Junior/Senior and, if applicable, Graduate GPAs.
- Undergraduate Transcripts: Be sure to upload a copy of your undergraduate transcripts to your ASU Graduate application, even if you are working on a graduate-level program. (You may upload both your Bachelor's and Master's transcripts combined, but do not upload only your Master's transcripts. If you do, ASU will ask for an official copy of your Bachelor's transcripts right away.)
Use the chart below to determine which degree program to select in your Graduate Admission Application.
Master's program | Graduate Admission Application option |
---|---|
Composition | Music Composition (MM) |
Conducting: Music Theatre, Orchestra, Wind Band | Performance (Conducting) (MM) |
Conducting: Choral | Performance (Conducting) (MM) |
Ethnomusicology | Ethnomusicology (MA) |
Music Learning and Teaching | Music Learning and Teaching (MM) |
Musicology | Music (Musicology) (MA) |
Music Therapy (2-Year Track, 3-Year Track) | Music Therapy (MM) |
Performance: Instrumental (Brass, Percussion, Strings, Woodwind) | Music Performance (MM) |
Performance: Keyboard (Organ, Piano Solo) | Music Performance (MM) |
Performance: Collaborative Piano | Piano, Collaborative (MM) |
Performance: Jazz | Music Performance (MM) |
Performance: Voice, Music Theatre, Opera | Performance (Voice, Music Theatre, Opera) (MM) |
Performance Pedagogy: Instrumental (Brass, Percussion, Strings, Woodwind) | Performance Pedagogy (MM) |
Performance Pedagogy: Piano | Performance Pedagogy (MM) |
Performance Pedagogy: Voice | Performance Pedagogy (MM) |
Doctoral program | Graduate Admission Application option |
---|---|
Composition | Music Composition (DMA) |
Conducting: Choral | Conducting (DMA) |
Conducting: Orchestra/Opera, Wind Band | Conducting (DMA) |
Music Learning and Teaching | Music (Music Education) PhD |
Musicology | Music (Musicology) (PhD) |
Performance: Instrumental (Brass, Percussion, Strings, Woodwind) | Music Performance (DMA) |
Performance: Keyboard (Organ, Piano Solo) | Music Performance (DMA) |
Performance: Collaborative Piano | Music Performance (DMA) |
Performance: Voice | Music Performance (DMA) |
Performance Pedagogy: Piano | Music Performance (DMA) |
2. Apply to the Graduate Music Program
A separate music application is required in addition to your Graduate Admissions Application. You will need your ASU login information from step 1 in order to complete step 2.
Prepare the following for your music application:
- References: Name, title institution/company information, email address and phone number for each of the three individuals submitting recommendation letters in support of your application. Each recommender will receive an auto-email with submission instructions.
- Resume or curriculum vitae PDF: Master's degree applicants are required to upload a résumé. Doctoral applicants are required to upload a curriculum vitae.
- Program-specific requirements: Select your area of study below to review additional details for each program as well as program-specific requirements.
- Recorded audition (optional): Note that live auditions are required for specific degrees. Visit the graduate music auditions and interviews page for deadlines, repertoire and more.
IMPORTANT: Applications must be successfully submitted (you will receive a confirmation email) in order to be considered. If you do not receive a confirmation email, check your spam folder, then contact MDTAdmissions@asu.edu to be sure your application was received.
Help with ASU Login Information
Follow the instructions on the ASURITE Activation Page to activate your ASU login and set your password. Then, log in to My.asu.edu. Once you've successfully logged in to your ASU account, you will be able to use the same login information to log in to the music application portal. Email MDTadmissions@asu.edu for assistance.
If you encounter an error while trying to log in to the music application portal despite successfully logging in to My ASU, please wait 48-72 hours for your information to be updated across all ASU platforms and try again.
Program-specific requirements
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.
- 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.
3. Submit transcripts and test scores
Submit transcripts and test scores to directly to ASU Graduate Admission Services.
Official transcripts:
Sealed hardcopy or electronic transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework must be sent directly to ASU Graduate Admission Services. Full guidelines to submit transcripts are available here. All international transcripts must be submitted in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal, complete versions of the originals and must be translated by a university, government official or official translation service. You may not complete your own translation. If an email is requested to send your transcripts, please send to gradtranscripts@asu.edu.
Send hardcopy transcripts to:
If sending by U.S. Mail
Arizona State University
Admission Services Applicant Processing
PO Box 871004
Tempe, AZ 85287–1004
If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS
Arizona State University
Admission Services Applicant Processing
1150 E University Drive Building C, Room 226
Tempe, AZ 85281
Proof of English Proficiency
(Non-native-English-speaking applicants only). English Proficiency requirements are listed here. You must meet English Proficiency by the application deadline of your program.
Test scores must be sent directly from the testing institution to ASU Graduate Admission Services. If meeting English Proficiency through an exemption, please follow the transcript submission guidelines above.
Applicants with scores more than two years old (or that will be more than two years old by the time of ASU’s start date) may be required to submit updated test scores or demonstrate English proficiency through one of the other listed options.
4. Program-specific audition or interview
When you fill out your music application, you will select your first-choice audition/interview date. Please keep this on your calendar. After your application is submitted and the deadline has passed, you will be scheduled for a timeslot on your first-choice date, which you will receive over email. (If needed, we will contact you before scheduling you for your second-choice date.) You will then need to Confirm your audition/interview time so that we know you will attend. Your audition/interview date and time will be confirmed via email. Applicants who submit their application materials after the deadline will be scheduled for an audition slot only if spaces are available.
Certain degree programs require an audition or interview as part of the admission process. Review the list of Program-Specific Requirements above to determine whether or not the program to which you are applying has an audition or interview requirement.
Audition and interview dates and requirements
Contact MDTAdmissions@asu.edu for any questions.
Track the status of your materials
- Recommendations: Log in to the music application portal to track the submission status of your recommendation letters.
- Transcripts: Transcripts will appear under Priority Tasks on My ASU until they have been processed by ASU Graduate Admission Services.
- English Proficiency (if applicable): English Proficiency will appear under Priority Tasks on My ASU until proof of English proficiency has been processed by ASU Graduate Admission Services.
Graduate deadlines and fees
Spring 2025 deadlines | Date |
---|---|
Composition | Oct. 1, 2024 |
DMA Performance: Instrumental, Keyboard, Voice | Oct. 1, 2024 |
MM Performance: Voice, Music Theatre and Opera, Piano | Oct. 1, 2024 |
MM Performance: Instrumental | Oct. 15, 2024 |
MM: Music Teaching and Learning | Rolling deadline |
Music Therapy | Not available |
PhD: Music Teaching and Learning | Not available |
Recorded Auditions - for performance, pedagogy, therapy applicants | Nov. 1, 2024 (A fully-submitted music application is still due by the deadline above. You will have an opportunity to upload your recorded audition after you submit your music application.) |
Fall 2025 Deadlines | Date |
---|---|
Composition | Dec. 1, 2024 |
Conducting | Dec. 1, 2024 |
Performance: Instrumental, Keyboard, Voice, Music Theatre and Opera | Dec. 1, 2024 |
Performance Pedagogy: Instrumental, Keyboard, Voice | Dec. 1, 2024 |
Musicology, Ethnomusicology | Dec. 1, 2024 |
Music Therapy | Dec. 1, 2024 |
PhD: Music Teaching and Learning | Jan. 15, 2025 |
MM: Music Learning and Teaching | Rolling Deadline |
Recorded Auditions - for performance, pedagogy, therapy applicants | Feb. 1, 2025 (A fully-submitted music application is still due by the deadline above. You will have an opportunity to upload your recorded audition after you submit your music application.) |
Due by the application deadline
- ASU Graduate Admission application
- Music program application
- Prescreening materials (when applicable)
- International applicants: Proof of English proficiency
Required to complete your application
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official Transcripts
- Program-specific requirements such as auditions (see Steps to Apply)
Incomplete applications not considered
Auditions and interviews will not be scheduled until complete application materials have been received. Applicants who submit complete application materials after the designated deadlines will be confirmed for an audition date (when applicable) only if space is available. Applicants are responsible for tracking the status of recommendation letters, transcripts and English proficiency.
Fees
School of Music, Dance and Theatre music application | $10 |
Prescreening | $15 |
Recorded Audition | $65 |
Late Application | $40 |