4 Application and Audition Requirements

IV Application/Audition Requirements

Online Application

  • Begin the online application here.
  • Once the application is complete (including all references and transcripts), the Graduate School will notify the Challey School of Music (CSoM).
  • If invited, the prospective graduate student will then be able to schedule their interview/audition.
  • Students with non-traditional study backgrounds (outside NASM guidelines) may be asked to demonstrate NASM standards of competence at any point during the application process.

Audition/Interview

  • Prospective students in the M.M. or D.M.A. in Performance or Conducting whose written applications are favorably reviewed will be invited to prepare an audition.
  • The audition repertoire must be approved by the appropriate area.
  • Auditions should be scheduled through the prospective advisor and the graduate coordinator.

During the audition and interview, students should be prepared to:

  • Perform the approved repertoire.
  • Discuss their educational and career goals.

⚠️ If unsatisfactory, an audition may be repeated only once, at the discretion of the area faculty.

Diagnostic Exams

  • Not required for Master of Music in Music Education students.
  • Required for other new graduate students:
    • Music History/Literature
    • Music Theory/Analysis
    • Choral Conducting and Voice: additional assessments in diction
    • Music Theory Pedagogy: exams in theory, analysis, ear training, and keyboard skills

Administration:

  • Exams are given the week before classes.
  • Purpose:
    • Demonstrate readiness for graduate-level coursework.
    • Identify/remedy deficiencies (remedial coursework may be required).
    • Help determine the student’s program of study.

Fall Orientation:

  • A two-day workshop for new graduate students occurs the week before fall classes.
  • Activities include:
    • Diagnostic exams
    • Meetings with advisors
    • Training in box office and staff procedures
    • Computer setup and key distribution
    • Discussion of assistantship duties
    • Completion of forms for the CSoM office staff
    • Orientation to assistantship and teaching responsibilities

Timetable and Requirements for 702, 704, and 748

  • As a result of diagnostic exams, students may be required to take:
    • 702: Graduate Theory Survey
    • 704: Graduate History Survey
  • Both 702 and 704 are online courses and:
    • Do not count toward degree credit totals.
    • Do not count as electives in performance, conducting, or theory pedagogy tracks.

Scheduling:

  • 704 (Graduate History Survey): taken in the Fall, first semester of residency.
  • 702 (Graduate Theory Survey): taken in the Spring, second semester of residency.
  • 748 (Bibliography and Research Methods):
    • Required for all M.M. and D.M.A. students in all tracks except Music Education.
    • Taken in the Spring semester of the first year of residency.