Master's Music Admissions

Step 1: Read These Important Notices
Step 2: Review Admission Requirements
Step 3: Complete An Application
Step 4: Transcripts
Step 5: English Language Requirement
Step 6: Financial Aid


STEP 1: READ THESE IMPORTANT NOTICES PERTAINING TO MASTER'S APPLICANTS 

IMPORTANT: Graduate Degrees in Music at the University of Oregon do NOT require the submission of GRE scores.


STEP 2: CAREFULLY REVIEW THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR DEGREE PROGRAM 

PLEASE NOTE: All students admitted to a graduate music program at the University of Oregon must possess the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree. Students without an undergraduate degree in music can sometimes be admitted, however, previous coursework will be audited and the student may be required to complete additional undergraduate music courses. This can extend the length of the time needed to complete the degree and increase costs.

MA Musicology 

Students who enroll in graduate courses in musicology/ethnomusicology or music theory without first passing the GEE or completing the necessary review course(s) may not apply those courses to graduate degree requirements. Review the FAQs for Graduate Music Students

The following must be uploaded when submitting the Application for Graduate Admission:

  1. Résumé
  2. Statement of Purpose 
  3. Two research or analysis papers in history or ethnomusicology
  4. Recent concert or recital programs (optional)
  5. Three references:  see Application for Graduate Admission for instructions (Step 3 - Complete an Application) 

MA Music Theory 

The following must be uploaded when submitting the Application for Graduate Admission:

  1. Curriculum Vitae
  2. Statement of Purpose describing your research interests and experience, your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in music theory, and your interest in the theory program at UO.
  3. Two research papers, at least one of which should be music-theoretical and/or analytical in nature
  4. Completed Preliminary Application for the music theory GE position: submit it as a PDF via email it to Dr. Drew Nobile
  5. Interview with the music theory faculty either remotely or in person. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by a music theory faculty member with instructions. 
  6. Three references:  see Application for Graduate Admission  for instructions (Step 3 - Complete an Application) 

MM Composition 

The following must be uploaded when submitting the Application for Graduate Admission:

  1. Résumé
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Scholarly writing sample
  4. Evidence of live performance of your works
  5. List of compositions
  6. List of performances of compositions
  7. Scores of original works for large and small ensembles that demonstrate marked ability and technical skill in composition.
  8. Audio or video recordings of compositions
  9. An interview with a member of the composition faculty, while optional, can be arranged at the request of the applicant 
  10. Three references:  see Application for Graduate Admission for instructions (Step 3 - Complete an Application) 

MM Conducting Emphasis in ChoralOrchestral, or Wind Ensemble 

Please review the Graduate Audition Requirements for detailed requirements for each emphasis.

The following must be uploaded when submitting the Application for Graduate Admission:

  1. Résumé
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Scholarly writing sample
  4. Recent concert or recital programs you have conducted
  5. A preliminary audition recording 
  6. Possible audition and interview following review of your preliminary recorded audition. Again, please review the Graduate Audition Requirements for details. 
  7. WIND ENSEMBLE CONDUCTING ONLY: List of repertoire rehearsed/conducted. 
  8. Three references:  see Application for Graduate Admission for instructions (Step 3 - Complete an Application) 

MM Intermedia Music Technology (IMT) 

The following must be uploaded when submitting the Application for Graduate Admission:

  1. Résumé
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Scholarly writing sample
  4. Recent concert or recital programs
  5. Intermedia Music Technology Statement 
  6. Intermedia Music Technology-related work summary
  7. Software/hardware experience
  8. Portfolio recordings: provide at least three recordings of recent compositions. One of these may be in a film or video format. Evidence of work in collaborative contexts enhances the application.
  9. Three references:  see Application for Graduate Admission for instructions (Step 3 - Complete an Application) 

MM Jazz Studies Emphasis in Instrumental Performance or Composition-Arranging

The following must be uploaded when submitting the Application for Graduate Admission:

  1. Résumé
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Scholarly writing sample 
  4. Repertoire list (optional) 
  5. Recent concert or recital programs (optional)
  6. Preliminary audition recording. Due by December 10. Please review the Graduate Audition Requirements for details. 
  7. Second round audition, if selected from preliminary audition recording. Please review the Graduate Audition Requirements for details. Note that any student admitted on the basis of a recorded performance must perform a placement audition upon arrival on campus to begin studies.
  8. In addition, for Jazz Composition and Arranging emphasis, provide two representative scores and recordings of arrangements and/or compositions for jazz ensemble. At least one of these pieces should be scored for a large ensemble (ten or more performers):          
    1. Complete scores of each composition/arrangement           
    2. Recordings of the above compositions
  9. Three references:  see Application for Graduate Admission for instructions (Step 3 - Complete an Application) 

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MM Music Education 

The following must be uploaded when submitting the Application for Graduate Admission:

Note: Masters music education applicants must have a baccalaureate in music education. 

  1. Résumé detailing teaching experience and educational background
  2. Statement of Professional and Personal Goals
  3. Scholarly writing sample
  4. Copies of concert or recital programs you have conducted. Elementary/General applicants may substitute a unit plan or four (4) lesson plan series.
  5. Writing Prompt/Essay: Paper should be no more than six typed pages, with one-inch margins, double-spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman preferred.
    • Of the issues, problems and trends currently discussed in the field of music education:
      1. What do you think are the most important issue for the future?
      2. How do you envision becoming involved in leadership activities that address these issues?
      3. How will your study here entrance your goals toward leadership and research in music education?
  6. Audition Recording: Submit video of yourself performing two contrasting music etudes, solos, or movements. Should be submitted as an unlisted YouTube link.
  7. Recent video recording of K-12 music teaching and ensemble performances
  8. Interview with the music education faculty either remotely or in person. Please email the Music Education area head Dr. Melissa Brunkan to schedule an in-person or online interview. 
  9. Three references: see Application for Graduate Admission for instructions (Step 3 - Complete an Application) 

MM Performance 

The following must be uploaded when submitting the Application for Graduate Admission:

  1. Résumé
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Scholarly writing sample
  4. Repertoire list
  5. Recent concert or recital programs
  6. Audition: either a live audition or a recording. Please review the Graduate Audition Requirements for current audition requirements and procedures. Note that any student admitted on the basis of a recorded performance must perform a placement audition upon arrival on campus to begin studies.
  7. All saxophone, voice and piano performance applicants must submit a pre-screen audition recording by December 10. Upload the recording to Application for Graduate Admission. Please review the Graduate Audition Requirements for details. 
  8. Three references:  see Application for Graduate Admission for instructions (Step 3 - Complete an Application) 

MM Piano Pedagogy 

The following must be uploaded when submitting the Application for Graduate Admission:

  1. Résumé
  2. Statement of Purpose 
  3. Scholarly writing sample
  4. Repertoire list
  5. Recent concert or recital programs
  6. Video of you teaching a beginning level student and an intermediate/advanced level student
  7. Audition: either a live audition or a recording. Please review the Graduate Audition Requirements for current audition requirements and procedures. Note that any student admitted on the basis of a recorded performance must perform a placement audition upon arrival on campus to begin studies.
  8. Three references:  see Application for Graduate Admission for instructions (Step 3 - Complete an Application)   

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STEP 3: COMPLETE AN APPLICATION 

Submit an online University of Oregon Application for Graduate Admission and a non-refundable application fee: $70 domestic applicants; $90 (USD) international applicants.  

Graduate Application

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STEP 4: SEND YOUR TRANSCRIPTS 

Please see Official Transcript Requirements for information on how to submit transcripts.

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STEP 5: ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS) 

Non-native English Speakers must fulfill the English language proficiency requirement. Details on how to satisfy these requirements can be found here: English Language Proficiency Requirement for International Applicants.

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STEP 6: CONSIDER APPLYING FOR FELLOWSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND FINANCIAL AID 

Visit the Graduate Employee Positions, Scholarships, and Financial Aid webpage. 

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