Thank you for your interest in the 51ԹϺ graduate music program. In order to gain admission into the Master of Music program, the following is required:
- Application and admission into the Graduate College
- An overall undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 or 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate study
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in music
- Additional requirements depending upon program of study (see below)
In order to gain admission into the Doctor of Musical Arts program, the following is required:
- Application and admission into the Graduate College
- A master’s degree in music from a National Association of Music (NASM) accredited institution
- Additional requirements depending upon program of study (see below)
Applications
To apply online, register for classes, and get general information about the Graduate College, please visit the Graduate College website.
There are different deadlines for international students and students who wish to apply for assistantships, which are also found on the Graduate College website. For any questions or inquiries, please call 702-895-3320.
Additional Program Requirements
While applying through the Graduate College, prospective students must also present credentials to the School of Music. Under the Program Information section of the online application, please be sure to list your specific concentration.
*The School of Music does not require GRE testing.
The following credentials should be uploaded to the Application Web portal:
Students interested in applied for the Master of Music in Choral Conducting program should completed the following steps, in this order:
- If an inquiry into the program has not already been made by the applicant, please contact Dr. Joseph Svendsen by email or phone to communicate an interest in applying for the program.
- Apply for admission to the 51ԹϺ Graduate College
- Submit the following materials:
- A resume or curriculum vitae of related conducting experience
- A transcript that demonstrates successful completion of an undergraduate degree
- Two recommendation letters:
- One from someone who can speak to the quality of recent musical endeavors and to your musical aptitude as a conductor/performer
- One from someone who can vouch for your academic abilities and curiosity in music and/or all subjects of scholarly inquiry
- One additional reference who can speak to your character as a colleague, learner, teacher, and mentor
- Two videos:
- 20 minutes of unedited, recent rehearsal footage (within the past 6 months), with the conductor facing the camera
- 5-10 minutes of unedited concert footage (within the past 12 months), with the conductor facing the camera
Students who are selected in the preliminary application process will be invited to provide further materials, either remotely or via an in-person, on-campus interview and audition process. The on-campus interview and audition includes rehearsals with the university’s choral ensembles on repertoire decided in advance, interviews with the faculty and current graduate students, and assessments of gesture and other musical skills (voice, keyboard, other instruments) and understandings (score knowledge, theoretical understanding, vocal pedagogy, etc.).
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to your ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
- A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance you toward these goals (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
- A portfolio of compositions, including at least one work from three of the following categories: a) orchestra, band, or chorus; b) solo instrument and piano or for solo piano; c) string quartet, brass quintet, woodwind quintet, or other small ensembles; d) set of songs for solo voice and piano; e) original composition scored for jazz ensemble. Additional works may be included (may be uploaded electronically under "Other documents" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application or mailed directly to the composition faculty, cynthia.wong@unlv.edu.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to your ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
- A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance you toward these goals (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
- Applicants for the 51ԹϺ Master of Music in Jazz Composition/Theory Degree Program must submit three jazz compositions and/or arrangements in three contrasting instrumentations (jazz quartet, jazz chamber group and large jazz ensemble) and in various styles (swing, straight-eighth, jazz ballad or jazz waltz) demonstrating an attainment of proficiency expected for an undergraduate terminal recital in jazz composition/theory and arranging. All other requirements for admission to the 51ԹϺ Program, listed in the current 51ԹϺ Graduate Catalog, must be satisfied as documented by the 51ԹϺ Graduate College and The 51ԹϺ School of Music. For more information, contact David Loeb at dave.loeb@unlv.edu.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to your ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
- A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance you toward these goals (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
- An on-campus performance audition
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to your ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
- A 500-word essay on your philosophy of music education (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
- Evidence of successful completion of an undergraduate degree in Music Education or the equivalent unofficial transcripts, teaching license, etc. (uploaded electronically in the graduate in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application). Scanned PDF files or photocopies are acceptable for probationary admission until official copies have been received by the Graduate College.
- A current Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- For students applying for the Graduate Licensure Program, PPST I (Praxis I) scores should be mailed directly to the Music Graduate Coordinator at music.gradcoord@unlv.edu.
- A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance you toward these goals (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
- An on-campus performance audition.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to your ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
To be eligible for admission to the 51ԹϺ School of Music, prospective students must have:
- A master's degree in music from an NASM accredited institution.
- At least three confidential letters of recommendation from faculty addressing your ability to succeed at the doctoral level academically, musically, and professionally (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
- A 500-word statement of purpose. You must explain your interests and goals relevant to continued study at the doctoral level (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
- A successful on-campus audition.
The Master of Music degree in Conducting includes studies in conducting, performance, music history, and music theory, and prepares musicians with career aspirations as orchestral or wind conductors.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to your ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
- A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance you toward these goals (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
- Evidence of successful completion of an undergraduate degree in Music Education or the equivalent unofficial transcripts, teaching license, etc. (uploaded electronically in the graduate in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application). Scanned PDF files or photocopies are acceptable for probationary admission until official copies have been received by the Graduate College.
- A current Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- A videotape or DVD of a rehearsal and performance under the applicant’s direction sent to the School of Music. Please indicate area of conducting interest: Choral, Orchestra, or Wind Band.
- An on-campus performance audition
- For further information, please contact Thomas Leslie at thomas.leslie@unlv.edu.
Application and Audition Deadlines
Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Summer Semester | |
---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline | May 1 | November 15 | May 15 |
Audition Deadline | April 15 | October 15 | April 15 |
GA/PTIGA Application Deadline | March 1 | N/A | N/A |
GA/PTIGA Audition Deadline | March 1 | N/A | N/A |
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Get specific information about degree requirements and the curriculum of the school.
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Submit the GA application form if you are interested in applying for a graduate assistantship. You must also upload a current version of your curriculum vitae under “Resume/Curriculum Vitae” in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application. The deadline for applications for assistantships is always March 1.
Placement Exams
Prior to registration, all graduate students must take placement examinations in music history, theory, and aural skills/sight singing, regardless of their area of concentration. Passing scores on these exams, or passing grades in the appropriate history or theory review courses (B or above), are required before students may enroll in graduate-level history and theory courses. Credit for review courses will not be applied toward the degree.
Successful completion of MUS 690, bibliography, with a minimum grade of B, is a prerequisite for all graduate-level music history classes.
Contact Info
The liaison between the Graduate College and the School of Music is the Admissions and Records Assistant. For specific information about degree progress, student records, or transcript information, contact the Graduate College at 702-895-3320.