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Graduate Music Application Guidelines

2010-2011 Entrance Auditions:

• Please contact Melinda Wildman at 703-993-1392 to request an audition date

Upon acceptance, all students will be requried to take a placement exam prior to classes. Students may study for the exam here.

Spring 2011 Graduate Exams:

• Please check back soon for dates.

Please email your exam reservation to Karen Clark Evans.

Graduate Auditions: Apply Here!

Graduate Private Music Instruction at George Mason University is offered at both the 3-credit and 2-credit levels. The distinction between the two levels is as follows:

3-Credit Level

This level is intended primarily for performance, conducting and composition concentrators working toward the M.M. degree in the area of concentration (only credits earned at the 3-credit level may be applied to the M.M. degree in the area of concentration). Music education concentrators may audition at the 3-credit level if they so choose.

Performance Audition: An audition is required for the 3-credit level. Students who audition at this level must prepare 30 minutes of music representing a variety of style periods and genres. Please note that the University does not provide accompanists. Memorization is required on those instruments that traditionally call for it (voice, piano, etc.). The audition will last approximately 20 minutes. Please bring one original copy of your music to the audition for the audition committee.

Conducting Audition: Students desiring to enter the conducting concentration must either submit a videotape of their conducting or audition in person. Applicants should contact the following faculty as appropriate:

Instrumental Conducting: Professor Anthony Maiello (703-993-1383)
Choral Conducting: Dr. Stan Engebretson (703-993-1387)

Composition: A portfolio of compositions must be submitted to the composition faculty. Applicants should contact Dr. Glenn Smith (703-993-1393).

2-Credit Level

This level is intended primarily for music education concentrators. Prospective performance, conducting and composition concentrators who are not yet prepared to pass the 3-credit audition (see above) may audition at this level; however, no credits earned at the 2-credit level may be applied to the M.A. degree in the area of concentration.

Performance Audition: An audition is required for the 2-credit level. Students who audition at this level must prepare approximately 20 minutes of music representing a variety of style periods and genres. Please note that the University does not provide accompanists. Memorization is not required, though it is preferred on those instruments that traditionally call for it (voice, piano, etc.). The audition will last approximately 20 minutes. Please bring one original copy of your music to the audition for the audition committee.

Conducting Audition: Requirements are the same as stated above for the 3-credit level.

Composition: Requirements are the same as stated above for the 3-credit level.

Graduate students who study Private Music Instruction at George Mason University must enroll through the Office of Admissions (703-993-2400) either as a graduate student or Extended Studies student. Students may not earn more than 12 semester hours through Extended Studies. Enrollment in Extended Studies does not ensure admission to the University.

Further information regarding graduate music programs and auditions may be obtained from Melinda Wildman, Audition Coordinator (703-993-1392), or from Dr. Lisa Billingham , Graduate Music Advisor (703-993-1236).

Master of Music

Admission Requirements

In addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for graduate study, the applicant is expected to hold a baccalaureate degree in music or in another discipline with courses equaling the music requirements (minus the seven-eight credit teaching sequence) for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music offered at this university. The following documents should be submitted to the Admissions Office (703-993-2400):

• Graduate Application
• One-to-two page Goals Statement
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (two copies of each transcript)
• TOEFL test scores for international applicants whose native language is not English or for those who have not studied and received a degree from a college or university in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand.

Music Concentration Admission Requirements

Performance (Single Instrument or Voice, or Multiple Instruments): Audition

Conducting: Audition

Composition: Submission of a portfolio of compositions

Music Education: Submission of a paper, at least four pages in length (double spaced), on the applicant's philosophy of music education. To the extent possible, include in the paper references to significant people in the field of music education.

Interview with MTEC Faculty.

All Applicants: Please send all application documents (letters of recommendation, application, transcripts) and concentration documents (composition portfolios, conducting tapes/CDs, and music education philosophy statements) directly to:

Dr. Victoria Salmon, Director
CVPA Graduate Studies, MSN 3E6
4400 University Dr.
Fairfax, VA 22030