Skip to Main Content

The University of Tennessee

School of Music, College of Arts & Sciences



Welcome » Graduate Program » Graduate Program FAQs


Graduate Program FAQs

Is there a separate application for the Graduate School and the School of Music?

Yes. You need to apply to the graduate school  as well as the School of Music (see How to Apply – Graduate)

I am an international student.  What do I need to do for admission to the university?

Download the International Admissions Guide and follow it carefully.

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Passing marks are 550 for paper-based test, 213 for computer-based test or 80 for internet-based test (iBT) with a minimum score of 20 in each sub-section. Passing marks for the IELTS are 6.5. Applicants who have received a degree from an accredited U.S. institution in the past two years are exempt from the TOEFL requirement. Non-native English speakers must pass an English proficiency examination given by the University prior to initial registration.

GTAs must pass the Graduate teaching assistants (GTA) whose native language is not must pass an oral test in English (the SPEAK test) before they can be assigned to classroom duties. The SPEAK test is administered on campus by the Graduate School . Scores from the Test of Spoken English (TSE) may be accepted in place of the SPEAK test.

How many letters of recommendation do I need to provide?

Two letters of reference are required from teachers or other persons who are in a position to evaluate your readiness to undertake graduate study in music, and should be submitted directly to the School of Music.

Are there specific admission requirements for admission into my area of speciality?

Yes.  They are as follows:

  • Composition:  An interview and two or more compositions representative of the applicant’s work.
  • Conducting:  An interview and audition with the coordinator of the appropriate conducting program. Applicants in choral conducting must submit a pre-screening DVD of rehearsal or performance.
  • Musicology and Music Theory:  An interview and a paper demonstrating the applicant’s readiness to undertake graduate study and to engage in research in the field of music. Additionally, the Graduate Record Exam, general portion, for musicology.
  • Music Education: An audition in the area of performance and an interview with the coordinator of the Music Education area.
  • Performance and Pedagogy: An audition before members of the music faculty appropriate to the applicant’s intended area of emphasis. In unusual circumstances a tape or video recording of a recent performance may be submitted. In such cases, the applied music level will be determined by an audition during registration of the student’s first semester at the University of Tennessee. Vocal applicants must submit a pre-screening CD of 3 songs including art songs and arias in 3 different languages. (English counts as one language.)

Applicants who wish to be considered for assistantships in music theory will be required to take a diagnostic examination in ear training before they can be considered for an assistantship. This examination can be taken at the time of the entrance audition/interview. Arrangements can be made through the head of the Music Theory area.

I already have a Master’s degree in voice. May I apply for the Knoxville Opera Studio (Young Artist Program)?

No. If you already have a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance you are not eligible to apply for the Knoxville Opera Studio.

I cannot attend any of the audition dates but want to audition in person. What should I do?

Other dates may be possible. Please contact the Graduate Office at the School of Music.

Will you accept a CD/DVD for my audition?

We will accept taped auditions although it is preferable to audition in person.

Do I need to take the GRE for admission into the graduate program?

The GRE is required ONLY if you plan to pursue a Master of Music in Musicology.

Do you have a DMA or PhD program?

At this time, the School of Music offers only the MM degree.

Do you have graduate assistantships in the School of Music?  How do I apply for them?

Yes.  The School of Music offers a number of graduate assistantships.  The assistantships cover the cost of tuition and also provide health insurance for the recipient.  You may find information about our available assistantships here:

Do I have to take any entrance exams?

All entering students are required to take diagnostic examinations in Musicology, Music Theory, and Ear Training. In addition, area literature examinations are given to entering students in jazz, organ, piano, and voice concentrations. These exams are NOT optional.  The diagnostic examinations are given on the first day of registration each semester, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at approximately 4:00 p.m.

Can I transfer any graduate courses?

If approved by the Graduate Committee of the School of Music, a maximum of one-third of the total hours required for a Master’s degree (generally, 11 hours) may be transferred from other institutions. Transferred courses must have been completed within the six-year period prior to receipt of the degree. They will be placed on the student’s UT transcript only after admission to candidacy. Other requirements for transferring credit can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Is there a language requirement for the Masters degree?

Students pursuing the Master of Music degree in Musicology must demonstrate a reading knowledge of one foreign language by passing a language proficiency examination given by the language departments each semester. An application to take the examination must be made through the office of Graduate Admissions and Records.

When should I apply for Admission to Candidacy?

Application for Admission to Candidacy for the Master’s degree is made only after the student has completed all required review courses and approximately one semester of graduate course work with an overall “B” average in all courses taken for graduate credit. The Admission to Candidacy form must be submitted and accepted by the Graduate School before comprehensive examinations can be scheduled.

Which review courses must I pass before I complete the Application for Candidacy form?

The results of your initial diagnostic exam will determine this.  The diagnostic examinations are designed to determine whether the student’s achievement levels in musicology, music theory, and ear training are sufficient for undertaking graduate study in music. If deficiencies are detected, specific review courses will be recommended or required.  No student may make application for candidacy until passing the recommended review courses.