Graduate Admission - How to Apply

All applicants to the University of Tennessee School of Music must have their applications completed and received by the university Graduate School and the School of Music Office of Admissions by December 15 in order to be considered for fall admission.  Applications received after that date will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on space availability.

To apply for admission to graduate programs in the School of Music:

1. Submit the Application for Admission and application fee directly to the UT Graduate School.
   
   Documents to be sent directly to the University of Tennessee Graduate School Admissions Office by December 15:
   
   
   • Graduate Application for Admission
   • $35 application fee
   • One official transcript from all colleges and universities attended (very important)
   • GRE scores (for students majoring in musicology only)
   • Official scores from Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if your native language is not English
   • International students must follow the Admission Guide for International Students
   
   Mail the above documents to:
   
       The Graduate School
       Office of Graduate Admissions
       University of Tennessee
       201 Student Services Building
       Knoxville, Tennessee  37996-0230
   
   
2. Apply to the School of Music Graduate program by:
   
   
   1. For applicants in performance - Signing up for an audition date. 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.) 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. Applicants in choral conducting must submit a pre-screening DVD of rehearsal or performance.
      
      For applicants in composition, musicology and music theory -  Contact the appropriate head of area directly to arrange an interview. These interviews should be completed by March 1.
      
      
   2. Send the following documents directly to the School of Music Graduate Admissions Office by December 15:
      
      
      • Application to the School of Music
      • Scholarly writing sample
      • Personal statement of education and career goals
      • Two letters of recommendation
      • Any other documentation as required by the area of study (see below)
      
      Mail the above documents to:
      
          University of Tennessee
          School of Music
          Graduate Admissions
          1741 Volunteer Boulevard
          Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-2600
      
      All applicants must submit a scholarly writing sample considered to be representative of their writing skill on a music research topic.  This sample may be an essay previously written for an upper-division course.  The typed document should follow a recognized style manual and demonstrate ability in critical thinking, appropriate research techniques, and skill in the cogent use of English.  Additionally, applicants must also submit a one-page typed personal statement of education and career goals.  International students should personally translate all of the above documents into English.  Areas may have additional requirements; contact the appropriate area coordinator for more information.
      
      Please note that the application to the School of Music, including writing sample, personal statement of education and career goals, and letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the UT School of Music Office of Admissions by December 15.  Please do not send these materials to the university Graduate School.  
      
      Two letters of recommendation are required.  For applicants in performance, one letter must be from the studio teacher.  For applicants in academic areas, one letter must be from a professor in the academic area.
      
      You may use the reference form provided or have your references draft a separate letter of recommendation. These letters may be the same ones as those used to support your application for a graduate assistantship (see below).
      
      
   3. Area Admission Requirements:
      
      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.
      Musicology: An interview; writing samples demonstrating the applicant's readiness to undertake graduate study and to engage in research in the field of music; scores for the general portion of the Graduate Record Examination.
      Music Theory: An interview and writing sample demonstrating the applicant's readiness to undertake graduate study and to engage in research in the field of music.
      Music Education: An audition in the area of performance and an interview with the coordinator of the Music Education area.
      Knoxville Opera Studio: application for graduate assistantship form and Knoxville Opera Studio application form. Requires special audition as well.
      
      Graduate level applicants in composition, conducting, musicology and music theory should contact the appropriate head of area directly to arrange an audition/interview. These interviews should be completed by March 1.
      
      Choral conducting applicants must submit a pre-screening DVD of rehearsal or performance.
      
      
3. Apply for a Graduate Assistantship in the School of Music. Complete the Application for Graduate Assistantship form and send to Graduate Admissions at the above address.
   
   Some areas have additional requirements:
   • Theory: Ear training diagnostic exam and teaching audition.