School of Music

Music (MM)

Telephone: (302) 831-2577
https://www.music.udel.edu/prospective-students/graduate-degrees
Faculty Listing: https://www.music.udel.edu/who-we-are/faculty-and-staff

Program Overview

The School of Music offers Master’s degree programs for students seeking advanced study in music. Through study with our distinguished faculty, graduate students acquire the necessary skills for success in their chosen career path. Graduate students may choose from among four degree concentrations: Performance (with specialization in voice or instrument); Teaching (with specialization in PK-12 music education); Composition; or Conducting.

The rich resources within the School of Music and throughout the University of Delaware enhance our students’ educational experiences. Students have access to internationally recognized guest artists and pedagogues, support and guidance for exploring their own projects, touring opportunities with our renowned ensembles, and a variety of programs for performance and study both domestically and abroad.

Our graduates excel in the highly competitive field of music and have been successful in attaining important positions within their respective areas. Alumni who choose to further their graduate study have found considerable success in the most prestigious doctoral programs in the country.

Requirements for Admission for the Master’s Degree

The entering student is expected to have an undergraduate degree in music or its equivalent from an accredited college or university. The applicant must also submit a transcript of all previous academic work to the Graduate College, revealing an acceptable grade-point average ( 3.0 on a 4-point scale or its equivalent). The student must also submit a statement of professional goals and three letters of recommendation (at least one of which should be from an academic faculty member) to the Graduate College. Students applying for admission for a Master of Music must pass an audition and interview with appropriate faculty. Those unable to visit campus due to geographic constraints or extenuating circumstances may submit a performance video via online link or schedule a virtual audition, in lieu of a live audition, at the discretion of the School of Music. A video-conference interview is also required for applicants unable to visit in person. Some concentrations require pre-screening materials; details can be found on the School of Music website. Students are highly encouraged to notify the professor in their major area prior to submitting their application.

Admitted students must pass the School of Music music history and music theory entrance exams. Students who fail either exam will be required to complete a review course in that area before they can enroll in MUSC 611 and MUSC 695 . In addition, students matriculating into the Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance concentrations must pass an exam testing knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and competency in pronunciation of English, Italian, German, and French. Students who fail this exam will be required to complete a graduate diction review course.

Admission is selective and competitive based on the number of well-qualified applicants and the limits of available faculty and facilities.

Assistantships and Scholarships

Graduate and teaching assistantships as well as tuition scholarships are available to a select number of full-time students. In order to be considered for funding during the audition and interview period, applicants must complete their application by January 15. Please refer to Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships for additional information.

Programs

Master’s

Certificate

Performing Artist Certificate