M.M. Contemporary Music: Application Requirements
Your best preparation for the Master of Music program:
To be admitted, you should already have:
- Bachelor’s degree in music from accredited university
- Pass screening audition process
- Graduate placement exams in music theory, aural skills, and music history.
Steps in applying to Master of Music program:
- Apply to be a WOU graduate student ($60 fee)
- Apply to Master of Music program
Ready to get started? Request more information or start the application process.
Deadlines and key dates:
Graduate students may apply to the Master of Music program anytime in order to start the program next fall, but please note the following deadlines:
- Apply to the program by February 1st for priority consideration of scholarships and graduate teaching assistantships. Graduate Student Assistant Positions are a form of student employment, earning a compensation package including both salary and tuition remission for the performance of research or teaching services to the University as part of a student’s academic and professional training and development. If you are interested in applying for a Graduate Assistant Position, please apply for this position no later than February 1st for priority processing.
Detailed application requirements:
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Apply for WOU Graduate admission:
- Complete WOU Application for Graduate Admission online.
- $60 application fee
- Evidence of completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from regionally accredited institution as defined by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars, with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the most recent baccalaureate degree. If the applicant’s cumulative GPA is below 3.00, but a calculation using the last 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits) of graded course work is 3.0 or higher, the latter will be used as the basis for admission. Applicants who hold a master’s degree will have the 3.0 GPA requirement waived.
- GPA requirement: Students with less than 3.0 can also provide passing MAT/GRE scores to be fully admitted. A student who has an undergraduate GPA of 2.50 to 2.99 can be admitted conditionally for the first 9 credit hours. Students can petition for conditional graduate admission via the graduate student general petition located on the graduate office website. *Conditionally admitted students will not be able to receive financial aid until they become fully admitted students and a program plan is on file.
Music Admission Requirements
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Apply for Master of Music program admission:
To apply to the Music Department M.M. program applicants must:
- Hold an earned BM or BA/BS in Music at an accredited institution.
- Complete and submit the M.M. Application form from the WOU Department of Music. There is not a fee for the Department of Music Application.
- Submit three written recommendations from persons who know the applicant’s professional and personal qualifications, at least one of which must be from a professor/professional in the proposed emphasis of study.
- Provide a writing sample (e.g., research paper, thesis, etc.). The writing sample will provide the evaluators with information concerning the potential of the applicant to successfully handle the academic component of the graduate degree. Evaluators will review the sample for command of English, the ability to present an argument in a cogent manner, and evidence of critical thinking.
- Graduate Placement Exams (GPE)
Submit the following materials based on applicant’s area of emphasis only:
Audio Production
American Vernacular & Jazz Studies
- Performers: Pass a live audition that demonstrates 2-3 jazz and/or American vernacular styles and improvisation techniques. A VHS recording, CD, or DVD of performance skills may be submitted in lieu of the initial live audition; however, any applicant admitted on the basis of a recorded audition must perform a live placement audition upon arrival on campus to begin studies.
- Composers/Arrangers: Three (3) diverse, legible scores that best reflect the applicant’s composition/arranging style. Recordings (CD, VHS Video, and/or DVD formats only) of three (3) representative works, at least two (2) of which should correspond with the scores submitted. If VHS videos are submitted, please include only one (1) work per tape. MIDI realizations are not acceptable.
- A repertoire list from the past five (5) years.
- A current resume or vita detailing your professional experience, honors, and awards.
- A personal statement that addresses 1] jazz/vernacular performing aesthetics and influences; 2] statement of purpose (why are you interested in pursuing graduate studies at Western Oregon University); and 3] long range professional goals. This personal statement is in addition to the required writing sample for the Music Department application.
Composition
- Three (3) diverse, legible scores that best reflect the applicant’s compositional style(s).
- Recordings (CD, VHS Video, and/or DVD formats only) of three (3) representative works, at least two (2) of which should correspond with the scores submitted. If VHS videos are submitted, please include only one (1) work per tape. MIDI realizations may be used only in exceptional cases. Do not direct reviewers to a web site – please submit all materials in hard-copy format.
- A current resume or vita, which includes 1] a list of original compositions (including title, medium, date composed, and duration); 2] a list of performances of original works (including date, location, and performers); and 3] a list of prizes, commissions, grants, or other honors recently received.
- A personal statement that addresses 1] compositional aesthetics and influences; 2] statement of purpose (why are you interested in pursuing graduate studies at Western Oregon University); and 3] long range professional goals. This personal statement is in addition to the required writing sample for the Music Department application.
Conducting
- Pass a live audition. A VHS recording or DVD of conducting skills may be submitted in lieu of the initial live audition; however, any applicant admitted on the basis of a recorded audition must perform a live placement audition upon arrival on campus to begin studies.
- A repertoire list from the past five (5) years.
- A current résumé or vita detailing your professional experience, honors, and awards.
- Copies of programs applicant has conducted in the last two (2) years.
- A personal statement that addresses 1] conducting aesthetics and influences; 2] statement of purpose (why are you interested in pursuing graduate studies at Western Oregon University); and 3] long range professional goals. This personal statement is in addition to the required writing sample for the Music Department application.
Collaborative Piano, Instrumental Performance, and Vocal Performance
- Pass a live audition that demonstrates 2-3 works of appropriate literature from different music eras. A VHS recording or DVD of performance skills may be submitted in lieu of the initial live audition; however, any applicant admitted on the basis of a recorded audition must perform a live placement audition upon arrival on campus to begin studies.
- A repertoire list from the past five (5) years.
- A current resume or vita detailing your professional experience, honors, and awards.
- Copies of select programs applicant has performed in the last two (2) years.
- A personal statement that addresses 1] performing aesthetics and influences; 2] statement of purpose (why are you interested in pursuing graduate studies at Western Oregon University); and 3] long range professional goals. This personal statement is in addition to the required writing sample for the Music Department application.
CONTACT US:
If you haven’t found the information you need or are still not sure where to direct your question, contact Dr. Kevin Walczyk- Program Coordinator, Professor keveli@wou.edu or 503-838-8274
