Music : Graduate Music Admissions

General Admission Requirements

• Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a major in music or its equivalent.
• Acceptance into a specific major field requires an evaluation of a candidate's ability, conducted by faculty in the major field and approved by the Music Department Graduate Committee and/or the Department Chair. Admission into the institution does not assure admission into a music program, but students must be admitted to the university Graduate Program before they can be officially accepted into the Music Graduate program. Therefore, candidates should complete the Admission Requirements for each degree during the application process. Contact the Program Advisers above for more information regarding auditions, interviews, or required application materials for the specific degrees.
• Non-performance majors must also demonstrate a level of musicianship equal to what would be considered appropriate for 300-level study. For clarification of what 300-level study is, consult with the auditioning/interviewing faculty or the Graduate Coordinator. Students may demonstrate this level of musicianship in several ways, appropriate to the desired degree program, or deemed appropriate by the evaluation committee after consultation with the student. Examples include a performance audition in an applied area or conducting (live or taped), a video recording or audio recording of a performance directed by the applicant, or a video recording of a music lesson or class taught by the applicant.

Admission Requirements for Degrees

COMPOSITION
Admission to this program will be based upon an evaluation of appropriate compositions submitted by the student directly to the Program Adviser Elaine Ross.

CONDUCTING
Admission to this program will require evaluation by graduate conducting faculty. Evidence of an appropriate level of musicianship must be satisfied in one of the following ways:

• A live performance or conducting audition
• A videotape/DVD of a performance of a performance and/or rehearsal directed by the applicant
• Other evidence deemed appropriate in consultation with the evaluating committee.

The program will require a minimum one-year residency prior to graduation. Candidates must indicate a specialization in Wind Band, Orchestra, or Choral conducting. If accepted, students will work under the direct supervision of one of the three conductors of the major performance ensembles Nikolas Caoile - Orchestra, Larry Gookin - Wind Ensemble, or Gary Weidenaar - Choir, during each quarter of their residence.

PERFORMANCE
Admission to this program will be based upon an evaluation of an audition equivalent in scope to at least one-half of a full baccalaureate recital. Performance program advisors ar Dr. Linda Marra - Voice, Dr. Jeffrey Snedeker, - Brass, Dr. Hal Ott - Woodwinds, Prof. Carrie Rehkopf - Strings, Dr. John Pickett - Piano and, Mark Goodenberger - Percussion.

PERFORMANCE-PEDAGOGY
Admission to this program will be based upon an evaluation of an audition equivalent in scope to at least one-half of a baccalaureate recital, and evaluation of a paper written for an undergraduate class in the field of music. Performance program advisors ar Dr. Linda Marra - Voice, Dr. Jeffrey Snedeker, - Brass, Dr. Hal Ott - Woodwinds, Prof. Carrie Rehkopf - Strings, Dr. John Pickett - Piano and, Mark Goodenberger - Percussion.

• Evaluation of an undergraduate paper in the field of music education.
• The completion of at least one year of successful public school music instruction. This requirement may be waived by the music education committee upon petition by the applicant.
• Evidence of an appropriate level of musicianship, satisfied in one of the following ways:
  1. A live performance audition
  2. A video or audio recording of a performance directed by the applicant
  3. A video recording of a music lesson or class taught by the applicant
  4. Other evidence deemed appropriate in consultation with the evaluating committee.

1. Students submit completed university applications to CWU Office of Graduate Studies, and complete audition/interview process with Music Department.
2. Music Department Graduate Committee receives completed university applications from Office of Graduate Studies.
3. MDGC reviews applications, consulting with appropriate faculty.
4. Results of audition/interview are gathered and brought into the evaluation process.
5. Once all application materials are complete, a decision on acceptance for admission is made ASAP, preferably before April 1.
6. Additional consideration is made for TA applications, attempting to match capabilities with duties. This part in the process can take longer, but decisions are made ASAP, based on qualifications of applicants and department needs. Frequently, these decisions are finalized by April, but can continue until positions are filled.

Additional Helpful Information

• It is highly recommended that interested applicants begin the process of applying for admission to the university and department a full year before the quarter of anticipated enrollment. Review of applications begins as soon as they are complete and officially received by the Office of Graduate Studies. The Department will not receive applications for admission or assistantships until the files are complete and evaluated by the Office of Graduate Studies. DO NOT SEND UNIVERSITY APPLICATION MATERIALS TO THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT.
• Interviews and auditions with CWU music faculty may be arranged at any time, but it is recommended that initial contact be made by November, with plans for interviews and auditions beginning in mid to late January, particularly if one is applying for a Graduate Assistantship. Once again, Program Advisers or the Graduate Coordinator will prove helpful in informing students of timelines, deadlines, etc.
• Here is a suggested timeline, for example, to apply for admission for a graduate degree in music, beginning in Fall 2009.
  1. In Fall 2008, make contact with the Music Graduate Coordinator or the appropriate Program adviser (see above).
  2. Obtain and complete application for admission via the CWU Office of Graduate Studies.
  3. If interested in a Graduate Assistantship, obtain and complete CWU Assistantship Application Form from the Office of Graduate Studies by February 15.
  4. In December or early January, schedule an audition or interview with the appropriate Program Adviser. Discuss submission of additional materials listed under "Specific Requirements for Admission" above with the Program Advisers.
  5. In January, come to the CWU campus for scheduled audition/interview. Recorded performances, etc. (CD or DVD) are acceptable, but in-person auditions/interviews are highly desirable. While on campus, make sure application is complete for university and for department.