Graduate Studies
Thank you for your interest in the UNLV Graduate Music Program. To apply on line, register for classes, and get general information about the UNLV Graduate College, please visit the Graduate College website:
There are different deadlines for international students, and for students who wish to apply for assistantships, which are also found on the Graduate College website.
The Graduate College is pleased to announce that on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, it will be switching to its new online application system. As a result, on this transition day, the current application system will be permanently shut down. Any unsubmitted information in the old system will be lost and all access to this system will be permanently eliminated.
During this same time, a link will be opened to the new application system. To avoid difficulties, please wait to begin your application in the new Graduate College admissions system after February 11, 2009.
For any questions or inquiries, please call (702) 895-3320.
While making application through the Graduate College, prospective students must also present credentials to the Department of Music. Under the Program Information section of the online application, please be sure to list your specific concentration. (i.e.: flute performance, jazz composition, etc.)
The following credentials must be presented to the Department of Music:
Master of Music - Performance Studies
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to the student’s ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level. (Uploaded electronically under “Other documents” in the Graduate Program Supplementary
Information section of the online application.) - A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance the applicant toward these goals.
(Uploaded electronically under “Personal Statement” in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application.) - An on-campus performance audition.
Master of Music - Composition/Theory
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to the student’s ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level. (Uploaded electronically under “Other documents” in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application.)
- A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance the applicant toward these goals. (Uploaded electronically under “Personal Statement” in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application.)
- A portfolio of compositions including at least one work from three of the following categories: a) orchestra, band or chorus; b) solo instrument and piano or for solo piano; c) string quartet, brass quintet, woodwind quintet, or other small ensemble; d) set of songs for solo voice and piano; e) original composition scored for jazz ensemble. Additional works may be included. (May be uploaded electronically under “Other documents” in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application or mailed directly to the composition faculty.)
Master of Music - Music Education
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to the student’s ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level. (Uploaded electronically under “Other documents” in the Graduate Program Supplementary
Information section of the online application.) - A 500-word essay on the applicant’s philosophy of music education. (Uploaded electronically under “Personal Statement” in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application.)
- An undergraduate degree in Music Education or the equivalent is required for admission to the program.
Master of Music - Conducting
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to the student’s ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level. (Uploaded electronically under “Other documents” in the Graduate Program Supplementary
Information section of the online application.) - A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance the applicant toward these goals. (Uploaded electronically under “Personal Statement” in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application.)
- A videotape or DVD of a rehearsal and performance under the applicant’s direction.
An on-campus conducting audition.
Doctor of Musical Arts - Performance Studies
- To be eligible for admission to the UNLV Department of Music, prospective students must have a Master’s degree in Music from a NASM accredited institution.
- At least three confidential letters of recommendation from faculty addressing the prospective student’s ability to succeed at the doctoral level academically, musically, and professionally. (Uploaded electronically under “Other documents” in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application.)
- A 500-word statement of purpose written by the applicant. Applicants must explain their interests and goals relevant to continued study at the doctoral level. (Uploaded electronically under “Personal Statement” in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application.)
- A successful on-campus audition.
The Department of Music does not require GRE testing.
For specific information about degree requirements and the curriculum of the Music Department, please download the Department of Music Graduate Handbook.
If you are interested in applying for a Graduate Assistantship for 2009-2010, you must submit the GA application form, which can be downloaded from this page:
http://graduatecollege.unlv.edu/ga/
You must also upload a current version of your Curriculum Vitae under "Resume/Curriculum Vitae" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application.
The deadline for applications for assistantships for 2009-2010 is March 15, 2009.
The answers to most of your questions may be found by consulting the Department of Music Graduate Handbook (link above).
Please contact Dr. Janis McKay, Graduate Coordinator, if you have further questions.