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:
After making application through the Graduate College, prospective students must also present credentials to the Department of Music. The UNLV Department of Music now utilizes the electronic document delivery service "Interfolio" to manage all application documents and credentials online:
There is a charge of $15 to set up an account, and a one-time delivery charge of $4.
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. (Submitted electronically through Interfolio.)
- A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance the applicant toward these goals. (Submitted electronically through Interfolio as a "writing sample.")
- 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. (Submitted electronically through Interfolio.)
- A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance the applicant toward these goals. (Submitted electronically through Interfolio as a "writing sample.")
- 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.
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. (Submitted electronically through Interfolio.)
- A 500-word essay on the applicant’s philosophy of music education. (Submitted electronically through Interfolio as a "writing sample.")
- 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. (Submitted electronically through Interfolio.)
- A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance the applicant toward these goals. (Submitted electronically through Interfolio as a "writing sample.")
- 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
- 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. (Submitted electronically through Interfolio.)
- 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. (Submitted electronically through Interfolio as a "writing sample.")
- A successful on-campus audition.
For specific information about degree requirements and the curriculum of the Music Department, please see the Music pages of the UNLV Graduate Catalog. You can download the catalog (PDF format) from this page:
The deadline for assistantships has passed and all positions for the 2008–2009 school year have been filled. 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:
You must also submit additional credentials on the Interfolio website:
The deadline for applications for assistantships for 2009–2010 is March 15, 2009.
The answers to many of your questions may be found by consulting the Department of Music Graduate Handbook. Please contact Dr. Janis Mckay, Graduate Coordinator, if you have further questions: (702) 895-3929.