Graduate Admissions
First-time applicants
Applications for admission to a graduate program in music are first managed through the University of Idaho Graduate Admissions website. The website has a wide variety of useful information including links to application forms. In addition to applying to the University, please complete the Lionel Hampton School of Music application.
The application is submitted online, and all requested materials must be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office, with specific requirements for each concentration. Please note that two additional forms are required for admission to the Lionel Hampton School of Music — Supplementary Information Form and Graduate Assistantship Form.
Please contact Javier Rodriguez with any questions.
- 208-885-6665
- jrodriguez@uidaho.edu
Did you know we offer an online Master of Music (M.Mus.) distance program in performance and composition? Click here for more information.
International Students
International students whose native language is not English, or who did not complete an undergraduate degree at an institution whose instructional language was English, need to have an official report of the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) submitted to the COGS. A minimum score of 575 (PBT) is required for admission to the graduate program in music.
Transfer applicants
All application processes are the same for transfer students as for first-time students (see information above). A maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred to the School of Music from another accredited institution. Transfer students are required to take the diagnostic placement exams.
Application Timeline
Feb. 1
Priority consideration for assistantship awards for subsequent fall matriculation. Apply earlier if possible but early enough to ensure that all materials (especially letters of reference) arrive before the deadline.
March 1 and following weeks
Assistantship awards decisions communicated to applicants.
May 1
Admission for fall semester.
Sept. 1
Admission for spring semester.
Application/Audition Requirements
Master of Music: Piano Performance
- One work from the Baroque era
- Two other contrasting pieces, each from a different stylistic era (Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, 20th/21st century)
Memorization is required for all pieces The pieces are to be presented in their entirety (one movement of a sonata or the combination of several short movements from a suite is acceptable). Presenting (a) section(s) of a work or an incomplete movement is not acceptable.
Master of Music: Piano Pedagogy and Performance
Three contrasting pieces, each from a different stylistic era (Classical Romantic, Impressionist, 20th/21st century)
Memorization is required for all pieces. The pieces are to be presented in their entirety (one movement of a sonata or the combination of several short movements from a suite is acceptable.) Presenting (a) section(s) of a work or an incomplete movement is not acceptable.
Master of Music: Collaborative Piano
- Sight-reading: Score will be presented at the audition.
- One solo work or movement from a sonata. Memorization is required for the solo piece.
- One collaborative instrumental piece or sonata movement.
- Two art songs representing two different languages.
Master of Music: Choral Conducting
- Acceptable audition either in person or by taped performance, and submission of repertoire lists (solo, accompaniments, chamber music) as evidence of previous study.
Master of Music: Composition
- Submit a portfolio of representative compositions.
Assistantships
Graduate Teaching Assistantships are available in a variety of areas including studios, classes, ensembles and other duties according to the needs of the school. A full assistantship includes a stipend plus a tuition waiver. To be eligible for a teaching assistantship, the student must be enrolled as a full-time graduate student as defined by the University Registrar (a minimum of 9 credits each semester).
Students awarded assistantships must agree to take the TA training course offered by the College of Graduate Studies before assuming teaching responsibilities. This course is offered during the week prior to the beginning of each semester.
Diagnostic Exams
These examinations are intended to aid the supervisory committee in determining the student's background in music history and aural skills so that the results may be used in making a study plan.
Entering graduate students take one examination in music history and literature and one exam in aural skills/ear training to show baccalaureate-level competence. The exam is typically scheduled on the Saturday preceding the beginning of the Fall semester. It is the responsibility of the student to arrive on campus in time to take the placement exam.
Students must demonstrate such competency in the subject area, either by passing the exams or being advised by their major professor to enroll in specified remedial courses, before enrollment in any 500-level course of that particular subject area. Students who do not take the exams (for any reason) may not enroll in any 500-level subject areas covered by the placement examinations until the exams have been completed.
Students are encouraged to use musictheory.net or teoria.com in order to prepare for the aural skills/ear training exam.