GRADUATE: ADMISSIONS

 
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2012-2013 Graduate Auditions

  
         
         
         
         
         
         
 
 
  
 
For questions regarding entrance auditions, please email Stevie Garza, or call 703-993-1390
 
  
 

2013 Admission Requirements

Graduate Students

  
 

Master of Music Admission Requirements

An applicant for the MM degree in Music is expected to have earned a bachelor’s degree in music or its equivalent.  The following documents should be submitted either online or mailed directly to CVPA (see below for address).

  • Graduate Application
  • One-to-two page Goals Statement
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (two copies of each transcript)
  • TOEFL test scores for international applicants whose native language is not English or for those who have not studied and received a degree from a college or university in the United States, Canada,the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand. Click here for GMU English Proficiency Standards.
Deadline for Fall Admission: April 1
Deadline for Spring Admission: November 1
 

CVPA Graduate Admissions is a self-managed system that is administered by the University’s Graduate Admissions Office:  
http://admissions.gmu.edu/grad/

We encourage interested applicants to open their applications online, provide correct and current information, and check the status of the application on a continual basis.  Applicants are assigned a “G#” once an application is opened; this is a Mason identification number that will be key to all University communications. 
Once accepted, applicants who file an “Intent to Enroll” must submit a $200 deposit which is applied to the first semester tuition.   

Please see below for specific concentration requirements

 
  
 
Music Concentration Admission Requirements

Performance(Single Instrument or Voice, or Multiple Instruments): Live Audition (please visit the Auditions page to schedule).  Prepare approximately 20 minutes of repertoire in varying styles. Voice must prepare repertoire to include foreign language pieces such as French, Italian or German.

Composition: A portfolio of compositions must be submitted for review by the composition faculty along with recordings. No live audition is required.
 
Conducting: Applicants should submit an audio and visual recording of recent performances presenting appropriate musical literature.  The pre-screening audition can be a DVD or it can be web-based file.  Video is not optional, though some of the selections may be audio only.  It should include at least 15 minutes of music performed within the last two or three years. These pre-screening materials can be submitted directly to:
 
Dr. Victoria Salmon, Director
CVPA Graduate Studies, MSN 1H4
4400 University Dr.
Fairfax, VA 22030
 
Jazz Studies: Submit a CD of five (5) tunes in contrasting styles:  Blues, Bop, Fusion, Cool, Swing, Early Jazz, Latin, etc., resume, and a complete list of all tunes you can play (this list will be used at your live audition).   The "live" audition will consist of two (2) prepared tunes in contrasting styles e.g. Blues/Bop; Swing/Early Jazz etc., one (1) solo transcription and sight-reading.  Applicants should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of scales used in jazz; (See "Jazz Studies Auditions" web page).  You may use a recorded accompaniment of play-a-long such as Jamey Aebersold.  Rhythm section instruments will demonstrate techniques idiomatic to your instrument e.g. comping, walking, various grooves.  Please visit the Auditions page to schedule a "live" audition.  
 
Music Education: Submission of a paper, at least four pages in length (double spaced), on the applicant's philosophy of music education. To the extent possible, include in the paper references to significant people in the field of music education.  After your philosophy statement has been reviewed & approved you will be invited to interview with the Music Education Faculty. 
Further information regarding graduate music programs may be obtained from Melinda Wildman, Academic Advisor (703-993-1392).
 
Percussion: Click here to view audition requirements. Contact John Kilkenny for additional information at jkilken1@gmu.edu
 
All Applicants: Please send all application documents that were not uploaded (letters of recommendation, paper application, transcripts) and concentration documents (composition portfolios, conducting DVD’s, and music education philosophy statements) directly to:
 
Dr. Victoria Salmon, Director
CVPA Graduate Studies, MSN 1H4
4400 University Dr.
Fairfax, VA 22030
 
Scholarship Information: Students wishing to be eligible for scholarships through the School of Music must submit their scholarship application in its entirety by March 1. Scholarships awarded by the School of Music are based on the completed scholarship application, and by the entrance audition performed by the applicant.
All School of Music awards will be distributed April 1.
 
To download the scholarship application, please click here.
Should you have further questions, please contact the School of Music (703-993-1380) or Melinda Wildman (703-993-1392).

 
     
 

 

  
 
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  Frequently Asked Questions:  
 
  
 
Do I need to take the GRE?
The GRE is not required for application to the MM degree program.  
The GRE general test is required for the application to the DMA and PhD degree programs.
 
What graduate scholarships are available, and how do I apply for one?
Graduate scholarships provide for partial to full instructional fees.
They are awarded for the academic year on the basis of scholarly achievement and performing ability.
In order to be considered for a scholarship, applicants must be admitted unconditionally in degree status (minimum 3.0 GPA) and receive a recommendation from the faculty in the major area of study.
All scholarships are awarded by the School of Music Scholarship Committee
 
May I apply to enroll in the winter or spring quarter?
Yes, if you are applying for the MM. The application deadline for the fall semester is April 1st.  The application deadline for the spring semester is November 1st.
If you are applying for the DMA or the PhD, the annual application deadline is February 15th.
 
Can I defer my term of enrollment once I have been accepted?
Yes.  Complete the Request to Defer an Admission Application form and return to the Office of Admissions.
Incomplete applications will not be processed.
 
CVPA Deferral Request Form
FAX: 703-993-4622
ADDRESS: 4400 University Dr, 3A4, Fairfax, VA 22030
 
International Questions
What TOEFL or ILETS score do I need to be accepted?
To be considered for admission, applicants must score at least 230 on the computer-based TOEFL, 88 on the Internet based TOEFL, (with a minimum score of 20 in each section), or 575 on the paper based TOEFL, and 4.5 on the TOEFL essay.  A TOEFL score of at least 250 (computer-based) or 600 (paper based) is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships.
If you chose to take the ILETS examination you must score 6.5 or higher.
 
How do I get the I-20?
Please visit the Office of Admissions website by clicking here.
  
 

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