All materials may be uploaded through the music department website Online Application page
NOTE: If official documents (transcripts, diplomas etc.) are in a foreign language, they must be translated into English by either notary public or by recognized credential evaluation organization.
International students – May 10 for fall and November 10 for spring semester.
Domestic students – July 10 for fall and December 10 for spring semester.
An audition is required of all graduate applicants. Auditions are accepted in the form of video and/or audio recordings, and scores according to the following criteria.
Major Fields | Additional Information | |
Contemporary Composition/Film Scoring | One original composition/recording and score | |
Performance | Voice Electric/Bass Guitar Drum/Percussion Piano/ Keyboard | Two video performances in two genres |
Songwriting | One original song/recording and lead sheet | |
Contemporary Christian Worship Music | Two video performances OR One original composition/recording and score |
|
Contemporary Production | Portfolio of two recordings and program notes | |
Please submit two video performances in two different genres (Jazz, Classical, Pop, Rock, Fusion, Blues or Latin). Video recordings must be submitted on disc, or as a YouTube link. Please do not send video files as email attachments. Original songs are welcome, but not required.
Please submit one of your original instrumental compositions in two forms: as a recording and as a written score (PDF format). Recordings may be submitted as an MP3 email attachment, and/or a film clip or live video performance as a YouTube link. Please do not send video files as email attachments.
Please submit one of your original songs in two forms: as a recording and as a written lead sheet (PDF format). Recordings may be submitted as an MP3 email attachment, or live video performance as a YouTube link. Please do not send video files as email attachments.
Please submit a portfolio that includes at least two recordings of music that exhibit your technical and creative work in the recording studio. Your submission should clearly represent your skill as a recording engineer, and may also include any additional abilities you have as a producer, musician, or composer.
Please pick from the following: 1) Submit two video performances of Christian music, and/or other genre (Jazz, Classical, Pop, Rock, Fusion, Blues or Latin). Video recordings must be submitted on disc, or as a YouTube link. – OR 2) Submit one original composition/song in two forms: as a recording and as a written lead sheet (PDF format). Recordings may be submitted as an MP3 email attachment. Please do not send video files as email attachments.
Your portfolio should also include a brief written description of the contents explaining your contribution to each of the song titles and any other relevant information such as your working process and influences. Portfolios may be submitted in the following formats: email attachments (MP3 and PDF only – no video file attachments please), CD, DVD, or URL links.
Incoming Master of Music students who do not possess a baccalaureate degree in music, or do not have foundational music courses on his/her transcript, must satisfy pre-requisite requirements in core music knowledge. Students may fulfill pre-requisite requirements by passing qualifying exams in Music History, Musicianship, and Jazz Harmony I / II. Students who do not pass, or choose not to take the qualifying exams must take the relevant classes to satisfy prerequisite requirements. Pre-requisite classes are graded as Pass/Fail and are not factored into the GPA.
Incoming Master of Music students with a baccalaureate degree in music are required to pass select qualifying exams in Musicianship, and Jazz Harmony I/II to satisfy prerequisite requirements – even if the student’s undergraduate transcript shows equivalent course work.
The History of Western Music prerequisite is satisfied if the student’s undergraduate transcript shows equivalent course work
Master of Music students who are required to take prerequisite classes may apply these units toward their MM degree as elective units. The maximum number of prerequisite class units that can be used as electives is limited to the maximum number of electives for each individual MM major.
Students who wish to transfer from the Shepherd University BM program to the Shepherd University MM program may do so under the following guidelines: