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An applicant desiring to be considered for a graduate assistantship should have completed the application process, performed the audition, and provided a test score by March 1.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in music or music education (or the equivalent) in order to meet minimum admission requirements for the certificate program or for a master’s degree, and a master’s degree in music or music education (or the equivalent) in order to meet minimum admission requirements for a doctoral degree. Additional prerequisites may be listed under Degree Programs.

The following application materials are required:

1. Graduate School application form and fee. You may apply online at http:// www.gradschool.sc.edu.
2. One official copy of a transcript from each previous college or university attended.
3. Three letters of recommendation written on the forms provided by the School of Music (one of the recommendations should be completed by the applicant’s most recent major professor and/or employer).
4. If born after 1956, proof of immunization against measles (Rubeola) and German measles (Rubella); this may be provided any time before initial enrollment. To download an immunization form please go to http://www.sa.sc.edu/shs/New_Imm_Form.pdf.
5. For a master’s or doctoral degree, an acceptable score on either the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) or the general (verbal/quantitative/analytical) portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

For Master's and Doctoral degrees, all international applicants, whose native language is not English and who has not completed an undergraduate degree at an English-speaking institution, must submit an acceptable score on either the TOEFL or the IELTS, as well as the verbal portion of the GRE:

6. International students — VISA Information Form (a onetime registration fee charged by the Office of International Students must be paid before initial enrollment; information about this fee is available from that office). Please visit the International Programs for Students web page to review important immigration information. International students must also complete VISA processing and Financial Certification Forms. For more information please visit: http://www.ip.sc.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=131&Itemid=171

7. Reservation form for the Graduate Music Diagnostic Examination. To Download the reservation form please click here.

8. Typed summary (e.g., résumé or "c.v.") of educational and professional experience, with dates and names of teachers and employers.

9. For doctoral applicants, forms for doctoral residency and doctoral studies statement.

10. Auditions. Click here to download audition information. Click here to download an audition reservation form.

Audition Dates

Audition Dates 2011 - 2012: _____ Saturday, December 3, 2011 - auditions for all areas EXCEPT bassoon _____ Saturday, January 28, 2012 - auditions for all areas _____ Saturday, February 11, 2012- auditions for all areas EXCEPT winds and percussion _____ Saturday, February 18, 2012- auditions for winds and percussion ONLY (plus jazz in those specific areas_ _____ Saturday, February 25, 2012 - auditions for all areas EXCEPT bassoon *If needed, please contact faculty in your area directly to schedule another date/time to audition Audition dates subject to change.

11. The following are requirements according to the desired program:

Certificate of Graduate Study in Music Performance
CeCCertificate of Graduate Study in Music Performance

a. Typed repertory list (with works publicly performed clearly identified) and copies of recital programs
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, an applicant may submit an audition tape for provisional admittance; the applicant will need to complete an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration); voice majors must also demonstrate diction proficiency in English, French, German, and Italian as well as document the successful completion of two years of college-level study in one of the three foreign languages. For detailed audition information including information on sending a CD or VHS for review click here.

Master of Arts in Teaching
(see the College of Education for the application for admission)
Master of Music in Composition

a. Successful completion of an on-campus interview.
b. Demonstration of keyboard skills for applicants in choral music.
c. Demonstration of performance skills in primary performing area.

Master of Music Composition
Master of Music in Composition

a. Two or three compositions that display an understanding of different media; if possible, include recordings (cassette, CD, CD-ROM, DAT, or VHS video)
b. Complete list of compositions that includes the following information: date of composition, duration, instrumentation, and list of all performances
c. A writing sample in the form of a published article or term paper
d. A brief (1-2 page) essay outlining goals, ambitions, and interests as a composer as well as goals for graduate study at USC
e. Applicants who do not have a bachelor's degree in music must submit a score on the Music GRE or take the Music Diagnostic Examination before the application can be considered

Master of Music in Conducting
Master of Music in Conducting

a. Typed repertory list of works publicly conducted as well as copies of representative programs
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, an applicant may submit a video tape for provisional admittance; the applicant will need to complete an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration)
c. Keyboard skills for applicants in choral conducting

Master of Music in Jazz Studies
Master of MMaster of MusiMMc in Jausic in Jazz Studies

a. Typed list of jazz performances
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, an applicant may submit an audition tape for provisional admittance; the applicant will need to complete an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration)
c. For jazz composition, several compositions that display an understanding of different jazz idioms (tape recordings are welcomed)
d. Keyboard skills

Master of Music in Music History
Master of Music in Music History

a. Submission of at least two college-level term papers in music
b. Results of the Graduate Music Diagnostic Examination
c. Keyboard skills

Master of Music in Opera Theater

a. For opera performance: admission into the Master of Music degree in voice performance (see items “a” and “b" under “Master of Music in Performance”); note: The three required letters of recommendation should address qualifications for admission to both the voice-performance and opera-theater programs
b. For opera stage directing: audition before the voice faculty (see items “a” and “b" under “Master of Music in Performance”);
c. A typed summary of previous musical/theatrical study and experience as well as previous professional performing experience
d. On-campus audition:

1) For singers, two contrasting arias or solo scenes, one of which may be staged
2) For stage directors, an analytical presentation of an opera for production that includes information on the composer and librettist, with period and historical references, character analysis, set and costume concepts, and comments on the musical style; presentation of an impromptu movement audition

 

Master of Music in Performance
Master of Music in Performance

a. Typed repertory list (with works publicly performed clearly identified) and copies of recital programs
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, an applicant may submit an audition tape for provisional admittance; the applicant will need to complete an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration); voice majors must also demonstrate diction proficiency in English, French, German, and Italian as well as document the successful completion of two years of college-level study in one of the three foreign languages

 

Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy

a. Typed repertory list (with works publicly performed clearly identified) and copies of recital programs
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, an applicant may submit an audition tape for provisional admittance; the applicant will need to complete an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration)
c. Thesis track: submission of at least two college-level term papers in music or music education

Master of MMaster of Music Educationusic Education

a. Documentation of appropriate education and certification
b. On-campus interview
c. Demonstration of keyboard skills for applicants in elementary or choral music (see the Appendix)
d. Submission of one college-level term paper with title page and references regarding some aspect of music or music education. Thesis track applicants should submit two college-level term papers with title page and references regarding some aspect of music or music education.
e. Recital track: submission of a typed repertory list (with works publicly performed clearly identified) and copies of recital programs; on-campus audition; vocalists must demonstrate diction proficiency in French, German, and Italian before acceptance into the recital track

 

Doctor of MusicalDoctor of Musical Arts in Composition Arts in Compo

a. Two or three compositions that display an understanding of different media; if possible, include recordings (cassette, CD, CD-ROM, DAT, or VHS video)
b. Complete list of compositions that includes the following information: date of composition, duration, instrumentation, and list of all performances
c. A sample of writing in the form of a published article or term paper
d. The required Doctoral Statement should include your goals, ambitions, and interests as a composer as well as what you hope to accomplish while at USC

 

Doctor of MusiDoctor of Music Arts in Conductingcal Arts in Conducti

a. Typed repertory list of works publicly conducted as well as copies of representative programs
b. Video tape for initial screening (for wind conducting candidates, the screening deadline is January 15); on-campus audition and interview - by invitation - for acceptance; applicants in choral conducting must also demonstrate diction proficiencies detailed under degree prerequisites
c. Evidence of at least two years of successful teaching or professional experience (applicants of exceptional ability who do not have prerequisite experience may be admitted on the condition that such experience be completed before the final degree recital is presented)
d. Submission of at least two graduate-level term papers

 

Doctor of MusicaDoctor of Musical Arts in Performancel Arts in Performance

a. Typed repertory list (with works publicly performed clearly identified) and copies of recital programs
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, a student may submit an audition tape for provisional admittance; the student will need to complete an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration)
c. Evidence of at least two years of successful teaching or professional experience (applicants of exceptional ability who do not have prerequisite experience may be admitted on the condition that such experience be completed before the final degree recital is presented)
d. Submission of at least two graduate-level term papers
(continued)
e. For voice majors, demonstration of diction proficiency in English, French, German, and Italian (see under degree prerequisites)

 

Doctor of MusADoctor of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogyrts in Pia

 

a. Typed repertory list (with works publicly performed clearly identified) and copies of recital programs
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, a student may submit an audition tape for provisional admittance; the student will need to complete an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration)
c. Evidence of at least two years of successful teaching or professional experience (applicants of exceptional ability who do not have prerequisite experience may be admitted on the condition that such experience be completed before the Oral Dissertation Examination)
d. Recital/Treatise track: submission of at least two graduate-level term papers
e. Dissertation track: submission of a master’s thesis or equivalent demonstration of the ability to undertake and complete significant, original scholarly work

 

Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education

a. Documentation of appropriate education, certification, and teaching experience (a minimum of three years and an expectation of five years of successful full-time teaching)
b. On-campus interview
c. Submission of a master’s thesis or equivalent demonstration of the ability to undertake and complete significant, original scholarly work. Please note that support materials (tapes, papers, compositions, etc.) cannot be returned unless return postage is provided.

All applications, including auditions, should have been completed by the indicated deadline (please allow sufficient time for transcripts, exam scores, and recommendations to be prepared by the originator and sent to the School of Music):

An applicant may be fully admitted to a graduate program, admitted to a graduate program with conditions, admitted on probation, or declined admission. Students admitted with conditions or on probation are expected to complete required courses and remove all deficiencies. The Graduate Music Diagnostic Examination must be taken before initial enrollment.

 

GRADUATE MUSIC DIAGNOSTIC EXAMINATION

Prior to initial registration, all students desiring to pursue a graduate degree in music or music education (MM, MME, DMA, Ph.D.) are required to take the Graduate Music Diagnostic Examination.

The music history portion consists of one essay, an aural styles examination, and objective questions that deal with terms, names, dates, general music bibliography, and major works of all Western music literature from the Middle Ages to the present. The latest edition of the following books are suggested as basic study materials: Grout/Palisca/Burkholder, A History of Western Music; Miller, History of Music; The New Harvard Dictionary of Music. The music theory portion of the examination tests aural skills (melodic, two-part, and harmonic dictation as well as harmonic recognition and sight-singing) and basic theoretical knowledge (acoustics, analysis, part-writing, instrumental transposition, counterpoint, form, orchestration, terminology). Standard college textbooks in the indicated areas may be used as basic review materials.Additional information about the theory portion of the exam may be found at http://www.music.sc.edu/ea/theory/mgde.html. Music education majors will be given a written examination that tests pedagogical knowledge of elementary or secondary music teaching (general pedagogy, methods, materials, literature), and those specializing in choral or instrumental music may be given a conducting examination. The piano literature portion of the examination tests general knowledge of the standard body of piano performance literature (Baroque through Contemporary), more detailed knowledge of genres, stylistic trends, and basic terminology. Score identification of standard works from the piano repertoire is also tested.

Students are advised to prepare carefully for all portions of the examination since the results are used to determine not only their admission status but also whether they will be required to take certain courses. Any student who changes areas after admission to a particular graduate degree program will be required to complete parts of the Diagnostic Examination applicable to the new area. All requirements resulting from the examination must be completed as stipulated by the School of Music. The Graduate Music Diagnostic Examination is normally offered during the week preceding the fall, spring, and first summer terms.

FULL-TIME STUDY

Nine to 12 semester hours of course work (six to nine for graduate assistants) constitute a full graduate load during a regular session; six semester hours of work during a five-week summer session constitute a full load.
Any graduate student who wishes to use University facilities (e.g., to present a recital or to use a University library) or to consult on research or recital work must be officially enrolled in appropriate courses.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

Although students are expected to avail themselves of faculty advisement, it is the responsibility of each student to know and follow all graduate guidelines and regulations. Any exception to graduate regulations or degree requirements must be approved in writing by the Music Graduate Director.

DISMISSAL FROM A GRADUATE PROGRAM

Upon the recommendation of the area faculty and with the approval of the Music Graduate Committee, a music graduate student may be dismissed either from a graduate program or from degree candidacy if the student’s work in the major area is not meeting the minimal expectations of the School of Music. The Music Graduate Director will inform the student in writing of the decision and will enumerate the reasons for dismissal. The student may appeal the dismissal to the Music Graduate Committee.

AssistaAssistantshipsntships

For information on Graduate Assistantships at the USC School of Music click here.

This is the end of Graduate Admissions Information.

Graduate Degree Information click here.

To Download Degree Outlines click here.

For driving directions as well as information on scheduling an appointment to visit the School of Music Graduate Admissions Office please click here.

last updated 3/14/2006
pwallace@mozart.sc.edu