Graduate Admissions/Audition Requirements
Application Forms
Download Application Forms: .DOC | .PDF
(
requires Adobe Reader)
To request an application packet by U.S. mail, please contact:
Associate Director for Graduate Studies
School of Music
Russell Hall 110
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0246
319-273-GRAD
music@uni.edu
Admission Requirements
All prospective graduate students must secure approval of both the University of Northern Iowa and School of Music before admission to a degree program can be granted.
Admission is normally granted when the applicant has met the following requirements:
- A baccalaureate degree, or international equivalent, with a major in music from an accredited institution, or the demonstrated equivalent in the case of international students.
- A minimum entering grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (scale: 4.0 = A).
- Completion and submission of all School of Music, Graduate College, and University application materials, including application fee.
- Successful audition or interview in desired area of specialization.
- International students must have a TOEFL score of 500 written or 173 computer.
The Graduate Record Examination (general test) is NOT required for admission to the MA or the MM degree programs.
For more information concerning admission requirements, please see the School of Music Graduate Student Handbook.
Special Area Requirements
Master of Arts
In-person audition in area of applied concentration (audio recordings are permissible if an in-person audition would pose undue hardship)
VOCAL APPLICANTS: Audition repertoire must include selections representing different musical styles and four languages (English, French, German and Italian) and include at least one aria from an opera or oratorio. All audition repertoire must be memorized, with a total length of approximately 10 minutes for the M.A program.
An applicant may bring his/her own pianist. Please set up a rehearsal time with the music graduate office if you need to have a pianist provided.
Master of Music - Composition
Portfolio, and, if possible, tape recordings of compositions.
Master of Music - Conducting
In-person audition and interview with at least two members of the Graduate Conducting Faculty. It is also recommended that the applicant have two years of conducting experience beyond the baccalaureate degree. A video recording may be submitted in lieu of the in-person audition, but may not satisfy the audition requirement. Tapes should be of high quality and show the applicant in rehearsal situations, though performance recordings may also be included. Video recordings should include two (2) or three (3) works of varying styles, and be taken so as to clearly indicate the conductor's facial and other physical gestures.
Master of Music - Jazz Pedagogy
In-person audition and interview.
Master of Music - Music Education
Master of Music - Music History
Scholarly paper(s) from undergraduate studies coursework.
Master of Music - Performance
In-person audition (audio recordings are permissible if an in-person audition would pose undue hardship).
VOCAL APPLICANTS: Audition repertoire must include selections representing different musical styles and four languages (English, French, German and Italian) and include at least one aria from an opera or oratorio. All audition repertoire must be memorized, with a total length of approximately 20 minutes for the M.M. program.
An applicant may bring his/her own pianist. Please set up a rehearsal time with the music graduate office if you need to have a pianist provided.
Master of Music - Piano Performance and Pedagogy
In-person audition (audio recordings are permissible if an in-person audition would pose undue hardship).
Artist Diploma
A high quality tape (video preferred) of unedited performance time demonstrating technical skill, musical expressive and interpretive ability. A live audition and interview may be required (other Admission requirements listed under Artist Diploma in this Handbook).
Application Instructions
Application Fees
The application fee for domestic students is $30.00 and should be paid directly to the Registrar’s Office at the address below. The application fee for international students is $50.00 and should be paid directly to the Office of Admissions at the address below. Applications will not be processed until application fees are received.
Previous Education
The University of Northern Iowa requires official transcripts from undergraduate institutions. Please contact the Registrar’s office at your undergraduate institution and arrange for transcripts to be sent directly to the Registrar at the address below. International students should arrange to have documents sent to the Office of Admissions at the address below.
School of Music Application
A paper copy of the School of Music Application for Graduate Admission can be obtained by contacting the Associate Director for Graduate Studies at the address below. Please send the School of Music Application for Graduate Admission to the Associate Director for Graduate Studies at the address below.
Download School of Music application forms .DOC | .PDF
(requires Adobe Reader)
Letters of Recommendation
The School of Music requests two (2) letters of recommendation from persons who are very familiar with the applicant's academic and professional preparation, and can properly evaluate their capacity for successful graduate study. (Examples would be undergraduate professors, school administrators, and professional colleagues.) Please have letters of recommendation sent to the Associate Director for Graduate Studies at the address below.
Download School of Music recommendation forms: .DOC | .PDF
(requires Adobe Reader)
Statement of Objectives and Goals
To promote a more substantive evaluation of your application, we ask that you please write a one page, double-spaced (12-point type) narrative indicating your objectives and goals for graduate study. Please include this with your application.
Auditions and Interviews
An audition, interview, or submission of a scholarly paper or composition is required for admission depending on the degree sought. Students should contact the School of Music at 1-319-273-2024 to be connected with the appropriate faculty member to arrange for an audition/interview. Auditions/interviews must be completed prior to application deadlines.
University Application
In addition to the School of Music Application, the university requires the submission of an Application for Graduate Study (for domestic students) or an International Application for Admission (for international students). Applications are available from the university or online at http://www.grad.uni.edu/admission/ (domestic) http://access.uni.edu/stdt/internat_instr.htm (international). Paper copies may also be requested. Applications should be sent directly to the Registrar’s Office (domestic) or Office of Admissions (international) at the address below.
TOEFL
International students (from non-English speaking countries) are required to submit proof of a minimum TOEFL score of 500 (written) or 173 (computer). Scores should be sent directly to Office of Admissions at the address below.
Application Deadlines
All application materials/paperwork [i.e. University application, School of Music application, Graduate Assistantship application, Tuition Scholarship application, references and transcripts] must be received prior to February 1st. Auditions and interviews must be completed by February 15th for the following school year.
Addresses
Associate Director for Graduate Studies
School of Music
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0246
Registrar’s Office
227 Gilchrist Hall
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0006
Office of Admissions
120 Gilchrist Hall
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018
Diagnostic Examinations
Following admission to the Graduate College and School of Music, and prior to initial registration, all entering degree students are required to complete diagnostic examinations in the following areas:
Music Theory
Music History
Expository Writing
Other diagnostic examinations may be given in areas such as music education, conducting, jazz, vocal performance, etc.
All entering students are encouraged to prepare for these examinations and review their undergraduate knowledge and experiences in music theory, analysis, music history, and written expression. It is assumed that adequate training has been experienced at the undergraduate level and that review and preparation will enable most students to register for regular graduate-level courses in the above areas immediately upon entering the degree program.
It should be emphasized that these examinations are not intended as exclusion devices, but rather as a means of ascertaining levels of competency in the examined areas. Students who score below certain standards will be counseled as to appropriate means for addressing deficiencies. Graduate review and other remedial courses do not satisfy minimum degree requirements.
Register for Diagnostic Exams
Registration for the Diagnostic Exams MUST be submitted 4 weeks prior to exam.
To request a registration form by US mail, please contact:
Associate Director for Graduate Studies
School of Music
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0246
319-273-GRAD
music@uni.edu
Note: Diagnostic Examinations are only given on-campus (Campus Map)
Examination Schedule
Diagnostic exams are generally scheduled during the week prior to the first day of classes in the Fall. Incoming graduate students MUST take exams prior to registering for classes. Retakes of Diagnostic exams may be scheduled during Comprehensive exams (see schedule on the registration form). Exams will take place in Russell Hall.
Diagnostic Exam Schedule
9:00 - 9:45 a.m. Expository Writing Diagnostic Exam
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. History Diagnostic Exam
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Theory Diagnostic Exam
Study Guides
Download a Study Guide for Diagnostic Examinations: .DOC | .PDF
(requires Adobe Reader)
University Links
UNI Department of Residence: http://www.uni.edu/dor/
Tuition & Fees: http://www.uni.edu/infosys/tuition/
Residency Requirements: http://www.uni.edu/regist/students/residency02.shtml
Financial Aid: http://www.uni.edu/finaid
