SCHOOL OF MUSIC GRADUATE PROGRAMS I
SCHOOL OF MUSIC GRADUATE PROGRAMS III

Admission and Audition Information

Applications are due by January 15. Applicants must meet the admissions requirements stated in the Admission Requirements section. All applicants to graduate programs other than Composition and Theory, Musicology, and Music Education/ Professional Track must audition in person or by recording. Applicants for the MusM in Music Education-Applied Track must also audition.

For complete audition information, please consult our website, www.bu.edu/cfa/music. All applicants are urged to audition in person in Boston. Those who live more than 300 miles away or who are not able to audition in Boston may audition at a regional audition site (please consult our website for cities and dates) or submit a self-prepared tape recording or CD. The exception to this is the collaborative piano applicants, who must audition live in Boston.

Applicants who are auditioning in person are urged to sign up for an audition online well in advance of the audition date. Applicants who are submitting a self-prepared audition should be aware that the recording must have been made within the last six months and should note that digitally mastered tapes cannot be accepted.

Students applying to composition or theory are required to submit scores and/or theoretical papers in lieu of a performance audition. These should be submitted at the same time as the application for admission.

Boston Audition Schedule

Admissions/Prescreening

For most programs, no prescreening is required; that is, there is no preliminary CD or tape required for invitation to audition. Applicants should review specific requirements of their program. For programs requiring a preliminary tape or CD, a limited number of applicants are invited to audition live. Applicants to these programs who are not invited to audition will be notified that they have not been accepted for degree study.

Programs requiring prescreening are:

• Artist diploma applicants must submit a preliminary audition DVD or videocassette (U.S. format) by December 1.
• Conducting applicants (MM or DMA in choral or orchestra conducting) must submit a preliminary videotape by December 1.
• Opera Institute applicants must submit a preliminary self-prepared audio recording by January 10.

These programs will conduct final auditions in Boston during the month of February. Please consult our website for each program’s prescreening requirements.

Regional Audition Locations

The School of Music may hold auditions in the following locations during January and February: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Houston. Please refer to our website at www.bu.edu/cfa for dates and locations.

Proficiency Examinations

All entering graduate students are required to take proficiency examinations in music theory for course placement. These examinations are given each September at the start of classes. Accepted students are notified of exam dates in August and are responsible for taking them. The graduate proficiency examinations are given only once at the start of each semester.

Students who do not have a sufficient background in music theory will be required to take prerequisite courses which may not count toward degree credit. The material covered by the proficiency examination includes basic harmony, ear training, form and analysis, orchestration, and counterpoint.

TOP OF PAGE

MASTER OF MUSIC (MusM)

Candidates for the MusM may concentrate in composition, conducting, historical performance, music education, musicology, performance, or theory.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must have:

1. A bachelor’s degree from a music school or college with a major in the specific subject in which the degree is sought, or with credits equivalent to the corresponding baccalaureate curriculum at Boston University and
2. Demonstrated talent and ability in performance, scholarship, or composition sufficient to promise superior accomplishment at the graduate level.
li

General Degree Requirements

The MusM is granted upon successful completion of a program of study and terminal projects appropriate to the student’s field of specialization. Students must complete a minimum of 32 semester credits with grades no lower than B– in all graduate-level coursework. All degree requirements must be completed within five years from the date of matriculation. Students may also be required to take prerequisite courses based on the result of the required proficiency examination.

Transfer Credit

Students in MusM programs may petition the School of Music Graduate Studies Committee to accept up to 8 transferred credits of graduate-level courses taken at other accredited institutions, provided the credits were not applied to requirements for a previous degree and the grades were B– or above.

TOP OF PAGE

MusM in Performance

Admission Requirements

All applicants must meet the admission requirements for graduate study. In addition, each applicant for a master’s-level program in performance must have presented a senior recital at his or her undergraduate institution. All applications in performance must also be accompanied by a complete repertoire listing.

Strings

Audition Requirements

Applicants seeking to enter the MusM program in string performance must perform the first movement of a standard concerto, a movement of unaccompanied Bach, a virtuoso piece with piano accompaniment, and a movement of a sonata. Concerti and unaccompanied works should be performed from memory. Applicants auditioning in Boston should bring the piano scores for their chosen concerto, virtuoso piece, and accompanied sonata to the audition, and also perform with piano. A staff accompanist will be available in Boston only.

Program of Study

(*) Bass and harp majors may substitute approved electives.

Terminal Projects

Two recitals are required for a minimum of 60 minutes of music each.

Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp

Audition Requirements

Auditions are performed without piano accompaniment.
Brass, winds, and harp applicants must be prepared to perform three compositions, one from the Baroque or Classical periods, one from the Romantic period, and one from the Contemporary period. The candidate may also offer orchestral excerpts suitable to his or her own instrument.

Flute applicants must perform four works and be prepared to play any of the solo passages from the orchestral literature listed below. The major works should include one each from the Baroque, the Classical, the Contemporary, and either the Romantic or the French School of the late 1800s or mid-1900s. Orchestral excerpts: Daphnis et Chloé; R. Strauss, Till Eulenspiegel, Opus 28; Mendelssohn, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Incidental Music, Opus 21 and 61; Debussy, Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune; and Prokofiev, Peter and the Wolf, Opus 67.

Bassoon applicants must perform three works: a complete Vivaldi concerto, Mozart’s Concerto in B-flat, K. 191 (complete), and one Characteristic Study by M. Piard.

Program of Study

Terminal Projects

Two recitals are required for a minimum of 60 minutes of music each.

Piano

Audition Requirements

The applicant must demonstrate proficiency by performing from memory at least three compositions: one from the Baroque, one from the Classical, and one from either the Romantic or Contemporary periods. Examples of representative literature include preludes and fugues from The Well-Tempered Clavier and toccatas by J. S. Bach; Sonata in E-flat Major, op. 81a, by Beethoven; Sonata in B Minor, by Chopin; Pour le piano, Estampes, Images, Books I and II, by Debussy; and Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, op. 24, by Brahms.

Program of Study

Terminal Projects

Two recitals are required containing a minimum of 60 minutes of music each.

Collaborative Piano

Audition Requirements

Applicants must audition with all of the following repertoire. If requested, the School will provide collaborative partners. Applicants are urged to audition with their own collaborative partners whenever possible.

Vocal (Please prepare all songs in HIGH keys.)

Schubert Ganymed
Brahms Wie Melodien
Fauré La lune blanche lui dans les bois
(from La Bonne Chanson)
Debussy C'est l'extase (from Ariettes Oubliées)
Barber St. Ita's Vision (from Hermit Songs)

Instrumental (Please prepare complete sonatas.)

Beethoven Violin Sonata Op.12 in D major
Brahms Violin Sonata No.2 in A major

Solo work or movement less than 10 minutes in length from the Classical or Romantic repertoire; memorization not required.

Applicants will also be asked to sight read both vocal and instrumental literature. All applicants will be evaluated through a foreign language/IPA proficiency test.

Program of Study

Terminal Projects

Two recitals are required, each containing a minimum of 60 minutes of music.

Voice

Audition Requirements

The applicant is expected to perform from memory at least four songs drawn from the standard concert repertory: Lieder, French and Italian art songs, oratorio, opera, or contemporary vocal literature. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate prerequisite proficiency in the International Phonetic Alphabet, as well as a level of foreign language ability corresponding to that in the undergraduate curriculum at Boston University. An accompanist will be available for auditions in Boston.

Program of Study

Terminal Project

One recital is required containing a minimum of 50 minutes of music.

Historical Performance

The Program and Boston Baroque Residency

Martin Pearlman, Professor of Music and Director of the Historical Performance Program, is the founding Music Director of Boston Baroque. Three-time Grammy nominee Boston Baroque serves as resident professional ensemble for the Historical Performance Program, providing educational enrichment, training, and professional performance opportunities for students. Key members of the Boston Baroque ensemble serve as private instructors, chamber music coaches, and collaborative partners, and students have the opportunity to work closely in a wide range of ensemble settings with seasoned professionals. Distinguished guest artists further enrich the program with master classes and special presentations. Students have audition opportunities for understudy and public performance roles in Boston Baroque’s orchestral, choral, and opera productions, and are invited to observe Boston Baroque’s rehearsal process and to attend the ensemble’s public performances.

Audition Requirements

This program is for performers on harpsichord, fortepiano, and other period instruments, as well as for singers. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency by performing works in different national styles from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Program of Study

Terminal Projects

Two recitals are required, each containing a minimum of 60 minutes of music.

Conducting—Orchestral

Audition Requirements

Each candidate must submit a preliminary video by December 15, before a live audition can be scheduled. This tape should include 20–30 minutes of the candidate conducting in rehearsal and/or performance with an orchestral ensemble. The repertoire for the live audition must be chosen from the following works: Beethoven, Symphonies 1 and 2; Mozart, Overture to Die Zauberflöte; Stravinsky, L’histoire du soldat: “Royal March” and “Petit concert.” The audition will also include an individual interview that will examine skills in conducting, sight-singing (in all clefs), keyboard, dictation, musical terminology, score-reading, orchestration, and analysis. Each candidate will also be asked to perform on his or her principal instrument. Selected candidates will conduct an ensemble as the final part of the audition.

Program of Study

Terminal Project

Each candidate will present one conducting recital.

Conducting—Choral

Audition Requirements

Each applicant must submit a preliminary video by December 15, before a live audition can be scheduled. This tape should include 20–30 minutes of the candidate in rehearsal and/or performance with a choral ensemble. The repertoire for the live audition must consist of the following pieces: Bach, Cantata No. 131, “Aus der Tiefe rufe ich,” final chorus (“Israel hoffe auf den Hern”); Mozart, “Lacrymosa” from Requiem; Britten, Rejoice in the Lamb, pp. 1–10 (through the “Nimrod” chorus); Victoria, Ave Maria. Each candidate will also be asked to sing an art song and play a solo keyboard composition at the level of a Bach two-part invention.

Proficiencies evaluated at the audition:

Score reading: Realization at the piano of a Bach chorale in open score; treble and bass clefs acceptable.

Piano: Proficiency at the minimum level of Italian art song accompaniment and Bach two-part inventions.

Language: Evidence of one year of college-level German. Knowledge and application of the International Phonetic Alphabet is required.

Voice: Demonstrated knowledge of vocal technique.

Program of Study

Terminal Project

Each candidate will present one conducting recital.

TOP OF PAGE

MusM in Theory

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be proficient in one modern language, preferably German, and must satisfactorily complete an entrance examination in music theory. Applicants must submit analytical papers and may include examples of original compositions. Each applicant must also submit at least one example of tonal composition such as a fugue, short sonata movement, or other compositions of an academic nature. A performance audition is not required for admission to the MusM program in theory.

Program of Study

Terminal Project

Each student must write a thesis demonstrating his or her ability to do significant research in the field of music theory.

TOP OF PAGE

MusM in Composition

Admission Requirements

Each applicant must submit at least three original compositions in good manuscript form reflecting a variety of instrumental and formal types, including at least one work for a larger group such as a chamber orchestra and/or chorus. Recordings of compositions are helpful but not required. In addition, at least one example of tonal composition such as a fugue, short sonata movement, or other academic composition is required. All works should be sent to the Graduate Admissions office at the time of application submission. Applicants must include a SASE to have their scores returned.

A performance audition is not required for admission to graduate programs in composition unless a student wants to qualify as having completed the equivalent of Level 6b in order to study performance for graduate credit.

Program of Study

Performance of a half-hour recital of original compositions approved by the composition faculty is required.

Attendance at the Composers’ Forum—an informal series of lectures presenting composers and authorities in various musical disciplines—is required each semester. All graduate composition majors must be enrolled in Graduate Composition each semester of study until the recital portfolio is approved.

Terminal Project

Each student must write a thesis that represents an original contribution to scholarly knowledge.

TOP OF PAGE

MusM in Musicology

Admission Requirements

Applicants in musicology are required to submit (1) an example of a term paper in music history from undergraduate work or a special paper prepared on a musical topic; and (2) Graduate Record Examination (GRE) verbal, quantitative, and analytical scores.

Program of Study

Two languages are required, one of which must be German.

TOP OF PAGE

MusM in Music Education

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the MusM in music education must have a superior undergraduate record. Admission is based on the student’s academic record and professional accomplishments.

TOP OF PAGE

Initial Licensure Sequence

Teacher of Music (Grades K–12)

This degree program is for students with undergraduate degrees in music with majors other than Music Education.

Prerequisite Baccalaureate Degree

The applicant must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a major in music consisting of a minimum of 32 credits. The content of these courses will be matched against the Massachusetts State Licensure requirements; additional work will be completed to cover any deficiencies as required. At least 20 credits of pre-practicum study are required before proceeding to the practicum.

Program of Study

Completion of this program results in conferral of the MusM degree and eligibility for the Initial License by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Terminal Project

To fulfill the terminal requirements for the MusM degree in music education, the candidate develops a curriculum project in which he or she demonstrates a synthesis of studies in the master’s program. The work for this project is begun in MU 862 Curriculum Organization in Music Education.

Professional Licensure Sequence—Applied Track

Admission Requirements

To enroll in this program, the applicant must have completed a Massachusetts Provisional Certificate with Advanced Standing or have Initial License as a Teacher of Music or be eligible for this certificate under a reciprocal arrangement with another state. Upon completion of three full years of employment in the role of the license, including a one-year induction program with a mentor, the student may apply for Professional Licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Program of Study

Terminal Project

Recital in the Major Applied Music Graduate Field
The performance faculty and the music education faculty must jointly grant permission for this option. Candidates electing this option must have been accepted into the program at Level 8, must enroll for 6 credits of applied music at Level 9, and must be enrolled during the semester in which the recital is given. In addition, if they have not presented an undergraduate recital, candidates electing this option must present a prerequisite recital.

TOP OF PAGE

Professional Licensure Sequence—Professional Development Track

This program is designed for applicants already in the teaching profession who wish to complete a Master’s Program in Music Education focusing on professional development. For applicants who are not able to come to Boston University, the Master of Music/ Professional Licensure Sequence/Professional Development Track is also offered online. For additional information, please consult our website at www.bu.edu/cfa.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the MusM in Music Education must meet the general admission requirements for the MusM program but are not required to audition. Applicants for the Professional Development Track are required to submit a professional portfolio consisting of 1) a term paper in music education from undergraduate work or a special paper prepared on a music education topic; 2) three letters of recommendation from professional colleagues who are familiar with the applicant’s professional work; 3) a detailed professional curriculum vitae with evidence of the applicant’s continuing professional development through participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences; and 4) a personal statement indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work including career objectives.

Program of Study

Terminal Projects

To fulfill terminal requirements for the Master of Music degree with a major in music education, the candidate selects one of the following options:

Curriculum Project

The student develops a curriculum project in which he or she demonstrates a synthesis of studies in the master’s program. The work for this project is begun in MU 862 Curriculum Organization
in Music Education.

Thesis

The student completes a thesis that demonstrates the ability to do significant research in the music education field. Permission to write a thesis depends on the caliber of the student’s work as reviewed by the music education faculty.

TOP OF PAGE

MusM Double Majors

The School of Music offers double majors within the Master of Music degree programs. Various combinations are possible, such as performance combined with music education, theory, composition, or musicology. Applicants for admission to the double major programs must meet all admission and program requirements for both programs of study. Students approved for double majors have faculty advisors from each area of study.

TOP OF PAGE

DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS (MusAD)

The MusAD degree is offered in composition, music education, performance, historical performance, and conducting. A high level of scholarship is expected of applicants. Students in the performance degree program are expected to achieve a professional level of accomplishment. Prerequisites are the same as those specified for the MusM degree.

At least two years of study beyond the master’s degree are needed to earn the doctoral degree. All degree requirements must be completed within seven years of the date of matriculation. The Graduate Studies Committee must approve any time extension.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites for admission depend on the area of specialization the student wishes to pursue.

Language Requirements

The minimum requirement for students in all MusAD programs of study in the School of Music, except Music Education, is reading competency in modern French, German, or Italian.

Students in the areas of historical performance, organ, and voice are required to demonstrate proficiency in two of the three languages. Voice majors must satisfactorily complete an examination in the application of the International Phonetic Alphabet to English, French, German, and Italian. Music Education majors develop proficiency in appropriate research methodologies in lieu of foreign languages.

All language requirements must be fulfilled before a student takes the Doctoral Qualifying Examinations.

Qualifying Examinations

After completing three semesters of full-time study, which must include MU 749 and MU 719, and with no incomplete work outstanding, students may apply to take the doctoral qualifying examinations, which consist of written and oral examinations in music theory, music history, and the major field. One or both of the theory and history exams may be taken in a given semester. Details on these exams are available through the School of Music. Music Education majors have different requirements for qualifying examinations and are not required to take MU 749 and MU 719. Consult the Music Education Department for information on qualifying examinations for music education majors.

Once the student has passed one area, he or she need not take that section again even if required to retake another part of the examination. The student has three opportunities to pass in each area. Applications to retake a portion of the examination are made identical to the initial attempt. Students proceed to an oral examination in any area only after they have passed all written portions. Failure of the oral examination necessitates repetition only of the oral examination.

Requirements for the examinations vary depending on the area of concentration. See the following sections describing each area.

Final Projects

Upon satisfactory completion of the qualifying examination, the student is permitted to undertake the dissertation for the doctoral degree. The candidate enrolls in research and directed study courses in which the preliminary research necessary for development of a dissertation/document topic is undertaken. For further details on final projects, see the following sections for each concentration.

TOP OF PAGE

MusAD in Performance/Historical Performance/Conducting

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MusAD program should possess a Master of Music degree or a Master of Arts degree with a major in music and should have completed theory, harmony, and solfège (20 credits); history of music (12 credits); and liberal arts courses distributed among the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences (32 credits). Any deficiency must be made up without credit toward the fulfillment of the degree requirements.

Applicants must pass an entrance audition after presenting a repertoire list to the faculty including works of representative composers from several periods. The faculty will select 15 minutes of music from this list. Although taped auditions are accepted, the faculty strongly recommends live auditions for doctoral applicants.

Audition Requirements

String, Winds, Brass, and Piano

String, winds, brass, and piano applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program.

Collaborative Piano

In the MusAD program, collaborative pianists may choose to focus on either vocal or instrumental repertoire or a combination of both. Audition repertoire choices should reflect the intended focus.

Applicants should choose one (either a. or b.) from each category. All songs should be prepared in the HIGH key.

1. a. Beethoven Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major
   b. Schubert (prepare all:) Im Frühling, Rastlose Liebe
   
2. a. Brahms Cello Sonata No. 2 in F major
   b. Strauss (prepare all:) Cäcilie, Glückesgenug
   
3. a. Franck Violin Sonata
   b. Debussy Trois Chansons de Bilitis
   
4. a. Shostakovich Cello Sonata
   b. Argento (prepare all:) Six Elizabethan Songs
   
5. A movement or work of solo piano repertoire less than 10 minutes in length from the Classical, Romantic, or 20th-century repertoire; memorization not required.

In addition, applicants will be asked to sight-read both vocal and instrumental literature. Applicants choosing the vocal repertoire focus will be evaluated through a foreign language/IPA proficiency test.

Orchestral Conducting

Each candidate must submit a preliminary video by December 15, before an audition can be scheduled. This tape should include 20–30 minutes of the candidate conducting in rehearsal and/or performance with an orchestral ensemble. The repertoire for the live audition will be chosen from the following works: Beethoven, Symphonies 1 and 2; Mozart, Overture to Die Zauberflöte; Stravinsky, L’histoire du soldat: “Royal March” and “Petit concert.” The audition will also include an individual interview that will examine skills in conducting, sight-singing (in all clefs), keyboard, dictation, musical terminology, score-reading, orchestration, and analysis. Each candidate will also be asked to perform on his or her principal instrument. Selected candidates will conduct an ensemble as the final part of the audition.

Voice

Applicants must present a full recital program of approximately one hour’s length. Four languages must be presented: English, Italian, German, and French. An aria from opera and an aria from oratorio should be included.

Choral Conducting

Choral conducting candidates must submit a preliminary video by December 15, before an audition can be scheduled. This tape should include 20–30 minutes of the candidate conducting in rehearsal and/or performance with a choral ensemble. The repertoire for the live audition consists of the following pieces: Gregorian Chant, Pange Lingua (suggested edition: Gems of Gregorian Chant, Collegium Music Publishers, edited by John Rutter); Victoria, O Magnum Mysterium (suggested edition: Hinshaw Music Inc., edited by Walter S. Collins); Bach, St. John Passion (2a, b, c, d, e Neue Bach-Ausgabe); Haydn, The Creation, Opening Recitative and Chorus (“In the Beginning”) (suggested edition: Dover); Stravinsky, Symphony of Psalms, Movement 1.

Program of Study

All students must complete a minimum of 48 graduate credits including Music History and Music Theory, including:

*MU 749 and MU 719 must be completed within the first three semesters of the doctoral ­program.

Choral Conducting majors must take eight credits of Choral Literature Seminar.

Each candidate in Performance and Historical Performance must present three public recitals consisting of at least one hour of performing time each.

For candidates in Collaborative Piano, the programs for the three recitals can reflect the specific interest of the individual student, who may wish to specialize in either vocal or instrumental literature.

Solo repertoire may be included but should represent no more than one-third of the total performance time. Memorization requirements follow standard practice, i.e., only solo repertoire need be memorized; exceptions may be made with the approval of the relevant department chair. The student also appears as a performer within a chamber music group or as an accompanist.
For candidates in String Performance, two of the recitals will consist of solo literature (unaccompanied and/or works with piano, including sonatas), and one recital will be composed entirely of chamber music (not including sonatas with piano).
Candidates for the MusAD in Conducting must give two public recitals. The programs for the recitals can reflect the specific interest of the individual student, but the programs must include literature from a broad historical span. Orchestral conductors must present recitals that include literature from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Choral conductors must present recitals that include literature from the time periods listed above, as well as from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries; orchestral accompaniment must also be included.

Terminal Project: Independent Research Document and Lecture-Recital

TOP OF PAGE

Post-Baccalaureate MusAD in Composition

Admission Requirements

Students who have completed the BA or BMus degree may apply directly to the MusAD program. Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for the MusM program, and must show evidence of strong academic performance as well as compositional talent and achievement. Students who move from the MM degree prior to completion are subject to the same admissions rules.

Applicants to this program should submit at least three original compositions (score and tape, if available). Applicants who wish to have their materials returned must include a self-addressed stamped envelope. In addition, each applicant should submit an example of tonal composition, such as a fugue or sonata movement. This tonal writing example should be clearly labeled as such. These materials should be sent to the chair of the Composition Department in the School of Music with a cover letter stating the degree program for which application is being made.

Program of Study

Recitals

Students give two recitals during this degree program. During the second year of study, the student submits a recital portfolio for faculty approval. This portfolio must contain works totaling at least half an hour. Once the portfolio is approved, the student presents these works in a recital. If the works have all been publicly performed or read, this first recital requirement may be waived at the discretion of the composition faculty. Prior to work on the thesis, during the third or fourth year, the student must again submit a recital portfolio for faculty approval. These works, which may include pieces previously submitted, must make up a full-length program. Once the faculty has approved the recital, the student must present it publicly. This may be done at any time prior to graduation. Students are expected to register for Graduate Composition until the second recital portfolio is completed and approved.

Dissertation

Doctoral candidates in composition will write a dissertation consisting of a large-scale work in a demanding medium.

TOP OF PAGE

MusAD in Composition

Admission Requirements

The applicant for admission to the MusAD Program in Composition should possess a Master of Music degree or a Master of Arts degree with a major in composition.

Applicants should submit at least three original compositions (score and tape, if available). In addition, each applicant should submit an example of tonal composition such as a fugue or sonata movement. The tonal writing example should be clearly labeled as such. Materials should be sent directly to the chair of the Composition Department. Applicants who wish to have their materials returned must include a SASE.

Program of Study

Recital

The student must present a program, approximately one hour long, of original compositions.

TOP OF PAGE

MusAD in Music Education

Admission Requirements

An applicant for admission to the MusAD program in music education should possess a master’s degree with a major in music or music education. Evidence of successful teaching experience, intellectual maturity, and leadership in music education must also be submitted. Applicants for the MusAD in music education are required to submit a professional portfolio consisting of 1) a published article on a music education topic, a research paper or thesis in music education from their graduate work, or a special paper prepared on a music education topic; 2) three letters of recommendation from music education professors and/or professional colleagues who are familiar with the applicant’s professional work; 3) a detailed professional curriculum vitae with evidence of the applicant’s continuing professional development through participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences; 4) a personal statement indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work including career objectives; and 5) scores from the Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test.

For applicants who are not able to come to Boston University, the Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education is also offered online. The coursework for this program is completed online and students are required to complete an on-campus residency. For additional information, please consult our website at www.bu.edu/cfa.

Program of Study

Every student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 48 semester credits. The student elects advanced courses and directed study approved by his or her advisor distributed approximately as follows:

TOP OF PAGE

Opera Institute

Admission Requirements

The Boston University Opera Institute is a professional training program for the serious singer preparing for an operatic career. The Institute offers an intensive program designed to provide the crucial transition between student training and professional performance. Enrollment is limited to 12 performers who have demonstrated clear professional operatic potential. Selection is by live audition only.

Audition Requirements

To be considered for this program, all students must submit an application and preliminary CD or tape by January 15. Selected candidates are invited to audition live only after their completed application and preliminary CD or tape have been reviewed. Please check our website (www.bu.edu/cfa/music) for dates and scheduling information.

For the CD or tape, and the live invited audition, the candidate must prepare 5 arias of contrasting styles, one of which must be in English. Inquiries may be directed to the Opera Manager at opera@bu.edu.

Program of Study

The two-year residency offers concentrated instruction in acting, Italian conversation, lyric diction, musical styles, movement, Alexander Technique, ballet, stage combat, and period styles. In addition, private voice lessons and repertoire coaching are provided weekly, along with regular master classes and professional classes with distinguished guest artists. Recent guests have included Richard Pearlman, Jay Lesenger, Stephen Lord, Larissa Gergieva, Marlena Malas, Colin Graham, James Marvel, Mark Oswald, Stephen Steiner, Rhoda Levine, David Gately, Francis Cullinan, Janice Mancini del Sesto, and Don Greene, to name a few. Annual public performances include collaboration with the Opera Workshop, Opera Theater, and the School of Theatre in two full-scale productions with orchestra in the Boston University Theatre, a Fringe Festival of one-act operas, scenes, programs, and outreach activities.

Each student admitted to the program is awarded a full scholarship—covering tuition and fees—and a stipend. In the spring of the first year, a professional review will determine if individual progress warrants continuation. After completion of the second year, participants are awarded the Opera Institute Certificate.

Opera Training for Voice Performance Majors

Superior graduate voice performance majors with operatic potential form the Opera Theater and Opera Workshop, joining students from the Opera Institute in principal and ensemble roles, and in performance-based opera training, two full mainstage productions, a Fringe Festival of one-act operas, scenes, and outreach programs.

Artist Diploma in Music Performance

The artist diploma is a nondegree program for the specialized training of the unusually gifted and accomplished performer. The program focuses on the practical aspects of musical training: private instruction, performance, participation in musical organizations and chamber music, and musicianship skills.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be superior performers who have demonstrated strong potential for a successful performing career. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or diploma in music, or equivalent, to be determined by the faculty.

Applicants are required to submit a preliminary DVD or video (U.S. format) and a completed application for admission by December 1. In addition to the audition, solo and ensemble experience and breadth of repertoire are taken into consideration as criteria for admission. Based on the review of the recording, applicants may be invited to audition in person for the program.

Artist Diploma applicants in Voice should submit a preliminary
CD or tape of not less than 30 minutes of music. The tape should primarily include song literature in English, Italian, German, and French as well as one oratorio or operatic aria in the original language.

Program of Study

Students are required to spend two years in residence and pursue private instruction in their performance field during every semester of enrollment. Each student is required to give a minimum of three recitals or the equivalent. Voice majors must satisfactorily complete an examination in the application of the International Phonetic Alphabet to English, French, German, and Italian.

Students wishing to transfer from a Music degree program to the Artist Diploma Program, or from the Artist Diploma Program to a degree program, are evaluated as new applicants and are required to apply and audition.

Performance Diploma in Orchestral Instruments and Piano

The Performance Diploma is a nondegree program for the specialized training of performers of orchestral instruments and piano who seek advanced musical training. The program is narrow in focus, selective in nature, and specifically tailored to the student who desires intensive, performance-oriented training.

Admission Requirements

Applications are evaluated by audition. Applicants who live within 300 miles of Boston are expected to audition in person. If travel to Boston is not possible, DVDs or videotapes (U.S. VHS format) are acceptable.

Orchestral Instruments

The performance diploma in orchestral instruments places emphasis on orchestral and chamber music repertoire as well as the solo repertoire. The program focuses on the practical aspects of musical training: private instruction, performance, participation in musical organizations and chamber music, and musicianship skills.

Audition/Orchestral Instruments

Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program. In addition, string bass, brass, wind, and percussion applicants should prepare a minimum of three standard orchestral excerpts. A complete repertoire list and listing of ensemble repertoire must accompany the application.

Program of Study

All candidates are required to spend two years in residence and to pursue private instruction (four semesters) in their performance field.

Candidates on orchestral instruments are required to participate in chamber music and large ensembles (four semesters each). Candidates will present a minimum of two solo recitals or the equivalent while in residence.

Piano

The backbone of the curriculum in the piano performance diploma program consists of the study of solo, chamber, collaborative, and ensemble piano repertoire.

Audition/Piano

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency by performing from memory at least four compositions: one from the Baroque, one from the Classical, one from the Romantic, and one from the Impressionist or Contemporary periods.

Piano students are required to participate in chamber music, collaborative, and duo-piano programs. Candidates will present a total of three recitals, two of solo piano repertoire and one of chamber/collaborative repertoire.

Program of Study

TOP OF PAGE

Published by Trustees of Boston University
One Silber Way
Boston, MA 02215

9 June 2009
Boston University
Questions
Credits