School of Music
Graduate Programs

SCHOOL OF MUSIC
FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES

Admission and Audition Information

Applications are due by January 15 for MM and DMA degrees. Admissions requirements are stated under School of Music Apply. Applicants to graduate programs other than Composition and Theory, Musicology, and Music Education must audition. We urge applicants to audition 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 or submit a self-prepared tape recording or CD. Collaborative piano applicants must audition in Boston. Applicants who are auditioning in person should sign up for an audition online well in advance of the audition date. Self-prepared auditions must have been made within the last six months and digitally mastered tapes cannot be accepted. Applicants to the composition or theory programs 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.

Admissions/Prescreening

For most programs, no prescreening is required. Applicants should review specific requirements of their program online. For programs requiring a preliminary tape or CD, a limited number of applicants are invited to audition live. Those applicants will be notified as to their audtion status.

Programs requiring prescreening:

• Artist Diploma—Applicants must submit a preliminary audition DVD or videotape (U.S. format) by December 1.

• Conducting (MM or DMA in choral or orchestral)—Applicants must submit a preliminary DVD or videotape by December 1.

• Opera Institute—Applicants must submit a preliminary self-prepared audio recording by January 1.

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

Regional Audition Locations

The School of Music holds auditions in various locations during January and February. Past cities have included Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., and Houston. Please refer to Regional Auditions for dates and locations.

Proficiency Examinations

All entering graduate students in the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts programs are required to take a proficiency examination in music theory for course placement at the start of the program. Students without a sufficient background in music theory will be required to take a prerequisite course 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

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

Applying

Applicants must apply online at Graduate Application Admission. Two recommendations, normally from teachers, official transcripts from all colleges attended, a two-page statement of purpose explaining why the candidate is applying and his/her career goals, and a non-refundable application fee are required of all applicants. Performance programs require a complete repertory list; some departments have additional requirements. Check online for the full list of departmental application requirements. Please note: performance applicants must audition in person if residing within 300 miles of Boston.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must have: (1) a bachelor’s degree from a school or college with a major in the subject in which the degree is sought, or with credits equivalent to the corresponding curriculum at Boston University and (2) demonstrated talent and ability in performance, scholarship, or composition sufficient to promise superior accomplishment at the graduate level.

General Degree Requirements

The MM 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 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.

Master of Music Comprehensive Reviews

A satisfactory comprehensive review or examination is required for graduation. The faculty in each major area determines standards for this review and its format, and conducts the evaluation. In each case, the comprehensive review concentrates on the major area and other related fields. Unsatisfactory performance on this review may require remedial work and/or a repetition of the review after counseling with the student’s advisor. Descriptions of the departmental comprehensive reviews or examinations are found in the Graduate Studies Handbook, available to enrolled students.

TOP OF PAGE

MM in Performance

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the admissions 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. Applications in performance must also be accompanied by a complete repertoire listing.

strings

Audition Requirements

Applicants in string performance must perform the first movement of a standard concerto, a movement of unaccompanied Bach, a virtuoso piece, and a movement of a sonata. Concerti and unaccompanied works should be performed from memory. A staff accompanist will be available only in Boston. Applicants auditioning in Boston should bring the piano scores (not photocopies) for their chosen pieces to the audition, and all violinists, violists, and cellists will be expected to perform with piano.

Program of Study

Terminal Projects

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

Winds, Brass, percussion and 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 applicant 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

Applicants 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 listed repertoire. If requested, the School will provide collaborative partners, although applicants are urged to audition with their own pre-rehearsed ensemble partners whenever possible.

Vocal (Please prepare all songs in HIGH keys.)

Schubert Ganymed
Brahms Wie Melodien
Fauré La lune blanche luit 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 both complete sonatas.)

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

Solo Piano

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

Other

Applicants will be asked to sight-read both vocal and instrumental literature.

Foreign language proficiency will be evaluated.

Program of Study

Terminal Projects

Two recitals are required, each containing a minimum of 60 minutes of music including vocal, instrumental, and chamber repertoire.

Voice

Audition Requirements

Applicants are 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

Students must either take two credits of practical piano or pass a proficiency examination. See the department chair for details.

Terminal Projects

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

Historical Performance

The Program and Boston Baroque Residency

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. Students work closely in a wide range of ensemble settings with seasoned professionals. Distinguished guest artists enrich the program with master classes and special presentations. Students audition for understudy and public performance roles in Boston Baroque’s orchestral, choral, and opera productions, observe Boston Baroque’s rehearsal process, and attend the ensemble’s public performances.

Audition Requirements

This program is for performers on harpsichord, fortepiano, other period instruments, and singers. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency 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 applicant must submit a preliminary video by December 1, before a live audition can be scheduled. This tape should include 20–30 minutes of the applicant 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 Projects

Each candidate will present one conducting recital.

Conducting—Choral

Audition Requirements

Each applicant must submit a preliminary video by December 1, 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 applicant 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 are required.

Voice: Demonstrated knowledge of vocal technique.

Program of Study

Terminal Projects

Each candidate will present one conducting recital.

TOP OF PAGE

MM 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 an analytical paper and may include examples of original compositions. A performance audition is not required for admission to the MM program in theory.

Program of Study

Terminal Projects

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

TOP OF PAGE

MM in Composition

Admission Requirements

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 Projects

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

TOP OF PAGE

MM 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

MM in Music Education

The MM in Music Education is a professional degree with two possible sequences: initial licensure or professional licensure. The Initial Licensure sequence prepares students for entry into a career teaching music in primary and secondary schools. It is only available on campus. The Professional Licensure sequence is designed for music teachers who already possess a teaching license or those who simply want to learn more about music education but don’t desire licensure to teach in American primary and secondary schools. It is available both on campus and online.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the MM in Music Education must have an excellent academic record from an accredited college or university and a bachelor’s degree in music or music education. Admission is based on the student’s academic record and professional accomplishments. An audition is not required. In addition to the general application requirements, applicants must submit the following:

• Curriculum vitae.

• An example of scholarly writing such as a published article or research paper used for undergraduate work

• Personal statement indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, including career objectives.

• Three (3) current letters of reference from music education scholars/leaders addressing the applicant’s leadership abilities in music education and potential for success in graduate studies.

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 and wish to become music teachers in primary and secondary schools. This program is approved for Initial Licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Students from other states will need to check with their state education departments regarding requirements for licensure in their state. The applicant must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a major in music consisting of a minimum of 32 credits.

Program of Study

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

Terminal Projects

To fulfill the terminal requirements for the Master of Music degree with a major 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

This program is designed for applicants who already possess a teaching license or simply want to learn more about music education but don’t desire licensure to teach in American primary and secondary schools. This program is approved for Professional Licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Students from other states will need to check with their state education departments regarding requirements for licensure in their state. For applicants who are not able to come to Boston University, the Master of Music/Professional Licensure Sequence is also offered online. For additional information, please consult Music Education Online.

Program of Study

Terminal Projects

To fulfill terminal requirements for the Master of Music degree with a major 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.

TOP OF PAGE

MM 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

The DMA degree is offered in composition, music education, performance, historical performance, and conducting.

A high level of scholarship and accomplishment is expected of all applicants.

Applying

All applicants must apply online at Graduate Application Information. Three recommendations, normally from teachers, official transcripts from all colleges attended, a two-page statement of purpose explaining why the candidate is applying and his/her career goals, and a non-refundable application fee are required of all applicants. Performance applicants are required to submit a complete repertory list and some departments have additional requirements. Check online for the full list of departmental application requirements. Please note: performance applicants must audition in person if residing within 300 miles of Boston.

Language Requirements

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

Students in the areas of historical performance and voice are required to demonstrate proficiency in two of the three languages. Voice majors must satisfactorily complete an examination in the application of 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, students may take the doctoral qualifying examinations, consisting of written and oral examinations in music theory, music history, and the major field. One or both of the theory and history examinations may be taken in a given semester. Details on these examinations are available through the School of Music. Music Education majors have different requirements for qualifying examinations. Please consult the Music Education Department.

Once a student has passed one area, he or she need not retake that section even if required to retake another part of the examination. The student has three opportunities to pass in each area and proceeds to an oral examination in an area only after they have passed all written portions.

Requirements for examinations vary by concentration.

Final Projects

The student in the Dissertation Track is permitted to begin work on the dissertation only after satisfactory completion of the qualifying examinations. He or she may enroll 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.

At least two years of study beyond the master’s degree are needed to earn the doctoral degree. And all degree requirements must be completed within seven years of matriculation.

TOP OF PAGE

DMA in Performance/Historical Performance/Conducting

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the DMA 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

Collaborative pianists in the DMA program may choose to concentrate on either vocal or instrumental repertoire, or a combination of both. Audition repertoire choices should reflect the intended concentration. Therefore, applicants should select either repertoire choice a. or b. from each category. (Please note that all songs should be prepared in the HIGH key.)

1. a. Beethoven—sonata for cello or violin
   b. Schubert—Im Frühling and Rastlose Liebe

2. a. Brahms—sonata for cello, violin, or viola
   b. Strauss—Cäcilie and Glückesgenug

3. a. Franck—Violin Sonata
   b. Debussy—Trois Chansons de Bilitis

4. a. Shostakovich—Cello Sonata
   b. Argento—Six Elizabethan Songs (complete)

5. Solo piano—a piece or movement 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. Foreign language proficiency will be evaluated for those applicants choosing the vocal repertoire focus.

Orchestral Conducting

Each candidate must submit a preliminary video by December 1, 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

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

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

There are two tracks that may be followed by doctoral students in Performance, the Dissertation Track or the Performance Track.

Dissertation Track

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

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. Chamber music (compositions for three or more instruments) must comprise at least one-third of each recital program.

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 DMA 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.

Terminal Project: Independent Research Document Dissertation and Lecture-Recital

The student must write a substantial document demonstrating the ability to conduct independent research. This document should stress source materials, comparative editions, score analysis, and performance practice. The student must give a lecture-recital based on this document and use the medium of performance to illustrate it. The lecture-recital must be supervised and approved by assigned faculty readers. A copy of the lecture must be included as an appendix in the final copies of the document. Conducting students are not required to give a lecture-recital.

Recital Track

DMA candidates may pursue the recital track following successful completion of one semester of DMA-level coursework and applied lesson study, and upon approval by their major teacher and area head. Appropriate paperwork must be filed with the Applied Department Chair. In lieu of the dissertation as terminal project, each candidate in Performance and Historical Performance must present five public recitals: Solo Recital, Concerto Recital, Chamber Music Recital, Recital Prepared Without Guidance, and Lecture Recital. Detailed requirements for each recital vary by area, and applicable written and research components require faculty approvals.

TOP OF PAGE

Post-Baccalaureate DMA in Composition

Admission Requirements

Students who have completed the BA or BMus degree may apply directly to the DMA program. Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for the MM 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

DMA in Composition

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the DMA 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

DMA in Music Education

The DMA in Music Education is a professional degree for people committed to leadership in music education policy and practice in a variety of settings both in and outside of schools. The degree consists of three components: coursework, qualifying examinations, and dissertation. A new cohort of students is admitted each fall. Cohort members progress through coursework and weekly seminars together and attend research seminars each year. They also interact with all music education graduate students as part of a nationwide community of scholar/practitioners.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the DMA program in music education must possess a master’s degree in music or music education, at least one degree (bachelor or master) in music education, an excellent academic record from an accredited college or university, and professional experience to include the following:

• at least 3 years of successful teaching experience at the primary, secondary or college/university level, or similar experience teaching music in group settings (not strictly private lessons)

• leadership in music education through curriculum design, leadership positions in music educator associations, hosting honors ensembles, providing in-service workshops for teachers, publishing articles, etc.

Admission is based on a student’s professional profile. An audition is not required. In addition to the general DMA application requirements, applications must submit the following:

• Curriculum vitae

• An example of scholarly writing such as a published article or research paper used for master’s work

• Personal statement indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, including career objectives

• Three (3) current letters of reference from music education scholars/leaders addressing the applicant’s leadership abilities in music education and potential for success in doctoral studies

• Official test scores from either the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE—Code 3082) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT—Code 2592)

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 attend on-campus residencies and regional research seminars. For additional information, please consult Music Education Online.

Program of Study

Every student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 48 semester credits distributed as follows:

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 must submit a preliminary DVD or videotape (U.S. VHS 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.

Artist Diploma applicants in Voice should submit a preliminary CD or tape of not less than 30 minutes of music. The tape should 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 spend two years in residence and pursue private instruction in their performance field during every semester. Each student gives 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.

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 live. 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

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

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 academic training and career readiness. Enrollment is limited to 12 performers who have demonstrated superior professional operatic potential. Selection is by national live audition only.

Audition Requirements

To be considered for this program, all students must submit an application and preliminary CD or tape by January 1. Selected candidates are invited to audition live only after their completed application and preliminary CD or tape have been reviewed. Please check Admissions and Auditions for dates and scheduling information.

For CD, tape, and a 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 faculty and guest artists. Recent guests have included Wolfgang Brendel, Claude Corbeil, Matthew Epstein, Sherri Greenawald, Mark Oswald, Nicholas G. Russell, Deborah Voigt, Tobias Picker, William Bolcom, Joseph Colaneri, Esther Nelson, Stephen Crawford, Jay Lesenger, Stephen Lord, Larissa Gergieva, Marlena Malas, Colin Graham, James Marvel, Mark Oswald, Stephen Steiner, Rhoda Levine, David Gately, Francis Cullinan, and Janice Mancini del Sesto, 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, the InCite Festival in New York City, 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 in outreach programs.

TOP OF PAGE

Other Graduate Programs in Music at Boston University

The School of Theology offers the Master of Arts in Sacred Music (MSM). The Master of Sacred Music program at Boston University is at the forefront of professional training in sacred music. Students are prepared for leadership roles in communities of faith, and as performers, scholars, and teachers using the incomparable resources of the Boston University School of Music and School of Theology. Boston University houses the headquarters of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, the editorial office of Studia Liturgica (the journal of the international and ecumenical Societas Liturgica), the AGO organ library, and one of the finest hymnological collections in North America.

The Master of Sacred Music degree is offered jointly through the School of Music and the School of Theology. Since the MSM is essentially professional training for employment as a church musician, the program is offered with two concentrations: organ and choral conducting. The curriculum follows the pattern of the MM degree with an additional five courses taken at the School of Theology: a course each on theology, worship, Bible, history, and the sacred music practicum, a course that provides essential professional training for the church musician in areas such as hand bells, children’s choir, recruitment, and professional concerns. Details of the degree, audition requirements, and application processes can be found online through the School of Theology. The program director, Dr. Andrew Shenton (shenton@bu.edu), is pleased to hear from potential students at any time.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Department of Music offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts (MA) in Music with specializations in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, composition, or music education; and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in musicology, ethnomusicology, or double concentration in musicology and music theory.

The Department of Music maintains close contact with the School of Music in the College of Fine Arts. All of the faculty members of the Department of Music are also faculty members of the School of Music. Courses and seminars are taken by graduate music students of both Schools. This allows students pursuing graduate studies in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, music education, and composition to maintain close contact with the practice of music. Further information is available online through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

TOP OF PAGE

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

9 June 2009
Boston University
Questions
Credits