School of Music Graduate Admissions

• Complete the application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.
• Submit the non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from music professionals/educators. These may be submitted online using supplied Letter of Recommendation Form within the application.
• Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma, or certificate to your electronic application.
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution.
• Personal statement uploaded in the application indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU.
• Current resume uploaded in the application.
• Collaborative piano applicants must upload their most recent repertoire list including categories of Vocal / Instrumental / Chamber / and Solo Piano.
• A prescreening video recording must be submitted through our online portal Acceptd by December 1 (required of all Cello, Collaborative Piano, Conducting, Double Bass, Flute, Piano, Trombone, Trumpet, Viola, Violin, and Voice applicants).
• Applicants who are not required to prescreen and plan to audition on campus must submit an Acceptd application by December 1.
• A live or final recorded audition following the audition repertoire guidelines for the appropriate instrument. Auditions must be scheduled or final recorded audition submitted through our online portal Acceptd.
• Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program. Please note that the School of Music does not offer exemptions to the English proficiency requirement based on prior study at an English-speaking institution.

• Complete the application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.
• Submit the non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from music professionals/educators. These may be submitted online using supplied Letter of Recommendation Form within the application.
• Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma, or certificate to your electronic application.
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate and masters degree granting institution(s).
• Personal statement uploaded in the application indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU.
• Current resume uploaded in the application.
• Collaborative piano applicants must upload their most recent repertoire list including categories of Vocal / Instrumental / Chamber / and Solo Piano.
• A prescreening video recording must be submitted through our online portal Acceptd by December 1 (required of all DMA applicants).
• A live or final recorded audition following the audition repertoire guidelines for the appropriate instrument. Auditions must be scheduled or final recorded audition submitted through our online portal Acceptd.
• Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program. Please note that the School of Music does not offer exemptions to the English proficiency requirement based on prior study at an English-speaking institution.

Prerequisites and Details:

• 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 (18 credits); and liberal arts courses distributed among the humanities and natural and social sciences (42 credits). Grades at or above a B- level are expected in all recent coursework completed prior to the application. Any deficiency must be made up without credit toward the fulfillment of the degree requirements.
• 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 for admission depend on the area of specialization the student wishes to pursue.
• 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. Any extension of time must be approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.

The Performance Diploma is a non-degree program for the specialized training of performers of orchestral instruments, piano, and voice who seek to continue their musical studies with emphasis on private instruction, musicianship skills, solo performance, and participation in chamber music and large ensembles.

Students are required to spend two years in residence to pursue private instruction (four semesters), participate in chamber music and large ensembles (four semesters each), and choose music electives relevant to their performance field. Performance Diploma students perform a minimum of two recitals, or the equivalent, while in residence. Applicants must submit:

• Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.
• Non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from music professionals/educators. These must be submitted online using supplied Letter of Recommendation Form.
• Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma, or certificate to your electronic application.
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution.
• Personal statement uploaded in the application indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU.
• Current resume uploaded in the application.
• A prescreening video recording must be submitted through our online portal Acceptd by December 1 (required of all Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Piano, Trombone, Trumpet, Viola, Violin, and Voice applicants).
• Applicants who are not required to prescreen and plan to audition on campus must submit an Acceptd application by December 1.
• A live or final recorded audition following the audition repertoire guidelines for the appropriate instrument. Auditions must be scheduled or final recorded audition submitted through our online portal Acceptd.
  
• Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program. Please note that the School of Music does not offer exemptions to the English proficiency requirement based on prior study at an English-speaking institution.

This program is not accepting applicants at this time.

The Artist Diploma is the most advanced non-degree performance program for the specialized training of the most highly accomplished performers (typically with significant performance and/or competition commitments, both nationally and internationally). The program focuses on the practical aspects of musical training: private instruction, musicianship skills, performance, and participation in ensembles.

All Artist Diploma students receive full-tuition scholarships to support their studies in the program. Applicants must submit:

• Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.
• Non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from music professionals/educators. These may be submitted online using supplied Letter of Recommendation Form.
• Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma, or certificate to your electronic application.
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution.
• Personal statement uploaded in the application indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU.
• Current resume uploaded in the application.
• Complete repertoire list uploaded in the application.
• A prescreening recording must be submitted through our online portal Acceptd by December 1. Selected applicants will be invited to audition in Boston, and those invited must bring their own accompanist to the audition.
• A live audition following the audition repertoire guidelines for the appropriate instrument. Please note that chamber music repertoire is not acceptable for Artist Diploma auditions, and that applicants who pass prescreening are required to perform with their own accompanist.
• Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program.

Please note that admission to the Opera Institute for the Fall 2026 application cycle has been suspended. Applications will reopen in September 2026 for Fall 2027 admission.

The BU Opera Institute is an intensive, highly selective two-year performance-based training program for emerging operatic artists. Each Institute member receives a full-tuition scholarship and graduates from Boston University College of Fine Arts with a Performance Diploma in Opera. Applicants must submit:

• Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.
• Non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma, or certificate to your electronic application.
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution.
• Personal statement uploaded in the application that describes how you will benefit from two years as a member of the BU Opera Institute.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from music professionals/educators. These should be submitted online using supplied Letter of Recommendation Form.
• Artistic resume uploaded with the prescreening video.
• A prescreening recording must be submitted through our online portal Acceptd. Selected applicants will be invited to a live audition.
• Those invited will require an audition following the audition repertoire guidelines.
• Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program. Please note that the School of Music does not offer exemptions to the English proficiency requirement based on prior study at an English-speaking institution.

• Complete the application for graduate admission to the BU College of Fine Arts.
• Submit the non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma, or certificate to your electronic application.
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from music professionals/educators submitted via online.
• Personal statement uploaded in the application indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, including career objectives.
• Current resume uploaded in the application.
• Submit a prescreening portfolio online by December 1.
• Applicants who pass the prescreening will be invited to interview with members of our Composition and Theory faculty.
• A performance audition is not required for admission to graduate programs in composition.
• Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program. Please note that the School of Music does not offer exemptions to the English proficiency requirement based on prior study at an English-speaking institution.

• Complete the application for graduate admission to the BU College of Fine Arts.
• Submit the non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma, or certificate to your electronic application.
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate and masters degree granting institution(s).
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from music professionals/educators submitted via online.
• Personal statement uploaded in the application indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, including career objectives.
• Current resume uploaded in the application.
• Submit a prescreening portfolio online by December 1.
• Applicants who pass the prescreening will be invited to interview with members of our Composition and Theory faculty.
• A performance audition is not required for admission to graduate programs in composition.
• Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program. Please note that the School of Music does not offer exemptions to the English proficiency requirement based on prior study at an English-speaking institution.

Prerequisites and Details:

• 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 (18 credits); and liberal arts courses distributed among the humanities and natural and social sciences (42 credits). Grades at or above a B- level are expected in all recent coursework completed prior to the application. Any deficiency must be made up without credit toward the fulfillment of the degree requirements.
• 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 for admission depend on the area of specialization the student wishes to pursue.
• 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. Any extension of time must be approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.

• Complete the application for graduate admission to the BU College of Fine Arts.
• Submit the non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma, or certificate to your electronic application.
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your degree granting institution(s).
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from music professionals/educators submitted via online.
• Personal statement uploaded in the application indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU.
• Current resume uploaded in the application.
• Complete list of works conducted in performance and study uploaded in the application (optional for Choral Conducting applicants).
• Submit a prescreening video recording through our online portal Acceptd by December 1.
• Applicants who pass the prescreening will be invited to audition for members of our Conducting faculty. 
  
• Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program. Please note that the School of Music does not offer exemptions to the English proficiency requirement based on prior study at an English-speaking institution.

MM in Music Education and Graduate Certificate in Pre-K-12 Music Teaching

• Complete the application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.
• Submit the non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Two (2) current letters of reference from immediate supervisors, music teachers, mentors, and/or undergraduate faculty addressing your leadership abilities in music education and potential for success in graduate studies.
• Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma, or certificate to your electronic application.
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution.
• Personal statement uploaded in the application indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU.
• Current resume uploaded in the application.
• Upload an example of scholarly writing, such as a research paper used for undergraduate work or a published article.
• No audition is required for admission. Enrolled students in Music Education who wish to take lessons in a faculty studio must audition when they arrive in September.
• Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program. Please note that the School of Music does not offer exemptions to the English proficiency requirement based on prior study at an English-speaking institution.

DMA in Music Education

Applicants must possess bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from accredited institutions as well as professional experience including:

• At least 3 years of music teaching experience at the primary, secondary, or university level.
• Leadership through such venues as curriculum design, mentoring new teachers, serving on executive boards of professional organizations, and publishing articles.

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.
• Non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Two (2) current recommendations from immediate supervisors, music teachers, mentors, and/or undergraduate or graduate faculty addressing your leadership abilities in music education and potential for success in a doctoral program.
• Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma, or certificate to your electronic application.
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate and masters degree granting institution(s).
• Curriculum vitae.
• Personal statement (1–2 pages) describing your purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU.
• A Statement of Research Interest answering the following questions: What experiences led you to your research ambitions? Why is there a need for further research in this area? How do you anticipate your research fitting in within the field of music education and beyond? Concisely state your past work in your intended field of study and in related fields. Briefly indicate your career objectives as it relates to your research area. The statement should be between 1,000-1,500 words and should include references to scholarly literature.
• Writing Sample: Please upload a scholarly paper you have authored, choosing one of the two following options:
  • A paper you wrote as a part of your previous master’s degree coursework.
    
  • A scholarly paper of approximately 1,000-1,500 words in which you discuss a research article that has influenced your thinking about music teaching and learning. Cite other scholarly literature to make arguments regarding the potential impact of this research upon the music education profession.
• Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program. Please note that the School of Music does not offer exemptions to the English proficiency requirement based on prior study at an English-speaking institution.

Competitive applicants will be invited to interview with at least two department faculty members. Although on-campus interviews are recommended, video conference interviews are possible.

Please note that applied lessons are not required as part of the DMA degree program in Music Education and no audition is required for admission. Enrolled students in Music Education who wish to take lessons in a faculty studio must audition when they arrive in September.

BU School of Music offers three online graduate degree programs in music education: Master of Music in Music Education, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Music Education, and Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education. Visit the SOM Online Admissions page for more information on these programs’ application requirements and deadlines. Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program.

• Complete the application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.
• Submit the non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from music professionals/educators. These should be submitted online using the supplied Letter of Recommendation Form.
• Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma, or certificate to your electronic application.
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution.
• Personal statement uploaded in the application indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU.
• Current resume uploaded in the application.
• Upload an analytical paper that was submitted as part of undergraduate degree work to your electronic application.
• Upload at least one example of tonal composition such as a fugue, short sonata movement, or other academic composition to your electronic application
• No audition is required.
• Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program. Please note that the School of Music does not offer exemptions to the English proficiency requirement based on prior study at an English-speaking institution.

• Complete the application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.
• Submit the non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from music professionals/educators, one of whom must teach music history submitted through the online application.
• Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma, or certificate to your electronic application.
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution.
• Personal statement uploaded in the application indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU.
• Current resume uploaded in the application.
• Upload an example of a term paper in music history from undergraduate work or a paper prepared on a musical topic.
• Optional: Submit GRE score (Boston University code: 3087).
• No audition is required.
• Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program. Please note that the School of Music does not offer exemptions to the English proficiency requirement based on prior study at an English-speaking institution.