PRESCREENING AND INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS
Undergraduate
Theory Pre-Screening: Theory applicants must submit a written paper with their application by the December 1st deadline. This paper is reviewed for the purpose of evaluating the applicant’s writing and research skills; a musical subject is preferred, but not strictly required. Save this research paper and upload it within the application on the “Other Documents” page. Applicants are encouraged to upload representative exercises in part-writing, counterpoint, musical analysis, and/or model composition within the application for review as well.
The above materials will be evaluated in the pre-screening process. Applicants who pass pre-screening review will be interviewed by the theory faculty. Interviews will be conducted on campus for applicants auditioning live, and over Zoom for those auditioning remotely.
Applicants for Theory must also follow the specific instrumental repertoire guidelines and instructions given in this section for their primary instrument. (Pianists: Note that there is a specific repertory listing for music theory majors.)
Graduate
MA and PhD: Pre-screening Requirement: Along with the required application materials. music theory applicants must submit two research papers, one or both of which are music analysis papers. Each paper should be about 15–25 pages; excerpts from longer works are acceptable.
MA and PhD interviews: Following submission and review of required papers and materials, a limited number of applicants will be invited to interview. MA Theory Pedagogy interviews will be conducted on campus for applicants who are scheduled for a performance audition (dual degree), and over Zoom during the month of February for all others. PhD Theory interviews will be conducted remotely and will be scheduled in later January. No performance audition is required.