For current students: Fall 2024 Ensembles Audition Information
A wide variety of performance opportunities await our students each year, with orchestras, bands, choirs and opera, jazz nonets and combos, small ensembles, and more.
A variety of programs and initiatives operate continuously or annually to enhance learning experiences and help students prepare for their future in music.
The MSU College of Music supports and challenges students, values innovation and creativity, and helps every community member achieve professional excellence.
All materials below must be received by Dec 1. Applicants will be notified by mid-December about whether they are invited to interview at MSU in early February.
When you create your account, you will be asked to select an application type. You will be creating two applications; a Graduate Application* and also the College of Music Supplemental Application. Both are due Dec 1.
* If you are applying for this degree and are currently enrolled in another degree in the College of Music, or are applying for one, DO NOT submit a Graduate Application for MM in Music Theory at this time. Instead, wait for the College of Music to notify you of a decision. Specific details about how to proceed with the Graduate Application will be provided at that time.
Submit at least two, but as many as three, scholarly essays that demonstrate clear and persuasive writing as well as analytical engagement with one or more piece(s) of music or topic(s) in music theory. It is not necessary for the essays to incorporate other published scholarship such as that from music theory journals and books, although that is certainly welcome. Overall, the writing should demonstrate an applicant’s analytical skill and thoughtfulness as well as the ability to express these thoughts clearly.
Prior to Dec 1, we allow applicants to upload unofficial copies of all their post-secondary transcripts and diplomas. Admitted students must submit official copies directly from their schools in order to matriculate. For transcripts from schools within the United States and Canada, we prefer electronic delivery from your school’s service, if available. If not, or for schools outside the U.S. or Canada, transcripts and diplomas must be mailed by the institution directly to the College of Music at the address below.
College of Music – Office of Admissions
Michigan State University
333 W Circle Dr, rm 149
East Lansing, MI 48824
To be considered for a fellowship or teaching assistantship, please provide a curriculum vitae that includes all relevant education and professional experience including:
In your personal statement please describe your educational and musical background, goals and objectives, and future career plans. Please feel free to include any information that you feel would be helpful to the College of Music in making our admission decision. Limit your statement to 300-500 words.
Request letters of recommendation from three individuals familiar with your abilities in this field. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Only the Graduate Application requests letters of recommendations. The College of Music Supplemental Application intentionally does not. The letters received on the Graduate Application will be copied to the College of Music Application automatically.
International applicants are required to submit a variety of things to complete their application. MSU Admissions has collected a comprehensive list of what is needed.