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.
The priority deadline to complete the application process is December 1. Complete files will be reviewed in January. First-round decisions will be mailed beginning in February. Applications completed after January 15 will be considered on a rolling basis until the program is filled.
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. Current MSU Music Graduate students seeking to change/add a program are required to submit both applications and pay all appropriate application fees.
Applicants to the master’s program in wind conducting must submit a video of rehearsal and performance. The video should be no longer than 20 minutes in length. After submitting the College of Music Supplemental application, you will have access to the Digital Portfolio. Upload your media there. You must submit the Music Supplement first, and then upload. More information available HERE. Deadline is Dec 1.
Those invited to audition will be contacted by the conducting faculty. These auditions usually occur in February.
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
Include previous experience and musical training.
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.