Admission and Audition Requirements

Entrance requirements

Music Department Standards

The entering graduate student in music must meet all requirements for admission to graduate studies.

Conducting Concentration

To be admitted to the conducting program, students must satisfactorily meet the following conditions:

1. intensive interview with the faculty member from the conducting area with whom they will study;
2. submission of DVD or videotapes of ensemble conducting performances OR visitation of Missouri State University faculty to concert or classroom situations, OR observation of live performance by Missouri State faculty;

Music Education Concentration

To be admitted to the music education program, students must satisfactorily meet the following conditions:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited music program with a completed major equivalent to certification by a state agency to teach music (K-12);
2. Interview with a faculty member in the music education area;
3. A letter of intent containing teaching and professional goals, future plans, and background information;
4. Two letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the candidate's academic abilities and teaching potential.

Music Pedagogy Concentration

Applicants must be prepared to perform a live audition consisting of at least three pieces of contrasting styles. Piano auditions must be memorized.

Music Composition Concentration

To be admitted to the composition program, students must submit at least three compositions to the composition faculty for their approval.

Performance Concentration

Applicants must be prepared to perform a live audition consisting of at least three pieces of contrasting styles. Piano auditions must be memorized. Vocal auditions should include five memorized selections in contrasting styles including pieces in French, German, and Italian.