• Completed graduate application form indicating your intended degree and your performing area.
• Official Transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university, with an average grade of B or higher in the last 60 semester hours of the undergraduate program. Transcripts must reflect an undergraduate degree in music. No decisions regarding admission can be made without official transcripts.
• Acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar enough with the applicant's work to be able to assess their potential for further graduate study. The recommendation form (PDF) is available from the Graduate School.

Application must also be made directly to the School of Music. The following requirements must be completed to be fully admitted into the graduate music program:

• Completed School of Music application form (Word)
• Completion of a bachelors degree in music or equivalent
• Live audition or interview (see “Audition Procedures” below)
• Successful passing of the Music Entrance Examinations

Inquiries concerning specific aspects of the music program should be directed to:

Mary Kay Bauer
Coordinator of Graduate Studies
School of Music
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Email: mkbauer@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828-227-3275,
FAX: 828-227-7162

Audition Dates

For the 2009-2010 academic year, the School of Music’s Audition Day is Saturday, February 21, 2009. Other dates may be arranged by contacting the School Office at 828-227-7242. You must audition by Saturday, March 15, 2009 in order to receive full consideration for admission and scholarships for fall semester 2009.

Graduate Audition Requirements

Brass and Woodwinds
Two to three contrasting pieces from the standard solo repertory representative of at least two style periods. Sight reading will be required at the audition.

Keyboard
Please contact Dr. Andrew Adams for more information at 828-227-3953.

Voice
At least five selections of contrasting material including French, German, Italian and English languages as well as baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary styles should be presented. Musical theatre selections are acceptable. Taped accompaniments are not acceptable. An accompanist will be provided at the time of the audition.

Music Technology (MIDI/Synthesis)
Acceptance criteria include demonstrated proficiency on a musical instrument, a portfolio, and an interview with faculty. The audition may be on an acoustic instrument or synthesizer, EWI, Malletkat, or other electronic music controller. The portfolio, a CD or DVD of representative material, must demonstrate creative experience in a variety of music technology skills including computer music notation, MIDI sequencing, synthesis, sound design, and digital audio recording, editing and mixing. An interview with program faculty is also a part of the process in which career goals are clearly articulated.

Percussion
Students should play an advanced level work in each of the following areas: marimba, timpani and multiple percussion. Specific repertoire should be approved by the percussion professor before auditioning. Sight reading will be required at the audition.

Education Majors (M.A.Ed. or M.A.T.)
All applicants for the M.A.Ed. or the M.A.T. must satisfy the admissions requirements for the College of Education and Applied Professions and interview with a committee of representative faculty from School of Music, the College of Education and Allied Professions, and the Music Graduate Program Coordinator. If further study on an instrument is desired, M.A.Ed. and M.A.T. students may audition for admission into an applied studio subject to available space. All students enrolled in the M.A.Ed. and the M.A.T. must have proof of piano proficiency prior to graduation.