DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR FALL ADMISSION - FEBRUARY 1
How to apply
Potential students must first complete the USC Graduate School application. Additional required materials can be submitted at that time or can continue to be sent in. An audition is part of the application process and application materials should be submitted before the audition date. See graduate audition page for details on pre-screening requirements and registering for a live audition.
Although the Graduate School application remains open year round, an audition is not guaranteed past the last scheduled live audition date listed. Priority consideration for Fall and Summer admission and financial awards is given to those applying by February 1.
Please allow sufficient time for transcripts, exam scores and letters of recommendation to be prepared by the originator and sent to the Graduate School for processing.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in music or music education (or the equivalent) to meet minimum admission requirements for the certificate program or for a master’s degree. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in music or music education (or the equivalent) to meet minimum admission requirements for a doctoral degree. Additional prerequisites may be listed under Degree Programs.
| Semester of Initial Enrollment | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall (late August) | February 1 |
| Spring (January) | November 1 (September 1 for international students) December audition required |
| Summer (June/July) | April 15 (March 1 for international students) |
**Applications beyond posted deadlines require major area approval before submission**
The following application materials are required:
1. Graduate School application form and fee. You may apply here.
2. Unofficial copies of transcripts can be uploaded with the application for admission consideration. However, official transcripts from ALL previous colleges and/or universities will be required prior to enrollment. If a degree is in progress during the time of application, the official transcript must show that degree awarded. This also includes schools from which you have transferred coursework that appear on another transcript. A separate transcript is required from each. Official, original transcripts should be sent directly from your school(s) to the USC Graduate School (1705 College Street, Suite 552, Columbia, SC 29208). Transcripts can also be sent electronically if your previous schools use a transcript clearing house to gradapp@mailbox.sc.edu Copies of transcripts sent by the applicant (by mail or email) are not considered official.
3. Three letters of recommendation (one of the recommendations should be completed by the applicant’s most recent major professor and/or employer).
4. If born after 1956, proof of immunization against measles (Rubeola) and German measles (Rubella); this may be provided any time before initial enrollment. Go to the immunization form.
5. Applicants to the following degrees must submit an acceptable score on either the general (V/Q/A) portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) (see chart below):
- Master of Music (MM) degree with concentration in music theory
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in music education
Applicants to the remaining Masters and Doctoral degrees in Music are not required to submit GRE or MAT scores.
International applicants who have not completed an undergraduate or master's degree at an English-speaking institution must also provide evidence of English language skills, based on the chart below.
Applicants whose scores do not meet the minimum standard will be evaluated on an individual basis. Exceptional abilities in the major area and past academic success and professional prowess must be demonstrated.
| Degree Program | TOEFL (paper/Internet) | MAT | GRE (Verbal) old/new | Cambridge IELTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 520/68 | 5.5 | ||
| MM with concentration in music theory | 570/80 | 390 | 340/142 | 6.5 |
| MM in Composition, Conducting, Jazz, Music History, Opera TheaterPerformance, Piano Pedagogy (recital and thesis), Violin/Viola Pedagogy | 570/80 | 6.5 | ||
| MME | 570/80 | 6.5 | ||
| MAT | 570/80 | 390 | 340/142 | 6.25 |
| DMA in Composition | 600/100 | 7.0 | ||
| DMA in Conducting, Performance | 600/100 | 7.0 | ||
| DMA in Piano Pedagogy | 600/100 | 7.0 | ||
| Ph.D. in Music Education | 600/100 | 399 | 380/145 | 7.0 |
6. International students must provide a VISA Information Form and must also complete a VISA processing and Financial Certification Form . A registration fee is charged by the Office of International Students every semester. Visit Global Carolina to review important immigration information.
7. The Graduate Music Diagnostic Examination is to be taken after admission is granted and before enrollment.
8. Provide a typed summary (résumé or c.v.) of educational and professional experience, with dates and names of teachers and employers.
9. For doctoral applicants, upload the doctoral residency form with your Graduate School application.
10. See audition information and register for an audition. You must submit application materials to the USC Graduate School BEFORE your audition.
The following are requirements according to program:
Certificate of Graduate Study in Music Performance
a. Typed repertory list (with works publicly performed clearly identified) and copies
of recital programs
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, an applicant may submit
an audition recording for provisional admittance; the applicant will need to complete
an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration...see the audition information for how to submit a recording); voice majors must also demonstrate diction proficiency
in English, French, German, and Italian as well as document the successful completion
of two years of college-level study in one of the three foreign languages.
Master of Arts in Teaching
a. An on-campus interview, which is scheduled after all admission materials have
been received by the Graduate School and the School of Music. Contact the School of
Music graduate studies program coordinator to confirm that all application materials
are on file prior to contacting the music education coordinator to schedule an on-campus
interview.
b. Submission of a 5-10 minute video-recorded audition on primary instrument or voice.
The recording must have been made within the last five years, and the repertoire included
should be identified.
c. One college-level term paper with title page and references
Master of Music, concentration in Composition
a. Two or three compositions that display an understanding of different media; if
possible, include complete recordings (MIDI realizations discouraged). Applicants
may submit their compositions and recordings as 1) printed scores, and CDs / DVDs,
mailed directly to Ms. Traci Hair, Graduate Program Coordinator, University of South
Carolina School of Music, 813 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208; or 2) emailed as
links (Dropbox, YouTube, SoundCloud, etc.) or as PDF and mp3 files in care of Traci
Hair at thair@mozart.sc.edu. Please do not email .zip files or combined attachments
greater than 10MB. Links to Dropbox (or similar) are preferred over emailing separate
PDF/mp3 files.
b. Complete list of compositions that includes the following information: date of
composition, duration, instrumentation, and list of all performances (printed or PDF)
c. A writing sample in the form of a term paper or published article (printed or
PDF)
d. A brief (1-2 page) essay outlining goals, ambitions, and interests as a composer
as well as goals for graduate study at USC (printed or PDF)
e. Applicants who do not have a bachelor's degree in music must take the Music Diagnostic
Examination before the application can be considered
f. While a campus visit is encouraged, an on-campus audition is not required for applicants
to the Master of Music in Composition.
Master of Music, concentration in Conducting
a. Typed repertory list of works publicly conducted
b. Video: All applicants must submit an audition video of at least 20 minutes which,
if possible, includes conducting in both rehearsal and performance. If possible, the
camera should be placed at the back of the ensemble with the focus on the front of
the conductor. Include the date(s) and name of the performing ensemble(s). Due Dec.
15.
c. Interview and audition by invitation
d. Keyboard skills for applicants in choral conducting
Master of Music, concentration in Jazz Studies
a. Typed list of jazz performances
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, an applicant may submit
an audition recording for provisional admittance; the applicant will need to complete
an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration)
c. For jazz composition, several compositions that display an understanding of different
jazz idioms (if possible, include recordings)
d. Keyboard skills
Master of Music, concentration in Music History
a. Submission of at least two college-level term papers in music
b. Results of the Graduate Music Diagnostic Examination
c. Keyboard skills
Master of Music, concentration in Music Theory
a. Submission of at least two college-level term papers in music.
Master of Music, concentration in Opera Theater
a. For opera performance: application and admission into the Master of Music degree
in voice performance before being considered for the MM in Opera Theater (see items
'a' and 'b' under 'Master of Music in Performance'); note: The three required letters of recommendation should address qualifications for admission
to both the voice-performance and opera-theater programs
b. For opera stage directing: audition before the voice faculty (see items 'a' and
'b' under 'Master of Music in Performance')
c. A typed summary of previous musical/theatrical study and experience as well as
previous professional performing experience
d. On-campus audition:
1) For singers, a minimum of 5 selections in English, French, German, and Italian
These should include 2 arias and 1 art song. At least 3 of the following musical periods
should be represented: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 1900-1950, post 1950. Singers
applying to the opera performance track must schedule an interview with the Director
of Opera Studies to be held on the day of the audition.
2) For stage directors, an analytical presentation of an opera for production that
includes information on the composer and librettist, with period and historical references,
character analysis, set and costume concepts, and comments on the musical style. Stage
directors must schedule a 60-minute interview with the Director of Opera Studies to
be held on the day of the audition.
Master of Music in Performance
a. Typed repertory list (with works publicly performed clearly identified) and copies
of recital programs
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, an applicant may submit an
audition recording for provisional admittance; the applicant will need to complete an
on-campus audition, however, before initial registration); voice majors must also demonstrate
diction proficiency in English, French, German, and Italian as well as document one
year of college-level study in each of two languages, French, German, or Italian,
with a grade of B or above. Applicants who have studied languages other than those
listed may petition the voice faculty to accept a substitute. If the language requirement
is not met at the time of the audition, it must be met before the end of the third
semester of study.
Master of Music in Performance, concentration in Community Engagement
In addition to the MM Performance requirements, applicants should provide a Statement of Purpose specific to the Community Engagement emphasis and schedule an interview with Dr. Claire Bryant.
Master of Music, concentration in Piano Pedagogy
a. Typed repertory list (with works publicly performed clearly identified) and copies
of recital programs
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, an applicant may submit
an audition recording for provisional admittance; the applicant will need to complete
an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration)
c. Thesis track: submission of at least two college-level term papers in music or
music education
Master of Music in Violin/Viola Pedagogy
a. Typed repertory list (with works publicly performed clearly identified) and copies
of recital programs
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, an applicant may submit
an audition recording for provisional admittance; the applicant will need to complete
an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration)
Master of Music Education
a. Documentation of appropriate education and teacher certification
b. On-campus interview, to be scheduled after all supporting materials are on file
c. Submission of one college-level term paper with title page and references regarding
some aspect of music or music education. Thesis track applicants should submit two
college-level term papers with title page and references regarding some aspect of
music or music education.
d. Recital track: submission of a typed repertory list (with works publicly performed
clearly identified) and copies of recital programs; vocalists must demonstrate diction
proficiency in French, German, and Italian before acceptance into the recital track
e. 15-minute video of prospective student teaching elementary, middle school, or
high school music class or ensemble.
Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition
a. Three or four compositions that display an understanding of different media; if
possible, include complete recordings (MIDI realizations discouraged). Applicants
may submit their compositions and recordings as 1) printed scores, and CDs / DVDs,
mailed directly to Ms. Traci Hair, Graduate Program Coordinator, University of South
Carolina School of Music, 813 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208; or 2) emailed as
links (Dropbox, YouTube, SoundCloud, etc.) or as PDF and mp3 files in care of Traci
Hair at thair@mozart.sc.edu. Please do not email .zip files or combined attachments
greater than 10MB. Links to Dropbox (or similar) are preferred over emailing separate
PDF/mp3 files.
b. Complete list of compositions that includes the following information: date of
composition, duration, instrumentation, and list of all performances (printed or PDF)
c. A sample of writing in the form of a published article or term paper (printed or
PDF). The writing submission must exhibit content, style, and research attributes
consistent with and indicative of potential to fulfill the writing and research requirements
of doctoral-level study. This includes proper use of footnotes, citations, and a bibliography.
Note that annotated bibliographies, personal opinion essays, and program notes are
not acceptable.
d. The required Doctoral Statement should include your goals, ambitions, and interests
as a composer as well as what you hope to accomplish while at USC (printed or PDF)
e. While a campus visit is encouraged, an on-campus audition is not required for applicants
to the Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition.
Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting
a. Typed repertory list of works publicly conducted
b. Video: All applicants must submit an audition video of at least 20 minutes which,
if possible, includes conducting in both rehearsal and performance. If possible, the
camera should be placed at the back of the ensemble with the focus on the front of
the conductor. Include the date(s) and name of the performing ensemble(s). Due Dec.
15.
c. Audition and interview by invitation. Applicants in choral conducting must also
demonstrate diction proficiencies detailed under degree prerequisites
d. Evidence of at least two years of successful teaching or professional experience
(applicants of exceptional ability who do not have prerequisite experience may be
admitted on the condition that such experience be completed before the final degree
recital is presented)
e. Submission of at least two graduate-level term papers
Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance
a. Typed repertory list (with works publicly performed clearly identified) and copies
of recital programs
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, a student may submit
an audition recording for provisional admittance; the student will need to complete
an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration)
c. Submission of at least two graduate-level term papers. Students who have completed
a substantive thesis in a master's degree may submit the thesis in lieu of the two
papers. The writing submissions must exhibit content, style, and research attributes
consistent with and indicative of potential to fulfill the writing and research requirements
of doctoral-level study. This includes proper use of footnotes, citations, and a bibliography.
Note that annotated bibliographies, personal opinion essays, and program notes are
not acceptable.
d. DMA voice applicants must submit pre-screening audition videos to be considered
for in-person auditions.
For voice majors, demonstration of diction proficiency in English, French, German,
and Italian and documentation of one year of college-level study in each of three
languages, French, German, and Italian with a grade of B or above. Applicants who
have studied languages other than those listed may petition the voice faculty to accept
a substitute. If the language requirement is not met at the time of the audition,
it must be met before the end of the third semester of study. (see under degree prerequisites)
Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogy
a. Typed repertory list (with works publicly performed clearly identified) and copies
of recital programs
b. On-campus audition (if distance to the campus is a factor, a student may submit
an audition recording for provisional admittance; the student will need to complete
an on-campus audition, however, before initial registration)
c. Evidence of at least two years of successful teaching or professional experience
(applicants of exceptional ability who do not have prerequisite experience may be
admitted on the condition that such experience be completed before the Oral Dissertation
Examination)
d. Recital/Treatise track: submission of at least two graduate-level term papers.
Students who have completed a substantive thesis in a master's degree may submit the
thesis in lieu of the two papers. The writing submissions must exhibit content, style,
and research attributes consistent with and indicative of potential to fulfill the
writing and research requirements of doctoral- level study. This includes proper use
of footnotes, citations, and a bibliography. Note that annotated bibliographies, personal
opinion essays, and program notes are not acceptable.
e. Dissertation track: submission of a master's thesis or equivalent demonstration
of the ability to undertake and complete significant, original scholarly work
Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education
a. Documentation of appropriate education, certification and teaching experience.
(Minimum of three years and expectation of five years successful teaching experience).
b. On-campus interview, to be scheduled after submission of all supporting materials.
c. Master's thesis or two college-level term papers with title page and references
d. 30-minute video of prospective student teaching elementary, middle school, or
high school music class or ensemble.