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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

School of Music

Graduate Study

Graduate Degrees at the UNL School of Music

Master of Music
Areas of emphasis include:

    * Performance
    * Conducting
    * Music Education
    * Piano Pedagogy
    * Composition
    * Music Theory
    * Music History
    * Woodwind Specialties

Admission Criteria:

•Undergraduate GPA = 3.00/4.00 scale
•Successful Audition or presentation of scholarly/creative materials.

*Specific information can be found at www.unl.edu/music/grad/MM_audition_info.shtml

Materials for Admissions Portfolio:

•A Completed UNL Graduate College Application form (and $45 application fee), available onl-line at www.unl.edu/gradstudies/ is required.

Two official copies of transcripts of all undergraduate work and all previous graduate work (including all studies for which credit was granted; e.g. summer institutes such as Aspen or Interlochen) is required.

Three letters of recommendation (use form available at www.unl.edu/gradstudies/prospective/recommendation.pdf) from persons who will provide a comprehensive assessment of the applicant's character, musical ability, and promise as a graduate student is required.





Doctor of Musical Arts
Areas of emphasis include:

    * Performance
    * Conducting
    * Composition

Admission Criteria:

  • MM GPA = 3.25/4.00 scale
  • Successful Audition or presentation of scholarly/creative materials.
  • Evidence of scholarly writing ability
  • Evidence of fit between the applicant's goals/interests and the School's ability to address those goals/interests

*Specific information can be found at www.unl.edu/music/grad/DMA_audition_info.shtml
Materials for Admissions Portfolio:

•A Completed UNL Graduate College Application form (and $45 application fee), available on-line at www.unl.edu/gradstudies/ is required.

Two official copies of transcripts of all undergraduate work and all previous graduate work (including all studies for which credit was granted; e.g. summer institutes such as Aspen or Interlochen) is required.

Four letters of recommendation (use form available at www.unl.edu/gradstudies/prospective/recommendation.pdf) from persons who will provide a comprehensive assessment of the applicant's character, musical ability, and promise as a graduate student is required.

•A Statement of Purpose (500-700 words; Times, 12-point font; Word, rtf or pdf format; double-spaced) should be written by the applicant describing his/her future goals and how the DMA can help attain those goals.

•A Written Exercise, a 500-700 word essay (Times, 12-point font; Word, rtf or pdf format; double-spaced) without consulting any outside references (human, electronic or in-print) via an e-mail to music2@unl.edu on the following question:

Select two compositions performed, conducted or originally composed from a recent Masters or DMA recital that represent different historical periods or contrasting styles/genres and:
a. Discuss the characteristics of style and form in each composition, and
b. Discuss each composer's contribution to THIS PARTICULAR GENRE OF MUSIC (i.e., discuss additional compositions, historical and/or theoretical significance of contribution, or compare/contrast your composition to well-known compositions of a similar genre or style.)

The essay must include this honor code statement at the beginning of the essay: "On my honor, I have not received any unauthorized aid on this essay." Students' essays will also be subjected to random plagiarism software checks. Any violations of the honor code statement or evidence of plagiarism will result in the student's application portfolio being withdrawn from further consideration.

•An interview will be conducted with each candidate by phone or in person.

 

NOTE: Send all admissions materials (other than Graduate College Application form) to UNL School of Music Admissions Coordinator; 108 Westbrook Music Bldg., University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Lincoln, NE 68588-0100 or music2@unl.edu.

Ph.D.
Areas of study include:
* emphasis in Music Education
Degree information and admission criteria for this degree
can be found at www.unl.edu/music/grad/phd_1welcome.shtml

ACADEMIC YEAR
GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS

Current Annual Benefit Package 
$21,861: Non-Resident Students
$13,263: Resident Students
(includes $7,957 stipend, health benefits and tuition for up to 24 credits)
Assistantships are available in these areas:

Accompanying Bands
Chamber Music Choral Music
Classroom Teaching Music History
Keyboard Skills Jazz
Music Education Orchestra
Opera Studio Teaching
Technology Music Theory

Applications submitted before February 15 will be given priority

Academic Year Assistantship Application Form
Academic Year Assistantship Description (pdf)

Please contact the School of Music for further information: Request more information

 

FELLOWSHIPS & OTHER FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The Hixson-Lied Fellowships in Music are awarded to graduate assistants in the School of Music who possess credentials of the highest quality. Students may hold these fellowships through the usual time period of completing their degree. Cash awards to Hixson-Lied Fellows are currently valued at $4500 per year in addition to the GTA stipend.

UNL Graduate Studies Endowed Fellowships (some of which are specifically for minority students) are available on a competitive basis.

Information about student loans may be found at the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, 16 Administration Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0411, (402)472-2030.