Prospective Graduate Students

Department of Music

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the University of Wyoming Music Graduate program to prepare advanced students for leadership in professional performing, academic, and/or creative careers in music. To this end, faculty will guide and mentor graduate students throughout their respective degree programs. The Department of Music Graduate Studies program will offer support to both students and mentors through monthly Graduate Seminar Series presentations, performance evaluations, and an active Graduate Committee.

Goals and continued commitments:

Offer a complete graduate curriculum that will increase the knowledge and skills of students in the areas of performance, music history, theory, composition, and music education
Attract a greater number of qualified graduate students
Provide teaching, performing, and assisting opportunities for graduate students to prepare them for professional careers
Extend a firm commitment to music education in Wyoming by offering a Summer Cohort Graduate Program (MME)
Offer sufficient financial support through Graduate Assistantships and scholarships that will attract excellent students
Nurture and challenge the students in the artistic and creative aspects of music and music teaching
Provide a quality learning environment (up-to-date technology, well appointed classrooms, excellent performing areas, quality music education teaching centers, and adequate studios, offices, practice rooms, and storage) that will enhance learning and creative activity of all students and faculty
Provide opportunities for leadership and participation in performing, teaching, and professional organizations
Position the UW Music Department as a state, regional, national, and international cultural and artistic leader in teacher preparation, research, and creative and performing activities
Develop and mode a commitment to life-long learning on the part of the students and faculty
Maintain and expand a faculty and staff that can challenge and motivate students, while providing a congenial atmosphere for learning
Serve the Music Department through capable graduate teaching assistants and talented leaders in our studios and ensembles

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Being a Graduate Student

Master of Music Education

Master of Music Performance

Performer's Certificate

LEARN MORE Course Requirements

Prospective Graduate Students

LEARN MORE Being a Graduate Student Master of Music Education Master of Music Performance Performer's Certificate Prospective Graduate Students

Apply to the University of Wyoming

Admission to the graduate program requires acceptance by both the University of Wyoming Graduate Admissions Office AND the Department of Music.

Due to a recent change in scholarship and assistantship allotment deadlines, the Department of Music requires that all applications are received by Friday, February 2, 2024.

Graduate admission is contingent upon meeting the following requirements (the GRE is not required):

A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution of higher learning
A Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher (A = 4.0) on all previous coursework
Three letters of recommendation sent by persons knowledgeable of the applicant’s qualifications for graduate study
A personal statement, which includes why you are applying and how you plan to apply your earned degree
Submission of original transcripts of all previous coursework

graduate handbook

Apply to the Department of Music

Please refer to the Graduate Handbook for more information on graduate admission requirements and procedures. Submit Music graduate application materials to the Department of Music (contact information below).

The MME degree program includes both academic year (application deadline, February 2, 2025) and summer cohorts (application deadline, May 15, 2025).

Please contact Dr. Erik Erlandson (Graduate Coordinator, eerlands@uwyo.edu) or Dr. Crystal Sieger (Music Education Coordinator, csieger@uwyo.edu) for additional information.

Master of Music Education Admission Requirements:

An earned Bachelor of Music Education degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, plus:

One year of teaching experience in music education
Video of classroom teaching and/or rehearsing
One to three page statement of teaching philosophy
Writing sample extracted from an extensive undergraduate research paper
Three letters of recommendation, including one from an immediate supervisor, on teaching effectiveness

Master of Music in Performance Admission Requirements:

An earned Bachelor of Music Performance degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, plus:

A live audition (preferred) or a CD, DVD, or website of your performances, demonstrating:
- Strong sense of musicality
- Technical proficiency
- Stylistically correct performance practices in at least 3 historical periods, where applicable
- Standard repertoire from your instrumental specialty or vocal area

Graduate Assistantship and Music Scholarships

Vocalist in vibrant red dress sitting while singing on stage

Graduate Assistantship Application

Graduate Assistantships are awarded based on:

Ability (current level of accomplishment and potential)
Major
Music Department and Ensemble needs
Academic success
Collegiality and academic integrity

Music education faculty assisting a graduate student in class

Graduate Education

More information on the University's Graduate Eductation programs.

Graduate student playing on a percussion instrument

Auditions and Scholarships

Find more information on the audition processes for incoming students and scholarships that are available.

International Students

Check out this video for more information on why you should study music at the University of Wyoming!

Requirements for admission can be found on the Office of Admissions website below:

Admissions website

Department of Music TOEFL/IELTS/OPIc Requirements

Master's Degree

International students must pass the TOEFL iBT exam with a minimum score of 76, for admission consideration.

International students opting to take the IELTS exam must pass with a minimum score of 6.5, for admission consideration.

International students who are awarded a Graduate Teaching Assistantship in Music must also take and pass the OPIc, an online oral proficiency exam, regardless of TOEFL or IELTS score. The OPIc should be taken prior to accepting the assistantship offer.