Applying

The application process to the School of Music includes the following materials, which should be on file in the Greatbatch School office prior to the required audition. Applications received by October 15 are exempt from the $40 application fee.

completed Graduate Application for Admission
application fee ($40), unless received by Oct. 15.
Repertoire list (see application for guidelines)
Scores for accompanist for audition
Request for accompanist for audition (on auditions registration form)
official undergraduate transcript(s)
official graduate transcript(s) if applicable
three letters of reference
personal statement
graded sample of undergraduate upper-level academic writing in music (preferably a graded history or analysis paper)
DVD/VHS tape (for conducting and composition applicants)
portfolio of original compositions (composition applicants)
DVD/VHS tape for applicants who do not have a music degree

Please read the Statement of Community Responsibilities for Graduate Students before signing the graduate application.

In addition, for those seeking a graduate assistantship the following should be on file:

completed Graduate Award Application
three letters of reference (may be same letters for admission or may be letters oriented towards work or internship experience useful in a graduate assistantship)
résumé of education and all relevant experience
For accompanists: Repertoire list of vocal and instrumental pieces accompanied. Indicate whether performed in concert or lessons/classes.

All materials should be sent to: The Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton College, One Willard Avenue, Houghton, New York 14744.

Deadlines

For the Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting, students who complete their applications by December 1 will be assured priority consideration, though applications may be accepted later as space permits. Tapes are also due December 1.

For the Master of Music in Choral Conducting, applications are due January 10.

For all other degrees, applications must be on file in the Greatbatch School office two weeks prior to the scheduled audition date.

International Student Applications

Citizens of countries other than the United States and Canada have different application requirements. These students must complete the Financial Declaration and Financial Affidavit and be approved by the Graduate Committee before being invited to submit an application to the graduate program.

Students from non-English speaking countries must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A paper-based TOEFL score of 600 or computer-based score of 250 is required for admission to the graduate program. Houghton’s TOEFL code is 2299. Information on the TOEFL is available on the web at www.ets.org/toefl/.

Click here to download the required Financial Declaration & Affidavit Form (PDF, 94KB).

Application Forms

The application is available to download (PDF, 152KB) or to complete online.

* PDF forms require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to display and print.