Applying

Application requirements for the Interdisciplinary Master of Arts in World Music with Theology and Intercultural Studies are different from the following list. Please click here for this degree's application checklist.

The application process to the School of Music for the MA and MM 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)
Graduate Music Auditions Registration Form
COMPOSERS must send a portfolio of original compositions including scores and and an audio or video recording of the work
INSTRUMENTAL AND CHORAL CONDUCTING APPLICANTS must send a video recording
INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING APPLICANTS must submit a sample of score analysis (at least 2 pages of score) including applicable rehearsal plans/techniques.
Applicants who do not have a music degree should send a video recording of themselves in performance

Please read the Community Covenant 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.

The graduate assistantship is not available to students enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Master of Arts in World Music with Theology and Intercultural Studies.

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

Deadlines

For the Master of Music in Choral Conducting and the Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting, applications are due one month prior to the audition date, as are tapes.

For the Interdisciplinary Master of Arts inWorld Music with Theology and Intercultural Studies, applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Click here for this year's course delivery dates. Because courses are offered only in special May/June sessions each year, prospective students are strongly advised to submit their applications by December 1st for best consideration. Students are also advised to contact the program director, Dr. Mark Hijleh (585.567.9424) to discuss their background and interests prior to applying.

For all other degrees, applications and supporting materials 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 for the MA and MM is available to download (PDF, 692KB) or you may complete it online. To download the application for the Interdisciplinary Master of Arts in World Music with Theology and Intercultural Studies, click here .

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