Graduate Application Requirements
The application deadline is FEBRUARY 1st for admission in September. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Only complete applications will be considered.
Applications to the Performance and Literature program must have completed an undergraduate degree in Music performance or equivalent and display potential as performers. Applicants must present an audition of approximately 50 minutes, representing a variety of styles and periods. Where a live audition is not possible, only unedited video recordings of recent live performances where the performer can easily be identified may be submitted for consideration of regular status admission.
Applicants to the Music Education program will have completed an Undergraduate Music Education degree, or its equivalent. Normally, teaching experience and a teaching certificate are required. Exceptions may be considered on the strength of related professional experience.
Supporting Material (all applicants):
Statement of professional Goals: All applicants are asked to submit with this application form a brief statement (approximately 500 words) of professional goals, speaking specifically to the anticipated role of Masters study in attaining these goals.
Graduate Assistantship Dossier: A limited number of Graduate Assistantships are available to qualified applicants. To be considered for an assistantship, applicants must submit a dossier outlining particular areas of instructional experience and academic strength.
Letters of Reference: You will be asked to indicate three persons familiar with your academic and musical achievements who can speak to your potential for successful graduate study. Please request that references be sent directly to the Administrative Assistant, School of Music at music@brandonu.ca
Official Transcripts: Complete official transcripts must be sent by your former undergraduate institution(s) directly to:
Office of Admissions
Brandon University
270 – 18th Street
Brandon, Manitoba
R7A 6A9
Performance and Literature Applicants only:
Performance and Literature applicants are required to submit a thorough list of repertoire studied during the last three years, indicating which works have been performed in concert and recital. For Composition applicants, please prepare a repertoire list of your compositional projects to date, of any genre. In addition, please include a 300 to 500 word statement outlining musical works of any genre that have inspired them in their compositional practice. This may include reflection on works analyzed in undergraduate classes, and/or works of repertoire studied and performed if applicant was in a related discipline, such as music performance.
Recorded Audition: Performance and Literature applicants who are unable to arrange a live audition must submit a recent CD. MP3 files, or web audio/video link(s). These should be approximately 50 minutes in length and include a variety of repertoire. Admission decisions based on taped auditions are provisional until successful completion of an on-campus audition. Auditions or audition tapes for the Collaborative Piano program will demonstrate accompaniment abilities.
Composition Applicants only:
Portfolio: Composition applicants must submit a portfolio of at least three recent compositions, including a PDF score and recordings. A live recording is recommended where available, an MP3 mock-up from composition software is also accepted. Applicants wishing to specialize in electroacoustic or electronic composition must submit recordings, with project files as supplementary support if relevant.
Music Education Applicants only:
Recording of Applicant’s Teaching and/or Rehearsal Skills: Music education applicants are required to submit a video recording or web video link of approximately 30 minutes duration which demonstrates the applicant’s teaching and/or rehearsal skills.
International Applicants:
English Language Proficiency: Except those from exempted countries, International students whose mother tongue is not English will be required to submit evidence acceptable to the University or the School of Music. The Admissions Office will not accept English proficiency results more than two-years old.