Master of Music Degrees & graduate certificates
Graduate: How to Apply
We’re thrilled you’re considering the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music to further your education. Because of the unique nature of our music programs, there are a few extra steps beyond applying to the University of Tennessee.
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music offers in-person Master of Music degrees, graduate certificates, and a fully online MM in Music Education for Practicing Educators degree. Use the menu below to find the path that matches you.
MM & Graduate Certificates
Key Dates
December 1*
Natalie L. Haslam College of Music Application Deadline
February 1
UT Graduate School Application Deadline (international applicants)
2 Weeks Prior**
UT Graduate School Deadline Application (domestic applicants)
Jan 23 & 30
Audition & Interview Days
Feb 6
Graduate Voice Audition & Interview Day
* If your program requires a pre-screening or if you would like to be considered for an assistantship, please submit your application by the priority deadline of December 1, 2026.
** Domestic applicants may apply up to two weeks prior to the beginning of the desired term of entry.
Graduate Admissions (Master of Music & Graduate Certificates)
To be considered for admission to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music as a graduate student, you must submit an application to the University of Tennessee Graduate School and the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. You can review key dates and deadlines below.
Please note, the fully-online MM in Music Education for Practicing Educators has a separate admissions process.
Step 1: Apply to the UT Graduate School
Visit the UT Graduate School website to begin your application. Once you begin your UT application and choose a music program for your intended degree of study, you will receive a link invitation in the UT Portal to begin your Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application.
Please note, your UT application does not need to be complete before starting your application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music.
UT Graduate School Application Requirements
- $60 application fee
- One official transcript from all colleges and universities attended. Transcripts must be official transcripts sent from school to school.
- If your native language is not English, the UT Graduate School accepts TOEFL iBT (including Computer Based, Home Edition, My Best and Paper Edition, IELTS (including IELTS Online and One Skill Retake) and the Duolingo English test. Minimum score requirements include:
- Minimum TOEFL score requirement: For exams taken prior to January 21, 2026, an
overall score of 80 with at least 20 on speaking and writing. For exams taken on or
after January 22, 2026: overall score of 4.5 with at least a 4 on speaking and writing. - Minimum IELTS score requirement: overall bandwidth of 6.5, with no single band
(score) below 6.0 - An overall score of 120 on the Duolingo English Test
- Minimum TOEFL score requirement: For exams taken prior to January 21, 2026, an
- An applicant may be exempted from the English Certification requirement if:
- English is an official language in the applicant’s country of citizenship, according to standards published by the Graduate School, or
- English is the primary language of instruction at the institution in which the applicant received an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree.
- International students must follow the Admission Guide for International Students.
- Please do not submit letters of recommendation to the Graduate School. Letters of recommendation will be collected through the College of Music’s application.
Step 2: Apply to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music
Applicants for admission to Master’s degree programs in music must have completed an undergraduate degree in music roughly equivalent to those conferred by the University of Tennessee. For all MM and graduate certificate programs, please submit your music-specific materials through our UT Music application by December 1.
Natalie L. Haslam College of Music Application
Some programs in the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music have additional portfolio requirements in addition to the standard college application. Program expectations can be found on our Portfolio Requirements page.
Explore the portfolio requirements by program
Step 3: Complete an audition and/or interview
All programs within the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music require an audition and/or interview. Audition repertoire and interview information can be found on our Auditions & Interviews page.
Audition Dates for Fall 2027 admission are:
- January 23
- January 30
- February 6 (Graduate Voice Only)
Application Deadline: December 1
Alternative audition options available upon request
Explore our audition & interview requirements
Acceptance & Scholarship Decisions
Admission to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music and scholarship decisions are contingent on both your UT Graduate School admission decision and your audition/interview results.
You will receive separate communications from the UT Graduate School and the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music on acceptance decisions. Scholarship and GTA information will be communicated by the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music.
Interested in applying to become a Graduate Teaching Assistant?
Learn more about the GTA application process
Online Master of Music in Music Education
Key Dates
Apply by Nov. 1
Spring Entry
Apply by March 1
Summer Entry
Apply by June 1
Fall Entry
Graduate Admissions (Online MM in Music Education for Practicing Educators)
The online Master of Music with a concentration in Music Education for Practicing Educators is designed for current music teachers who want to deepen their teaching practice without leaving the classroom. This program connects advanced coursework directly to your daily rehearsals and instruction, with content centered on practical rehearsal strategies, effective classroom management, refined conducting techniques, and powerful student engagement.
Because this degree is fully online, the application process differs slightly than our traditional MM programs. Please visit the UT Digital Learning site to learn more.