Portfolio Requirements within the College application
Some programs in the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music have their own set of unique portfolio requirements within the college application. Be sure to review your program’s expectations carefully to ensure your application is complete.
If you haven’t already, we also encourage you to visit our How to Apply page for an overview of the entire admissions process.
How To Use This Page
On this page, you’ll find both the general portfolio requirements for undergraduate and graduate student applications and the program-specific requirements for each area.
Start by reviewing the General Requirements section that corresponds to your degree level. Then, locate your intended academic area or instrument to see if any additional materials are required.
Before submitting any materials, please read the Portfolio Upload section at the bottom of the page to ensure your files meet our formatting and submission guidelines.
Undergraduate (First-year, Transfers)
Bachelor of Music (BM), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Applied Music Minor
General Requirements
All undergraduate applicants are required to record and upload an introductory video for our faculty. Include the following criteria in your video:
- Convey to us how you hope to contribute to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music community
- 2 minute maximum length
- Name & brief personal introduction
- Explanation of future goals & why you are interested in The University of Tennessee
- Express your interest in your selected program(s)
- Share about your musical background (consider interests, experiences, etc.)
Program-Specific Requirements
In addition to the introductory video, some programs require portfolio materials as part of the application. These requirements are organized by academic area or instrument in alphabetical order below, with detailed criteria by degree concentration listed within each tab. If your program does require additional portfolio materials, please review our Upload Instructions at the bottom of this page.
By Academic Area
Please note that if you plan on taking applied lessons in a studio, you should also review the application requirements for that studio under the “By Instrument” section.
Business, Advertising/Public Relations, Journalism
For the Music, BA concentrations in Music Business Administration, Music Advertising & PR, and Music Journalism & Media, you will be asked to upload an essay addressing the following questions as part of your application:
- Indicate your area of interest in the Music Business Industry (and or Communications).
- Describe how you may benefit from the curriculum/program(s) as you embark on your academic/professional journey.
- Describe how you may impact and inspire peers (and others) participating or collaborating in the program.
- Include your assessment of the current state of the field based on research, studies, case studies and or experience.
- Based on your assessment, describe your vision of how you may cause or contribute towards a positive change.
Music & Culture
Applicants to the Music & Culture concentration must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Two letters of recommendation
- Scholarly writing sample (optional)
- Resume/CV (optional)
Music Education
Applicants to the Music Education concentration must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- “Interview” Video:
- This is a separate recording from the Introductory video.
- Share why you want to be a music educator and why you want to pursue a music education degree at the University of Tennessee specifically.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Essay Question: What is your philosophy of music education? Please share your core beliefs.
Theory & Composition
Theory Track
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Composition Track
Applicants to the Theory & Composition concentration (Composition Track) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Two to three scores and recordings of your music that you feel most strongly about. If your submissions use standard notation, please include both a score and a recording (MIDI acceptable), otherwise a recording alone will suffice.
By Instrument
Music Performance, Applied Music, Studio Music & Jazz and Music Education concentrations should follow the portfolio requirements for their instrumental/vocal area. BA students wishing to take applied lessons should also review the requirements for their desired studio.
Bassoon
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Cello
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Clarinet
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Euphonium
Applicants to the Euphonium Studio (Performance, Music Education, or BA concentrations) must submit:
- Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a private instructor or ensemble director.
Flute
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Guitar (Jazz)
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Horn
Applicants to the Horn Studio (Performance, Music Education, or BA concentrations) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
Musical Video Recordings
- The exposition of Mozart Concerto No. 2, 3, 4 OR Franz Strauss’ Nocturno
- One etude by Gallay, Kling, Kopprasch or equivalent.
Submit video (not just audio) and this should all be recorded in a single, non-edited track.
Essay Questions
- Why do you plan to pursue a career in music?
- Share about your most influential musical experience. What about this experience was so memorable and why?
Letters of Recommendation
- Two required
- At least one from private instructor or ensemble director
Oboe
Applicants to the Oboe Studio (Performance, Music Education, or BA concentrations) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings: Your choice of material that best demonstrates your musical abilities. You may submit each piece separately, or as one unedited track.
- Letters of Recommendation (minimum of 2)
Organ
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Percussion (Classical)
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Percussion (Jazz)
Applicants to the Percussion Jazz Studio (Performance, Music Education, or BA concentrations) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings: Please include 2-3 short examples of you playing either in a group setting or along with a recording
Piano (Classical)
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Piano (Jazz)
Applicants to the Piano Jazz Studio (Performance, Music Education, or BA concentrations) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a private instructor or ensemble director.
Saxophone (Classical)
Applicants to the Saxophone Studio (Performance, Music Education, or BA concentrations) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings (optional): Your choice of material that best demonstrates your musical abilities. This is highly encouraged for performance majors.
- Letters of Recommendation: Minimum of two. One should be from a private teacher or ensemble director.
Saxophone (Jazz)
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
String Bass (Classical and Jazz)
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Trombone (Classical)
Applicants to the Trombone Studio (Performance, Music Education, or BA concentrations) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recording: Your choice of material that best demonstrates your musical abilities. The recording must be a single, unedited video at least 10 minutes in length.
Trombone (Jazz)
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Trumpet (Classical and Jazz)
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Tuba
Applicants to the Tuba Studio (Performance, Music Education, or BA concentrations) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Letters of Recommendation: Minimum of two letters, with one being from a large ensemble director or from a private instructor.
Viola
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Violin
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Voice
Applicants to the Voice Studio (Performance, Music Education only) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings
- Two memorized selections in contrasting languages preferred (Italian, French, German, Spanish or Latin).
- If you do not have prior vocal/musical training, two selections in English are permitted, although they should represent contrasting styles.
- Letters of Recommendation
- Two letters of recommendation representing two contrasting authorities familiar with your work/scholarship. One should include the applicant’s assessment by a current or previous voice instructor or high school ensemble director.
Graduate
Master of Music (MM) and Graduate Certificates
General Requirements
All graduate applicants must provide the following in their portfolio as part of the college application:
- Introductory Video: Record and upload an introductory video for our faculty. Include the following criteria in your video:
- Convey to us how you hope to contribute to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music community
- 2 minute maximum length
- Name & brief personal introduction
- Explanation of future goals & why you are interested in The University of Tennessee
- Express your interest in your selected program(s)
- Share about your musical background (consider interests, experiences, etc.)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Scholarly writing sample
- A 500-word personal statement about why you are interested in pursuing this degree path.
For applicants interested in applying for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA), these materials are submitted as part of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music graduate application. Please refer to our GTA page for more information.
By Academic Area
In addition to the materials referenced above, some MM or certificate programs require portfolio materials as part of the application. These requirements are organized by academic area or instrument in alphabetical order below, with detailed criteria by degree concentration listed within each tab.
If your program does require additional portfolio materials, please review our Upload Instructions at the bottom of this page.
Conducting
Applicants to the Choral or Instrumental Conducting MM concentration must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
Choral
- Two video recordings of conducting in both rehearsal and performance, 5-10 minutes each.
Orchestral
- Contact Professor James Fellenbaum, Director of Orchestras, to discuss prescreening requirements prior to completing your application.
- Up to two video recordings of conducting in rehearsal and/or performance (both if possible)
Wind/Band
- Contact Professor John Zastoupil, Director of UT Bands, to discuss prescreening requirements prior to completing your application.
- Up to two video recordings of conducting in rehearsal and/or performance
Musicology
Applicants to the Musicology MM concentration must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- CV
- GRE scores (optional)
Music Composition
Applicants to the Music Composition MM concentration must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
Scores and Recordings
- Include at least 3 but no more than 5 scores and recordings of your strongest works. MIDI renderings are acceptable. We recommend sharing a variety of music, but it is most important to share what you feel are your strongest works.
- If your music does not have a written score (e.g.; electronic, acousmatic music, folk music) please do not hesitate to include it. If your music is best represented by a score, but you do not deem a recording necessary (e.g.; graphic scores, chance music) please do not hesitate to include it. It is NOT recommended to submit a conventional work (broadly defined as e.g.; string quartet, orchestral work, art song) without at least a MIDI rendering.
Music Education
Applicants to the Music Education MM concentration must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Essay: What is your philosophy of music education? Please share your core beliefs.
Music Theory
Applicants to the Music Theory MM concentration must submit the following digital portfolio items in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Two examples of scholarly writing. At least one should focus on music.
By Instrument
Bassoon
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Cello
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Clarinet
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Collaborative Piano
To discuss potential prescreening or audition options, please contact Professor Kevin Class, Professor of Collaborative Piano, at [email protected].
Euphonium
Applicants to the Euphonium Studio (MM) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials.
- Pre-screening musical video recording due December 15, to include one solo and three military band audition excerpts.
Flute
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Guitar (Jazz)
Applicants to the Guitar Jazz Studio (MM) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings: Please include 2-3 short examples of you playing either in a group setting or along with a recording
Horn
Applicants to the Horn Studio (MM) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
Musical Video Recordings
- The exposition of Mozart Concerto No. 2, 3, 4 OR Franz Strauss’ Nocturno
- One etude by Gallay, Kling, Kopprasch or equivalent.
Submit video (not just audio) and this should all be recorded in a single, non-edited track.
Essay Questions
- Why do you plan to pursue a career in music?
- Share about your most influential musical experience. What about this experience was so memorable and why?
Oboe
Applicants to the Oboe Studio (MM) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings: Your choice of material that best demonstrates your musical abilities. You may submit each piece separately, or as one unedited track.
Organ
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Percussion (Classical)
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Percussion (Jazz)
Applicants to the Percussion Jazz Studio (MM) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings: Please include 2-3 short examples of you playing either in a group setting or along with a recording
Piano (Classical)
Applicants to the Piano Studio must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings: Three pieces in contrasting styles, one of which must be a movement from a Classical sonata.
Piano (Jazz)
Applicants to the Piano Jazz Studio (MM) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings: Please include 2-3 short examples of you playing either in a group setting or along with a recording
Saxophone (Classical)
Applicants to the Saxophone Studio (MM) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings: Two contrasting works or movements of your choice that represent your abilities. About 15 minutes of music is suggested, but there is no required length. If the work includes piano, your recording must include piano as well.
Saxophone (Jazz)
Applicants to the Saxophone Jazz Studio (MM) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings: Please include 2-3 short examples of you playing either in a group setting or along with a recording.
String Bass (Classical and Jazz)
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Trombone (Classical)
Applicants to the Trombone Studio (MM, Certificate) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recording: Your choice of material that best demonstrates your musical abilities. The recording must be a single, unedited video at least 10 minutes in length.
Trombone (Jazz)
Applicants to the Trombone Jazz Studio (MM) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings: Please include 2-3 short examples of you playing either in a group setting or along with a recording.
Trumpet (Classical)
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Trumpet (Jazz)
Applicants to the Trumpet Jazz Studio (MM) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings: Please include 2-3 short examples of you playing either in a group setting or along with a recording
Tuba (Classical)
Applicants to the Tuba Studio (MM, Certifcate) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Prescreening musical video recordings to include:
- One solo
- Three orchestra and/or military band audition excerpts.
- At least one of your recordings needs to be on C tuba, and at least one of your recordings needs to be on F or E-flat tuba.
Viola
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Violin
Standard application only. This area does not require any additional materials beyond the general application to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Be sure to follow the standard steps outlined on our How to Apply page.
Voice
Applicants to the Voice Studio (MM, Certificate) must submit the following in addition to the standard Natalie L. Haslam College of Music application materials:
- Musical Video Recordings
- Minimum of 3 video selections (2-3 languages, one must be in English, minimum of one aria, art songs can be used in addition to aria)
- Essay
- Letter addressing interest in UT, the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, and goals for their MM or Artist Certificate study.
Portfolio Upload Instructions
Depending on degree level and chosen academic area, there are portfolio materials required beyond the standard application. Below, you will find instructions for upload and file requirements for these materials.
Recording Uploads
- Upload your video recording(s) in MP4 format.
- Upload your audio recording(s) in MP3 format.
- Refer to your program and/or instrument guidelines for additional requirements.
Document Uploads
- Upload your document(s) in PDF format.
- Essay documents or scholarly writing samples should use 12pt text in Times New Roman, Aptos, Calibri, or Ariel font.
- When answering essay questions, please include the question within the body of your document followed by your response.
- Resumes, CVs, and cover letters do not need to follow the same formatting guidelines listed for essays or writing samples.
Letters of Recommendation
You will be prompted to provide the name and email address of those writing your letters of recommendation. Upon submission of this information, the individuals will receive an email prompting them to upload their letters for our review.