Music Theory & Composition – Graduate Teaching Assistantships
The Music Theory area of the University of Tennessee College of Music offers three graduate assistantships. We strive to give one assistantship to a student in the M.M. Music Theory program, one to a student in the M.M. Composition program, and the third to a student in either program.
Duties
First year music theory GTAs teach ear training courses. Second year GTAs may also teach Music Theory 100: Fundamentals of Music or another written theory class depending on area needs. Composition GTAs may do the above or teach composition lessons or classes.
Application
- Apply to the College of Music Graduate program. Send the following required documents to the College of Music. These materials can be uploaded to the Graduate School admissions site.
- Application to the College of Music (electronic application)
- Scholarly writing samples: All applicants must submit a scholarly writing sample considered to be representative of their writing skill on a music research topic.
- A one-page typed personal statement of education and career goals. Please include information on how this graduate teaching assistantship would support your career goals.
- Recommendation Form: At least one letter must be from a professor in the academic area.
- Complete the Application for Graduate Assistantship form.
- Send a curriculum vita (CV).
- Composition majors: send at least two (preferably three) compositions with recordings (midi files are acceptable). Include pieces that show your ability to write for diverse instrumentations.
- Set up an interview (for GTA).
At your interview, you will:- Interview: We will ask you some questions about your background, your interest in teaching aural skills, your experience as well as your interest in our program and your area of research/composition.
- Discuss a mock teaching demonstration: We will discuss your already submitted (deadline December 15) approximately 10-minute teaching demonstration video on melodic dictation for a beginning aural skills class. You can choose a melodic dictation example. Do not feel that you have to finish the whole example. If you can get a friend or two to sit in as mock students in the video this might help but it is not required. We encourage you to include some singing in the teaching. Use any technology and techniques you like; we appreciate any creative teaching ideas with technology.
- Apply to the UT Graduate School by submitting the following materials directly to the University of Tennessee Graduate School Admissions Office:
- Graduate Application for AdmissionApplication fee (see UT Graduate School Admissions website for amount)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, send official scores from Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Decision
Decisions regarding assistantships will be made and offers will be sent by April 1.
Notes
You will also be required take the Theory and Musicology diagnostic tests before classes start for placement in those areas.
FAQs
What does the GTA cover?
If you are a GTA, you will receive a waiver for tuition and mandatory university fees, health insurance, and a stipend (your monthly pay).
What will I owe?
You will owe the cost of any applied lesson fees.
When do I have to pay the fees?
The University will let you know when payment is due. You can always check dues dates on MyUTK. You can pay online at One-Stop.
What is the stipend?
Theory GTAs are 50% appointments with a stipend of up to $19,401 paid in 12 monthly installments starting in August and ending next July.
How many hours should I take per semester?
Full time for GTAs is 6 hours but most students will take 9 hours (full time for graduate students) each semester.
When do I register?
You will register after you take your diagnostic exams. These exams are the Monday before school starts. You will receive the results and register for classes on Tuesday. Classes start on Wednesday. You should see your advisor for help with registering.
Who is my advisor?
For the first semester, you should see Dr. Murphy for advising.
After that, your advisor will be one of the theory/comp faculty. Your advisor is usually dependent on your major and who you want as head of your graduate committee. You get to choose your advisor!
When will I receive my teaching assignment for Fall?
Your teaching assignment is based on your class schedule so will be made Tuesday. You ear training classes will not meet until Thursday so you have a little time to prepare! You will have a meeting with Professor Murphy and/or Professor Sigler before school starts to talk about your teaching.
How do I prepare to teach?
Example syllabi for the following classes will be provided for you:
- MUTH 130: Ear Training I
- MUTH 140: Ear Training II
- MUTH 230: Advanced Ear Training III
- MUTH 240: Advanced Ear Training I
You may alter these a bit. Please do not change the grading scheme!
We use the Ottman’s Music for Sight Singing text. We will provide a copy of the text for you.
For the dictation portion of the class, we are now using a program called Auralia. They will send you information about downloading a copy to your own computer.
How do I get access to the lab?
As a GTA we can get you keys to the rooms you need.
When do I need to be on campus and for what?
You need to be available August 1. Professor Batey will contact you about the meetings before school starts. Look for her email and take notes.
Professor Murphy and Professor Sigler will also set up a meeting before school starts. Please let them know when you will arrive in Knoxville.
What about technology at UT?
Visit OIT’s Are You New website for more information. This site gives students a step-by-step guide to technology at UT.
What if I have more questions?
You may ask:
- Professor Murphy (bmurphy@utk.edu; 239 HMC)
- Professor Sigler (asigler@utk.edu; 104 HMC)
You can also ask the head GTA questions. If we do not know the answer, we will find out!
You can also ask the office staff questions!