Assistantships, Scholarships, & Competitions

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

The College of Music offers a number of graduate teaching assistantships each academic year.  See the list below for this year’s needs.

The appointment is subject to completion of the College of Music admissions requirements and the recommendation of the primary professor in the area or studio.

Assistantships carry a waiver of the university tuition, pays for mandatory university fees, medical coverage, and carries a monthly stipend.

Graduate Teaching Assistantship contracts begin on August 1 and GTA’s are expected to arrive in Knoxville prepared to assume their duties during the first week of August.  Additionally, all Graduate Teaching Assistants whose native language is not English must take the OPIc examination as an administrative requirement shortly after their arrival in August. GTA’s are also expected to be in Knoxville several days prior to the start of classes in January.

Application Process

Graduate Assistantship applicants must:

• Submit a Graduate Assistantship form.
• Submit a total of 3 letters of recommendation (instead of the normal 2 letters). See above for more information regarding the recommendation letters.
• Submit a statement that briefly describes your professional goals and how a graduate assistantship would support those goals.
• Submit a curriculum vita (CV).
• GA requirements specific to your area of study:
  • Theory/Composition: In order to be considered for a theory Graduate Teaching Assistantship, you must interview and complete a teaching audition. You will submit a teaching demonstration video with your application by the December 15 deadline. At the interview, you will be asked about your background, interests, teaching experiences, and future plans. We will also discuss your teaching from the video. Please teach a 10-minute lesson on melodic or dictation. For further information, click here.

Scholarships

The College of Music has limited scholarships specific to graduate study and all applicants will be considered for these scholarships

Students receiving scholarships must apply to have them renewed each year.  Students should complete the Scholarship Renewal Form by February 15 of each year.

Fellowships, Loans, Veterans Assistance

In addition to assistantships and scholarships, the Graduate School offers several fellowships for which graduate students in music may apply. Application forms are available here.

Applicants may also contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (865-974-3131) for information regarding other scholarships, employment, and loans. Veterans and widows or children of certain deceased or disabled veterans who have been admitted to a degree program may apply for benefits by contacting the Veterans Affairs Office.