How to Apply

General Admission to the UT Graduate School and the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music

We’re thrilled you’re considering the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music for your graduate study! Because of the unique nature of our music programs, there are a few extra steps beyond applying to the University of Tennessee. 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.

Please visit our Natalie L. Haslam College of Music “How to Apply” page for the latest information on our application process.

Graduate Student Application Steps

Graduate Teaching Assistantship Application

Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) materials are submitted as part of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music graduate application. There is no separate application for assistantships.

Learn more about assistantships

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Portfolio Requirements

General Requirements

All graduate applicants must provide the following in their portfolio as part of the college application:

1. 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.)
2. Three letters of recommendation
3. Scholarly writing sample (typically, a scholarly paper written for an undergraduate course)
4. A 500-word personal statement about why you are interested in pursuing this degree path.

Conducting Portfolio Requirements

• 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

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Auditions & Interviews

All applicants to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music must complete an audition and/or interview as part of their application. For the Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting (Wind/Band), an in-person audition and interview is required after the application process and is by invitation only. Refer to our Auditions & Interviews page for more information.

Learn more about graduate auditions & interviews