This is the most important page for successful completion of your application to the Shepherd School of Music. For this reason, we ask that you refer to this page to be sure you have completed every applicable step. Final admissions decisions will be released by April 1.
Two Critical Requirements:
- All application attachments must be in .pdf format.
- The application will close at the end of December 1 at 11:59 pm (EST).
Application Checklist
Application and Fees
Due December 1
Submit with all supplemental materials and non-refundable application fee of $85.
Statement of Purpose
Due: December 1
Students in the Artist Diploma (AD) are immersed in a program uniquely tailored to their goals and aspirations as articulated in their Statement of Purpose.
The Statement of Purpose is an integral and extremely important part of their initial application materials. The Statement will assist the faculty in determining whether or not the Artist Diploma program is appropriate to the goals and aspirations of a given applicant.
In crafting your Statement, please describe in great detail what you expect to accomplish in the program and your long-term professional goals. Typically, the AD program for students in the instrumental track blends experiences in solo, chamber and orchestral performance and conforms to the highest professional standards. Students in the opera track focus primarily on preparations for entering the profession as is also the case for students pursuing a track in conducting. Understanding these different emphases within the AD program should assist you in developing your Statement of Purpose. The Statement should be three pages, double-spaced, at a minimum.
Three Letters of Recommendation
Due: December 10
Recommendations can be submitted online or use the paper version, if necessary.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts attached to the application, Due: December 1
Official transcripts with Fall, 2023 grades, Due: February 1
A cumulative minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required on the Bachelor's transcript. For more information, please see the FAQ section.
Audition Details
Online submission of the preliminary files as directed on the application and as shown on the Audition page.
Complete Repertoire List
Due: December 1
Instrumentalists: Your repertoire list should include all solo, chamber, and concerto works that you have performed prior to application for the Artist Diploma. Vocalists: Your repertoire list should include art songs, arias, chamber music, orchestral works, oratorio, opera roles, and scenes that you have performed prior to this application for the Artist Diploma.
TOEFL Score
Due: January 3
Required if your previous degree is not from a U.S. institution or your native language is not English. Please see the FAQ section for specific testing options for Fall, 2024.