Application information and audition requirements for the Setnor School of Music’s master of music (M.M.) programs in composition, conducting, performance, and voice pedagogy are listed below.
Additionally, in conjunction with Syracuse University’s School of Education, the Setnor School of Music offers M.M. and master of science (M.S.) degrees in music education. Admission to music education is through the School of Education.
Three letters of recommendation. Consult online application for details.
Academic transcript. Unofficial transcript uploaded to the online application. If you are admitted, an official, degree-bearing transcript must be mailed to the University. Applicants must complete a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent in another country) before starting a graduate program.
Personal statement/essay. Describe in approximately 500 words your main academic interests, why you wish to study for the degree you have chosen, why you wish to study at Syracuse University, how you expect to finance your studies, and your plans after you receive your degree. Upload directly to the online application.
Upload directly to the online application.
Application fee. A non-refundable application fee of $75. See online application for details.
Step 2: Complete the Music Audition Form and indicate whether you will audition in person or virtually. Link
Once you have completed the Music Audition Form, your admissions checklist will update and you will be able upload required materials to your application.
Two contrasting movements of a J.S. Bach Suite for Solo cello; One etude from 40 Etudes Op. 73 by David Popper or one Caprice Op. 25 by Piatti
First movement of a standard 19th or 20th Century Concerto
One movement of a Sonata or Solo Cello piece from the 20th or 21st Century, which may be performed with music
Contact: Professor William Knuth, String Area Coordinator,
Choral Conducting Requirements
Submit a 20-to-30-minute recording online through the application portal, including at least 10 minutes of conducting in performance and 10 minutes rehearsing. The camera should be facing the conductor. Applicants will not need to select an audition date. Candidates will be contacted to schedule an on-campus interview/audition if they pass the video screening audition.
Contact: Dr. John Warren, Director of Choral Studies,
Composition Requirements
Please submit three scores (with recordings if available) of three works online through the application portal. At least one score must be for more than four instruments.
Contact: Dr. Nicolas Scherzinger, Chair, Composition Department,
Guitar Requirements
In addition to all the diatonic major and minor scales edited by Andres Segovia, graduate candidates auditioning on the classical guitar should prepare three selections from the five categories listed below. All selections should be performed from memory.
The first movement of a major guitar concerto from the 19th, 20th, or 21stcentury
A large-scale solo composition from the 19th, 20thor 21st century
One composition by a BIPOC or a female composer
Examples include Frantz Casseus, Francis Bebey, Emilia Giuliani, Elisabeth Lutyens, Joan Tower, Justin Holland, Amos Coulanges, Clarice Assad, Annette Kruisbrink, Tania León, and Dale Kavanagh, among others
Two contrasting movements from a Lute Suite, Cello Suite, or Unaccompanied Violin Sonata/Partita of Johann Sebastian Bach
Two contrasting concert etudes by Giulio Regondi, Heitor Villa-lobos, or Angelo Gilardino
For information and deadlines, contact Dr. John Coggiola, Chair and Associate Professor, Music Education Department, at or Speranza Migliore, the School of Education’s Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment at 315.443.2505 or .
Orchestral Conducting Requirements
Submit a 20- to 30-minute recording online through the application portal, including at least 10 minutes of conducting in performance and 10 minutes rehearsing. The camera should be facing the conductor. Applicants will not need to select an audition date. Candidates will be contacted to schedule an on-campus interview/audition if they pass the video screening audition.
Contact: Dr. James Tapia, Director of Orchestral Studies,
Organ Requirements
Applicants for the graduate program in organ performance should prepare a 40-minute program of contrasting pieces, one of which should be a major work by J. S. Bach. Applicants will be expected to sight-read a short passage of music as part of the audition.
Contact: Dr. Annie Laver, Keyboard Area Co-Coordinator
Piano Requirements
Applicants have the option of submitting audition materials that focus on one of two emphases: piano performance (solo) or piano performance (collaborative arts). For the graduate emphasis in solo performance, applicants should present a representative recital program (a minimum of 40 minutes of music). Applicants auditioning for the collaborative arts emphasis should present a representative program of solo, vocal, and chamber music. Applicants should consult with the keyboard area co-coordinator to finalize repertoire choices. Please note that students interested in either emphasis should apply to the M.Mus. in performance for piano on their application to Syracuse University.
Contact: Professor Ida Tili-Trebicka, Keyboard Area Co-Coordinator,
String Bass Requirements
Please prepare the following:
A three-octave scale and arpeggio in E major and E melodic minor (Any tempo)
The first movement from a concerto
One movement of Bach (transcriptions permissible)
Two orchestral excerpts of your choice
Contact: Professor William Knuth, String Area Coordinator,
Voice Requirements
Present a minimum of six selections; include at least one aria and one piece in English. All selections should be of varying styles, historical periods, and languages. In addition, present a resume documenting evidence of performance experience at the university or professional level along with a comprehensive repertoire list. An accompanist will be provided at no charge. You are encouraged to send copies of your music two weeks in advance if you believe the music is difficult to sight-read.
Contact/send music to: Professor Janet Brown; Voice Area Coordinator; Setnor School of Music, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Syracuse University; 304A Crouse College; Syracuse NY 13244-1010; .
Violin Requirements
Perform the following repertoire from memory:
First movement of a major 19th, 20thor 21st century concerto
Two contrasting movements of an unaccompanied Bach sonata or partita
Caprice by Paganini, Dont (Op. 35) or a movement from a solo sonata by Ysaye (equivalent virtuoso solo work is acceptable as a replacement)
Three octave scales and arpeggios
Contact: Professor William Knuth, String Area Coordinator,
Viola Requirements
Perform the following repertoire from memory.
Three movements of a cello suite or two contrasting movements of a violin sonata/partita by J.S. Bach
Two contrasting movements of a standard concerto OR one movement of a standard concerto and one movement of a sonata or a contemporary piece (sonatas may be performed with music)
Contact: Professor William Knuth, String Area Coordinator,
Wind Conducting Requirements
Submit a 20- to 30-minute recording online through the application portal, including at least 10 minutes of conducting in performance and 10 minutes rehearsing. The camera should be facing the conductor. Applicants will not need to select an audition date. Candidates will be contacted to schedule an on-campus interview/audition if they pass the video screening audition.
Contact: Dr. Bradley Ethington, Winds and Percussion Area Coordinator and Director of Bands,
Woodwind/Brass/Percussion Requirements
Applicants should choose three works in contrasting styles. Sight-reading will also be required as part of the audition.
Contact: Dr. Bradley Ethington, Winds and Percussion Area Coordinator and Director of Bands,
