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Graduate Application Process - School of Music
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Graduate Application Process

Application Instructions

Follow these instructions to apply for a graduate degree program. If you have questions, please reach out via Email.

  1. Complete the Graduate College Application, including the following materials:
    • Transcripts from every institution from which you have earned a degree
    • Three Letters of Reference (due on the application deadline)
    • One academic statement (1000 words max) and a series of short personal statements
    • Resume or C.V.
    • DMA Applicants Only: Upload one sample of your scholarly writing about music (e.g., program notes or a research paper from a music theory/analysis, music history, or composition class).
    • English Proficiency Exam: All applicants whose native language is not English must provide a passing TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo score to be considered for admission to the University of Illinois School of Music.
  2. Refer to the relevant degree page for more details on program-specific application requirements.

Please review the important dates and deadlines for the graduate application below.

Graduate Application Important Dates

September 1: Graduate College Music Application Opens (Fall 2026 Term)
December 1: Application Deadline (for all programs except Summer-Only MME)
December 1: Prescreening Deadline (conducting (orchestral, wind band, choral), flute, saxophone, piano performance, and voice).
January 15: Graduate deadline to upload audition recording (for applicants who are submitting a video audition in lieu of a live audition).
February 15: Summer MME Application Deadline (Summer 2026 Term)
January–March 15: Admission decisions will be sent on a rolling basis by degree program. Most applicants will hear their admissions decision by March 15.
March 15–April 15: Notification of merit-based financial aid sent
April 15: Graduate Deadline to submit intent to enroll

Audition Dates

Start Your Application 

Graduate studies at the University of Illinois.

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