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GRADUATE Admission Process

Select Program of Study 

Find out more about the graduate degrees the Wells School of Music offers!

Contact Faculty Program Advisor 

Contact the department / professor in the content area you wish to study to discuss specifics (if considering performance, perhaps schedule a trial lesson prior to an audition)

Apply

Visit the Graduate School website for application links and details on where to submit materials.

Please note you will need official transcript[s], 2 references and a personal statement along with a fee – a voucher for the fee can be obtained by attending a Graduate School Open House prior to application).

Auditions & Supplemental Materials

Provide any materials needed to the faculty advisor listed or program coordinator

  • Music Theory and Composition - In addition to their application materials, all applicants for this degree should submit the items listed below to Dr. Adam Silverman. Once these have been submitted, students will be contacted for an interview.
    • Those planning to focus in composition should also submit three original works (score PDFs and mp3 recordings) and one writing sample of music analysis.
    • Those planning to focus in music theory should submit two writing samples of music analysis and one original composition (score PDF and mp3 recording).
  • Music History – In addition to their application materials, all applicants for this degree should submit a writing sample related to music history or other musicological area to Dr. Adam Silverman. Once these have been submitted, students will be contacted for an interview.
  • Performance – repertoire list, audition
  • Conducting – repertoire list, videos tapes of conducting, in-person audition

Assessment Tests in Theory & History 

After the decision is made by the Wells School of Music and West Chester University, register for the Graduate Assessment Test in Theory and History. Learn more about the Graduate Assessment Test.

Note: Accepted students are encouraged to take these tests one at a sitting so that students can focus on one topic at a time. Failure (score below 70) of either or both portions of the test results in students having to take the associated remedial course (MHL 501, MTC 591) BEFORE taking the actual music theory or music history course required by the degree. THE REMEDIAL COURSES DO NOT COUNT TOWARD YOUR DEGREE!  Music History / Music Theory master’s students must score above a 75 for final admission to the program.

Graduate Assistant Information 

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available during the academic year. Students wishing to be considered must have been accepted to West Chester University no later than February 15. For additional information please contact Graduate Coordinator – Dr. Jonathan Fowler jfowler@wcupa.edu 


Wells Summer Music Institute 

The Wells Summer Music Institute (WSMI) empowers music educators by enhancing their skills and advancing their professional development through immersive summer courses and workshops.

WSMI offers an innovative blend of academic courses as well as specialized seminars led by nationally recognized leaders in 21st-century music education. We provide courses in various modalities, with three pricing options, allowing educators flexibility and a personalized approach to their learning.

Learn More

More Questions - Contact Dr. Jonathan Fowler