Graduate Programs — How to Apply
Applying for the 2026–2027 Academic Year
We are not accepting applications for the following programs for the 2026–2027 academic year:
- DMA in Conducting
- MM in Choral Conducting
- MM in Orchestral Conducting
- DMA in Viola Performance
- All degrees in Tuba/Euphonium Performance
Overview
- Check the Graduate School's admission requirements and the School of Music’s admission requirements for your intended degree program (see below).
- Gather all the materials you need for your application.
- Complete the online application at gradapply.osu.edu.
Deadline: Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
Music Education applicants who are not seeking funding may apply until May 1, 2026.
Required Documents — All Programs
In addition to the required documents, applicants must submit the program-specific documents. See below for information about each program.
Transcripts
Please visit the Graduate and Professional Admission’s webpage about transcript requirements.
References
Three (3) letters of reference from persons acquainted with your academic work and professional performance relevant to your field of study.
Statement of Purpose
A 1–2-page statement outlining your research or artistic interests, reasons for pursuing graduate study, relevant experiences or achievements, and how graduate study supports your professional goals.
Résumé
A curriculum vitae or résumé (2 pages). Performance and conducting applicants should include a repertoire list in the résumé; see below for details.
International Applicants whose Native Language is Not English
Applicants whose native language is not English, must also submit proof of English proficiency when they apply. This requirement can be waived if a bachelor's degree or higher will be earned in an English-speaking country prior to entering the graduate program at Ohio State.
Program-Specific Application Instructions
Upload all required text documents as PDFs into the appropriate tabs:
- Academic Data tab — transcripts
- Final Steps/Submit tab — Program Documents section: CV/Résumé, Portfolio, Statement of Purpose, Writing Sample, Interview, Audition.
Program-specific materials should be submitted according to the instructions below.
Programs requiring auditions will schedule the auditions only after applications and supporting documents are complete.
Brass Performance (Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts)
- Upload with your application a repertoire list; if possible provide programs and reviews of concerts performed. Combine all into one PDF and "Add Attachment" under "Portfolio" in the Final Steps/Submit tab.
- To schedule an audition, email the faculty member as soon as possible:
- Trumpet — Timothy Leasure
- Horn — Bruce Henniss
- Trombone — Elisabeth Shafer
Tuba/Euphonium — applications are no longer being accepted for the 2026–2027 academic year.
In-person, live auditions at our Columbus campus are preferred. Accommodations can be made to administer your audition via a pre-recorded video if you are unable travel to our campus. Please contact the relevant faculty member for additional details.
Audition Materials by Instrument
Horn
MM Audition
- Two complete (all movements) contrasting time period solos/concerti (i.e. Classical/Romantic/Modern). No piano accompaniment required.
- Five orchestral excerpts of your choice
- Two contrasting Etudes (one more lyrical and the other more technical)
- Possible sight-reading
DMA Audition
- Two complete (all movements) contrasting time period solos/concerti (i.e. Classical/Romantic/Modern). No piano accompaniment required.
- Ten orchestral excerpts of your choice
- Two contrasting Etudes (one more lyrical and the other more technical)
- Possible sight-reading
Trumpet Audition — all degrees
It is recommended that you email your list of audition repertoire to Professor Leasure at leasure.13@osu.edu well in advance of your audition for approval.
- On Bb trumpet — etude of your choice (Charlier or Bitsch recommended)
- On C trumpet — solo of your choice
- A list of 10 orchestral excerpts, 5 of which will be chosen by the audition committee
- On Eb trumpet — solo of your choice
- On piccolo trumpet — solo of your choice or played as part of the excerpts above
Tenor and Bass Trombone
MM Audition
- Two contrasting solos; one work must be a full concerto or a full sonata (solos to be performed without piano)
- Five orchestral excerpts of your choice
- An etude of your choice
- All major and minor scales
- Possible sight-reading
DMA Audition
- 25 minutes of contrasting solos; one work must be a full concerto or a full sonata (solos to be performed without piano)
- Ten orchestral excerpts of your choice
- All major and minor scales
- Possible sight-reading
Tuba/Euphonium — all degrees
- A major concerto (Vaughan Williams tuba concerto or equivalent)
- 5 orchestral excerpts of your choice
- Lyric etude
Composition (Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts)
Portfolio
Please upload a PDF containing links to 3–5 work samples. For each work sample, provide:
- A link to a score or any notational materials relevant to your creative practice;
- A link to a recording (audio or video) and any other relevant documentation of the work:
- For works involving acoustic instruments, live recordings are preferred when possible, but MIDI renderings are also accepted.
- For intermedia and/or installation works, a video is preferred when possible, but audio alone is also accepted along with a description of how it functions in the work.
- If you are submitting a score follower-style video as your recording, please be sure to also include a link to the PDF of the score.
- For works involving acoustic instruments, live recordings are preferred when possible, but MIDI renderings are also accepted.
The full links to the files should be listed on a PDF to be uploaded as the "Portfolio" attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application.
Writing sample
Upload a PDF of one writing sample/essay on a musical topic (minimum 8 pages double-spaced). Submit as the “Writing Sample” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application.
A note about the use of generative AI: if you have used any generative AI models or tools (particularly those created using machine learning) in your application materials or work samples, please cite them and include a description of the ways in which you have engaged with them and the extent to which they were used in the creation of the work — whether writings, scores, recordings, or both. If the model or tool is yours, no formal citation is needed, but a brief description of how you created the model (including the sources of your training data) is necessary. For guidance on how to cite the use of generative AI, please refer to the MLA Style Center.
Conducting (Master of Music)
We are not accepting MM in choral or orchestral conducting applicants for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Before applying, consult a faculty member in the relevant program:
- Choral emphasis — Robert J. Ward
- Orchestral emphasis — Miriam Burns
- Wind emphasis — Russel C. Mikkelson
- Upload with your application a résumé that lists your background, conducting experience, conducting teachers, a list of repertoire studied on your major instrument or voice, a list of conducting repertoire studied, and a list of pieces performed (conducted) in public.
- Prepare a pre-screen video audition:
- Your pre-screen video must include rehearsal and performance (camera facing the front of the conductor)
- Optionally, you may include an audio recording of your own performance on a major instrument or voice.
- The full links to the videos should be listed on a PDF to be uploaded as the “Audition” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application.
Applicants chosen for a live audition will be contacted by the conducting faculty.
Conducting (Doctor of Musical Arts)
We are not accepting DMA applicants for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Applicants for the DMA in conducting should have at least three years of full-time professional conducting/teaching experience prior to application.
Before applying, please consult a faculty member in the relevant program:
- Choral emphasis — Robert J. Ward
- Orchestral emphasis — Miriam Burns
- Wind emphasis — Russel C. Mikkelson
- Upload with the application a résumé that lists your background, conducting experience, conducting teachers, a list of repertoire studied on your major instrument or voice, a list of conducting repertoire studies, and a list of pieces performed (conducted) in public.
- Prepare a pre-screen video audition, viewable to all who have access to the link (privacy setting "Unlisted"). The video should be of high visual and audio quality and document your rehearsal and performance work as follows:
- An unedited rehearsal video recording of approximately 30 minutes’ duration from a single rehearsal; this recording should show a frontal view of the conductor and verbal directions should be clearly audible.
- A performance video recording (camera facing the front of the conductor), including several contrasting selections. Although the performance video may consist of a number of selections recorded at various times, individual performances should be intact and technologically unaltered.
- At least one of these videos must have been made within six months prior to application.
- The full links to the videos should be included on a PDF to be uploaded as the “Audition” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application.
- An unedited rehearsal video recording of approximately 30 minutes’ duration from a single rehearsal; this recording should show a frontal view of the conductor and verbal directions should be clearly audible.
For selected applicants, the conducting faculty will schedule a personal interview, an on-campus conducting audition, and a keyboard proficiency test (not required for Wind Conducting).
Music Education applicants who are not seeking funding may apply until May 1, 2026.
Music Education (Master of Arts)
- Provide video demonstrating musicianship on your principal instrument or voice.
- Upload your video(s) to YouTube and make them viewable to all who have access to the link (privacy setting "Unlisted").
- Include the full link(s) to your performances on a PDF and upload as the “Portfolio” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application.
Performance videos should be 20 to 30 minutes in length and must feature at least two pieces in contrasting styles. The expected performance level is comparable to a junior recital typically presented within an undergraduate music degree program.
No teaching video nor writing sample is required of MA in Music Education applicants.
Questions? Email Daryl Kinney.
Music Education applicants who are not seeking funding may apply until May 1, 2026.
Music Education (Doctor of Philosophy)
Applicants whose master's degree was not in music education may apply. However, if admitted, the student's initial course work will likely involve master's level courses.
- Upload your résumé or vita with your application. It should summarize educational and professional background and verify at least three years of teaching experience. Piano pedagogy students must have at least three years of experience with private instruction and/or class piano.
- Upload a representative scholarly writing sample.
- Submit a face-the-camera video of your teaching (not a performance video). Upload the video to YouTube or a comparable streaming service and make it viewable to all who have access to the link (privacy setting "Unlisted"). Include the full links to your teaching video on a PDF and upload as the “Portfolio” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application.
Teaching videos should demonstrate effective instructional strategies in a music education setting. Applicants may submit a recording of a single class session or a compilation of shorter excerpts from multiple classes to highlight their range as an educator. While ensemble rehearsals and general music instruction within K–12 classroom settings are most typical, private lesson teaching may also be accepted. Applicants are expected to showcase clear communication, pedagogical depth, and responsiveness to student needs.
No performance video is required for PhD applicants.
Finalists will be invited for an interview with the faculty.
Questions? Email Daryl Kinney.
Ohio State Master of Arts graduates, and applicants changing degree programs, must submit a CV and a letter of intent asking for admission to the PhD program to Dr. Kinney.
Music Theory (Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy)
- Submit examples of theory or analysis papers. Combine them into one PDF and upload in the Program Documents section of the application.
Questions? Email Anna Gawboy
Musicology (Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy)
Students with bachelor’s degrees who intend to complete the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) need not apply to the Master of Arts program. Select PhD if that is your intended degree.
- Submit research papers demonstrating skill in writing, knowledge about music, and ability to construct a convincing and original argument. Combine them into one PDF and upload with your application.
Those who wish to visit in order to meet with members of the faculty should contact Ryan Skinner.
Percussion — Performance (Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts)
- Upload with your application a PDF containing a repertoire list, programs and reviews (if available) of concerts performed. Combine all into one PDF and upload it into the "Portfolio" box of the Final Steps/Submit tab.
- Contact Susan Powell to discuss the admissions process. Most applicants will come to campus for an in-person audition. If circumstances prevent an audition in person, a recently recorded audition will be considered.
- Applicants must demonstrate a level of performance ability in the following major areas of percussion performance — snare drum, mallet percussion, timpani. Include excerpts from the orchestral repertoire on xylophone, snare drum and timpani.
- Students are encouraged to demonstrate competencies in other applicable areas (multiple percussion, chamber performance, drum set, world percussion etc.).
Piano — Performance (Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts)
Pre-Screen Audition Video — all applicants
All Applicants must submit a Pre-Screen Audition Video.
Repertoire Requirements: Perform the first movement of a Classical Sonata (Schubert accepted) and one virtuosic etude.
Upload to YouTube an unedited video audition viewable to all who have access to the link (privacy setting “Unlisted”). The full links to the videos should be included on a PDF to be uploaded as the “Audition” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application.
Fellowships and Associateships
If you wish to be considered for a fellowship or graduate teaching associate (GTA), submit a teaching demonstration video.
Teaching Demonstration Content: Your teaching demonstration should be a 15– to 20–minute segment of a private or group lesson with student(s) at any age and level. The teaching demonstration must be in English.
Upload to YouTube or another streaming service an unedited digital video recording with clear audio quality. The full links to the videos should be included on a PDF to be uploaded as the “Interview” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application.
Full Audition
Applicants will be notified by a member of the piano faculty if they are chosen to move on in the audition process and will be given the opportunity to audition in person or submit a video performance.
- Refer to the Repertoire Requirements for the full audition.
- For those submitting a video performance, upload the video to YouTube and make it viewable to all who have access to the link (privacy setting "Unlisted").
- Include the full links to your performances on a PDF and use the Admissions Uploader to submit.
Live Piano Audition Dates
- Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 — For fellowship consideration
- Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026
Questions? Email Lynn Singleton, graduate piano audition coordinator.
String Performance (Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts) and String Pedagogy (Master of Arts)
Application Materials
As part of the application materials, string applicants will upload a repertoire list in the “Portfolio” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application.
Pre-Screen Audition Requirements — Bowed Strings
- Pre-screen auditions are required of all master’s and doctoral applicants in Strings.
- Pre-screen auditions will be in the form of unlisted YouTube videos. Each work or movement should be recorded as a separate video.
- Repertoire for the pre-screen round videos must include the following:
- two contrasting movements of solo J. S. Bach (without repeats, please)
- the first movement of a major concerto (Classical, Romantic or 20th century/contemporary) up to the recapitulation.
- The total length of the video should be roughly 10 minutes.
Pre-Screen Audition Requirements — Guitar
- Applicants should present three works of contrasting styles.
- See the Royal Conservatory of Music Guitar Syllabus, Levels 8–10 for repertoire suggestions for the pre-screening and audition.
How to Submit
URL links to the videos should be included on a PDF to be uploaded as the “Audition” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application. Please include repertoire information and timestamps in the video's description.
Live Auditions
Applicants chosen for a live audition will be contacted by the String faculty.
Zoom and specially scheduled audition dates are not being offered.
Applicants wishing to be considered for Fellowships and GTA positions are strongly encouraged to audition in person.
If advanced to the live audition round and you choose to audition in person, you will select an audition date from the options above and you must be available for the entire audition time window. We cannot promise to honor requests for specific time slots, so please make your travel plans accordingly. You are urged to arrive on Saturday evening and be available for an audition slot beginning as late as 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Live audition dates and times:
- Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026 — 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Fellowship: Applicants wishing to be considered for a Graduate Fellowship must audition live on Jan. 18, 2026
–or–
submit a video audition no later than Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.
- Fellowship: Applicants wishing to be considered for a Graduate Fellowship must audition live on Jan. 18, 2026
- Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026 — 10 a. m. – 6 p.m.
Request your Audition Date
To request your live audition date, complete the String Audition Request Form.
Deadline: Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025
Live Audition Repertoire — Bowed Strings
Prepare a program including the following:
- Two contrasting movements of J. S. Bach
- First movement (entire) of a major concerto (Classical, Romantic or 20th century/contemporary)
- Etude/caprice
- Selection of applicant’s choice
- Total length of time should be roughly 30 minutes of repertoire
Live Audition Repertoire — Guitar
- Applicants should prepare a 20–30 minute program representing a diverse contrast of styles.
- The audition may include pieces performed for the pre-screening.
Applicants who are unable to audition in person may opt to submit a video audition as follows:
- Each work or movement should be recorded as a separate video on an unlisted YouTube channel.
- URL links to the videos should be submitted in an email to mus-grad@osu.edu no later than February 15 for GTA consideration.
If you have questions or want more advice concerning audition repertoire, email the relevant instructor:
- Violin — Andrii Isakov
- Viola — Juliet White-Smith
- Cello — Juliet White-Smith
- Bass — John Pellegrino
- Guitar — Karl Wohlwend
Voice — Performance (Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts)
Pre-Screen video — all applicants
Repertoire
- Master of Music applicants — Six pieces including French, German, Italian, and English in contrasting styles. One of the pieces must be an aria.
- DMA applicants — Full-length (45- to 60-minute) recital or equivalent amount of repertoire including French, German, Italian, and English in contrasting styles. Three of the pieces should be operatic or oratorio arias.
How to submit
The full links to the videos should be included on a PDF to be uploaded as the “Audition” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application.
Fellowships and Associateships — Teaching Demonstration Video
If you wish to be considered for a fellowship or teaching assistantship, submit a teaching demonstration video. The teaching video should be of a 15–20 minute private lesson with a student. The teaching demonstrations must be in English.
How to submit
The full links to the videos should be included on a PDF to be uploaded as the “Interview” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application.
Live Auditions
Live auditions will consist of the same repertoire submitted for the pre-screens. Minimal substitutions can be made, with the bulk of the repertoire remaining the same.
Live auditions will be held on the Columbus campus:
- Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
- Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026
- Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
Questions? Email Helen Allen.
Woodwinds — Performance (Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts)
Application Materials
- Upload with your application a repertoire list under the “Portfolio” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application.
Pre-Screen Audition Requirements — all applicants
Repertoire
- These could be whole works or singular movements and should contrast in style and time period. In addition, please include three orchestral excerpts. The total length of the video should be between 10–20 minutes.
- No excerpts for saxophone.
- No excerpts for saxophone.
- The video must include two pieces of repertoire: an accompanied work performed with the accompaniment, and a solo/unaccompanied work.
How to submit
- The full links to the videos should be included on a PDF to be uploaded as the “Audition” attachment on the Final Steps/Submit page of the application. Inclde repertoire information and timestamps in the video's description.
Applicants chosen for a live audition will be contacted by the woodwind faculty.
Live Auditions
Live auditions will be held on the Columbus campus on:
- Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 — for Fellowship consideration
- Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
Repertoire (memorization is not required):
- Two (2) complete solo pieces (i.e. concerto, sonata, French conservatory piece) from contrasting style periods. Accompanist not required.
- Four (4) to six (6) orchestral excerpts demonstrating knowledge of standard literature.
- No excerpts required for saxophone applicants.
Video Auditions
Repertoire (memorization is not required)
- Two (2) complete solo pieces (i.e. concerto, sonata, French conservatory piece) from contrasting style periods. Accompanist not required.
- At least six (6) orchestral excerpts demonstrating knowledge of standard literature.
- No excerpts required for saxophone applicants.
How to submit
- Upload to YouTube an unedited video audition, viewable to all who have access to the link (privacy setting "Unlisted").
- Put the full link(s) on a PDF and label it “Video Audition.” Please use the Admissions Uploader to submit the PDF.
Deadline: Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026
If you have questions or want more advice concerning audition repertoire, email the relevant instructor:
- Flute — Katherine Borst Jones
- Oboe — Abby Yeakle Held
- Bassoon — Jesse Schartz
- Clarinet — Caroline Hartig
- Saxophone — Michael Rene Torres
Questions?
For questions regarding the application to the Graduate School, email gpadmissions@osu.edu.
For questions regarding the application process at the School of Music, email mus-grad@osu.edu.