Application information and audition requirements for the Setnor School of Music’s master of music (M.M.) programs in conducting and performance 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.
Please note: We are not accepting applications to the Setnor School of Music’s M.M. degree programs in composition or voice pedagogy for Fall 2026.
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.
Application fee. A non-refundable application fee of $75. See online application for details.
Step 2: Complete the Music Audition Form in the application portal and indicate whether you will audition in person or virtually.
Once you have completed the Music Audition Form, your admissions checklist will update and you will be able upload required materials to your application.
Step 3: Prepare for your audition.
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: José (Peppie) Calvar, Choral Activities Coordinator, jcalvar@syr.edu
For information and deadlines, contact Associate Professor Wendy Moy at wmoy01@syr.edu or Breana Nieves Vergara, the School of Education’s assistant director of graduate admissions and recruitment, at 315.443.2505 or bknieves@syr.edu.
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: James Tapia, Director of Orchestral Activities, jrtapia@syr.edu
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: Annie Laver, Associate Professor, alaver@syr.edu
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 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: Ida Tili-Trebicka, Keyboard Area Coordinator, ttrebick@syr.edu
Applicants should choose three contrasting works. Guitarists should also prepare a three-octave scale and corresponding arpeggio.
Contact: William Knuth, Strings Area Coordinator, wtknuth@syr.edu
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: Janet Brown; Voice Area Coordinator; Setnor School of Music, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Syracuse University; 304A Crouse College; Syracuse NY 13244-1010; janbrown@syr.edu.
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: Bradley Ethington, Bands Area Coordinator, bpething@syr.edu
Applicants should choose three works in contrasting styles. Sight-reading will also be required as part of the audition.
Contact: Bradley Ethington, Bands Area Coordinator, bpething@syr.edu
