Admissions
Except for the sonic arts program, graduate applicants to a degree or advanced certificate program in the Division of Graduate Studies must have graduated with an acceptable bachelor's degree in music from an accredited institution. Applicants must have completed at least 36 credits in undergraduate music courses, including analysis, counterpoint, harmony, and history. Consideration is given to applicants who do not meet course requirements but have exceptional abilities or experience equivalent to course work. The sole exception to the above requirements is the Sonic Arts M.F.A. Program, and applicants to it should consult the Center for Computer Music for specific requirements.
Admission into one of the Conservatory's graduate programs is a two-part process: an application to Brooklyn College through the Graduate Admissions Office and notification of the Conservatory of Music of the student's application with arrangement made for an audition when applicable.
Depending on the intended degree program, the Conservatory requires an audition (submit a Graduate Audition Request Form online or contact the Conservatory to schedule an audition), a portfolio review (pdf), and/or an interview. Details are listed with the individual programs.
All official transcripts, reference letters, personal statements, curriculum vitae, etc., should be sent directly to Graduate Admissions. Music portfolios and CD auditions should be sent to the deputy director, Conservatory of Music.
International students for whom English is a second language must submit TOEFL scores. The minimum score for graduate applicants is 550.
Placement Exam
All students accepted into one of the graduate degree programs (excluding the PIMA Advanced Certificate program) are required to take a placement examination in music theory, analysis, and history prior to registration. If remedial work is found to be required, undergraduate courses may be assigned.
