Applicants desiring to begin graduate studies in the fall semester should have the following materials on file in the Greatbatch School of Music office by March 31, unless otherwise indicated below. Applications received by November 1 are exempt from the $40 application fee. Please read the Statement of Faith and Vision of Our Common Life before signing the graduate application.
All materials should be submitted online, emailed to the Greatbatch School of Music, or mailed to:
Graduate Music Coordinator
Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton College
One Willard Avenue
Houghton, NY 14744
Complete the Online Application
Apply NowSubmit a graded sample of an Undergraduate Upper-Level Academic Writing in Music
(preferably a history or analysis paper)
Complete and submit a Repertoire List
(see application for guidelines)
Submit your transcripts(s)
Official undergraduate transcript(s) Official graduate transcript(s), if applicable
Write and submit a personal statement
In 300-500 words, please describe your educational and musical background, degree objectives, and/or future career plans. Include a brief statement of your Christian testimony. If there is additional information that you feel would be helpful to the admission committee, please feel free to include it. If you are applying for graduate assistantship, please address the qualifications relevant to the graduate areas in which you seek an award.
Complete an audition registration form
All applicants to the graduate program at the Greatbatch School of Music are required to present an entrance audition. These auditions are designed to give studio faculty the opportunity to meet each applicant and to assess strengths and potential for success in graduate music studies. The applicant will also be interviewed by the Graduate Committee. Include: An Accompanist Request, if applicable Scores for Accompanist, if applicable
Register for an AuditionComplete an audition and interview
Complete a required interview designed to give studio faculty the opportunity to meet you and assess your strengths and potential for success in graduate music studies. You will also be interviewed by the Graduate Committee.
Admission Criteria
- Normally possess a Bachelor of Music Degree
- Prepares 2-3 pieces from the repertoire of the major instrument or voice which represents the student’s current level of ability, to be played at audition
- Normally possess a Bachelor of Music Degree or its equivalent
- Demonstrate strong interest and ability in collaborative performance
- Have substantial ensemble and/or solo repertoire in their resume
- Have good sight reading ability
- Audition requirements are found on the webpage linked above
- Hold the Bachelor of Music degree in composition or its equivalent OR demonstrate equivalent experience in writing original music for both instrument and vocal/choral genres
- Have and submit a portfolio of compositions as part of the application process
- Normally possess a Bachelor of Music degree or its equivalent
- Demonstrate strong interest and ability in conducting
- Usually, this will include (but is not limited to) successful completion of at least two undergraduate courses (or equivalent) in conducting
- Normally possess an undergraduate Bachelor of Music degree in performance, music education, or in the performance area sought
- Should demonstrate outstanding accomplishment and talent in their audition
- See above link for specific audition requirements depending on area
Additional Application Requirements
If you are an applicant for the MM in Composition: you must send a portfolio of original compositions, including scores and an audio or video recording of the works
If you are an applicant for the MM in Instrumental or Choral Conducting: you must send a video recording
- Must be either a DVD or private/unlisted YouTube URLs (no VHS)
- It is requested, though not required, that the recording have both your performance and rehearsal footage
Citizens of countries other than the United States and Canada have additional application requirements. These students must complete the Financial Declaration and Financial Affidavit and be approved by the Graduate Committee before being invited to submit an application to the graduate program. If you are an International Student applicant:
- You must complete the Financial Declaration and Affidavit Form (PDF)
- You must be approved by the Graduate Committee before being invited to submit an application to the graduate program
If you are a Student from a non-English speaking country:
- You must take the Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and receive a paper-based TOEFL score of 600, a computer-based score of 250, or internet-based score of 100
- Houghton’s TOEFL code is 2299
- More information on the TOEFL can be found here
Applicants who do not have an undergraduate music degree should send a video recording of themselves in performance.