Graduate Admissions

Who We Are 

Graduate studies in music at the University of Washington prepare students for careers in academia and performance; our programs also promote individual courses of study that allow musicians, scholars, and composers to aspire to excellence in performance, research, and creation. With more than 30 separate graduate degree programs, the School of Music offers many avenues for advanced studies. Home to an outstanding professional symphony and myriad organizations and ensembles devoted to music of all styles, Seattle offers a vivid, rich environment for musical exploration.

Opportunities 

Students in the graduate programs at the UW School of Music conduct their studies at one of the nation’s premiere research institutions, with abundant opportunities for submersion in a wide array of musical contexts. Along with their coursework and research, students are active participants (both as performers and listeners) in the school’s vibrant performance program, which presents musical traditions from antiquity to the present in a climate of experimentation and innovation.

Students conduct interdisciplinary study and collaborative research across music programs as well as other academic disciplines throughout the UW. Seminars develop professional expertise and provide opportunities for research and performance collaboration with faculty. The school’s faculty and graduate students regularly present their research findings at national and international conferences, perform in venues on almost every continent, and publish in leading academic journals. Students benefit immensely from access to the University’s impressive library system, digital resources, and special collections. The school’s own extensive Ethnomusicology archives of field recordings from around the world and the collections housed in the UW Music Library provide additional resources for specialized research.

Learn More

Follow the links below to view application instructions for each appropriate program:

Composition  |  ACADEMIC PROGRAMS: Ethnomusicology, Music History, and Music Education  |  Instrumental Performance AND Vocal Performance  |  JAZZ STUDIES & IMPROVISED MUSIC  |  CHORAL CONDUCTING  | Orchestral Conducting  |  Wind Conducting

Tuition and Fees

We recognize that schooling can be costly and requires a good deal of financial planning. Learn more about current UW tuition and UW School of Music fees on our Tuition and Fees page.

Support

In addition to student support distributed by the University of Washington’s financial aid office, the School of Music distributes more than a half million dollars annually in merit- and need-based student support. Graduate teaching assistantships and fellowships are highly competitive and are granted in all areas of study.

Domestic students (i.e., U.S. citizens) wishing to be considered for any type of funding are recommended to file the FAFSA, which is often a prerequisite for consideration. This is not necessary for international students.

Once students have submitted the online application to the UW Graduate School, they are eligible to utilize the funding search services provided by the UW GFIS (Graduate Funding Information Service).

Modern Ensemble appointments are awarded yearly. Special consideration for scholarship and TA-ship is given to those graduate students who audition for this ensemble January 27, February 10, and February 24. More Information

Deadlines