How to Apply
Music Education

Register & apply

Register (create an account) and complete your application online, which includes submitting a resume, professional statement, pre-recorded audition (if not auditioning in-person), and two letters of recommendation as detailed below.

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Resume

Include information about your degree(s), employment experience, and specialized skills, training, and/or certification(s).

Professional Statement

In this essential component of the application, explain your reasons for seeking this graduate program. Include any information that will advance your candidacy, such as personal and professional attributes and goals, volunteer and professional experiences related to the program to which you are applying, and other related life experiences. Describe your future academic plans and anticipated contributions to the specific profession for which this program will prepare you.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is expected. If you did not meet that minimum or if you did not have a B average in your major field, you also must address each of the following in your professional statement:

Explain why your grades were below Nazareth's minimum expectations.
Explain your potential to positively contribute to the teaching profession.
Describe relevant experiences and/or activities that demonstrate your ability to successfully complete graduate work at Nazareth University.
Outline specific procedures you will follow to successfully navigate and meet the rigorous requirements of graduate study.

Pre-recorded Audition

Instead of attending an in-person audition on campus, applicants may choose to submit a pre-recorded audition video(s) through the digital portfolio section of the Nazareth online application.

The audition should be 10–15 minutes long, representing at least two different composers and styles. A variety of tempos is suggested. Vocalists should include music in three languages, including English.

For questions about the audition process, please contact the program director.

Letters of Recommendation

In the application portal, provide names and email addresses for two recommenders, who will each be asked to provide directly to Nazareth a professional letter of recommendation.
Recommendation letters must address readiness for graduate level education and professionalism.
If you would like to provide additional letters of recommendation, email Graduate Admissions, gradadmissions@naz.edu.

Deadlines
Fall Term	May 1
Spring Term	October 1
Summer Term	March 1

Request transcripts

Request official transcripts from each college you attended.

Transcript details

If you attended Nazareth, Graduate Admissions will obtain your transcript upon receiving your application.
If you didn't attend Nazareth, order your official transcript from each college you attended to be sent directly to Nazareth University, even if you are currently enrolled in courses. Applications will not be reviewed for admission until your official transcripts have been received. (If you have questions about submitting transcripts, please contact gradadmissions@naz.edu.)
International applicants: Submit English-translated transcripts, including bachelor's or higher degree equivalency through a NACES-certified evaluation service such as World Education Service, Educational Credential Evaluations, or Josef Silny & Associates. (The evaluation is at the expense of the student.) Also see international admissions requirements.

Complete additional requirements

Applicants whose undergraduate degree led to teacher certification:

Proof of teacher certification from the NYS Teach system. This can be a screenshot that shows your certification has been issued or pending.
If you have not yet applied for certification (pending undergraduate program completion), you must provide proof of certification within your first term of study.

Applicants whose undergraduate degree did NOT lead to teacher certification:

All initial certification programs require an evaluation of prerequisite liberal arts and sciences coursework for New York state teacher certification. Outstanding prerequisite coursework needs to be completed before you can begin your student teaching semester and be recommended by Nazareth University for certification.
If you have questions about your prerequisite coursework or required tests for certification, please contact Ms. Tracey Britton, Director of Academic Support Services, and Certification Officer, Nazareth University School of Education, 585-389-2051, or email tbritto3@naz.edu.

Audition

If you meet the admission criteria and did not provide a pre-recorded audition via the digital portfolio portion of the online application, you will be invited by the program director to schedule an audition.

Audition requirements