Overview
The four-year Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree in Composition trains students to create music and convey their musical ideas through a variety of performance media. Students are expected to exhibit a thorough knowledge of the theoretical and historical basis of music and to develop strong pedagogical skills. A comprehensive general curriculum and optional concentrations in various areas of specialization help to prepare students for advanced careers as composers and teachers.
Two-Part Application Process
Applying to The University of Texas at Austin as a graduate music major is a two-part process that requires separate applications to the university (ApplyTexas) and the Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music (Acceptd). The Butler School of Music accepts applications for fall semesters only.
Continuing students
Currently enrolled Butler School of Music students applying to continue into a new degree program in the same major without a break in enrollment should submit both applications in full.
Graduate readmission and graduate change of major
Former Butler School graduate students who wish to apply for readmission and former or current graduate students who wish to change majors may require different application procedures or be subject to different deadlines. Consult with the graduate admissions coordinator at the earliest opportunity for instructions specific to your circumstances.
Application Timeline
| Application Event | Date |
|---|---|
| University of Texas application due (ApplyTexas) — To meet the regular deadline students should submit the online application by December 1 and all required transcripts and test scores by December 8. | December 1 |
| Butler School of Music application due (Acceptd) | December 1 |
| Letters of recommendation due | January 1 |
| FAFSA priority deadline | January 15 |
| Interview invitations | On or before January 21 |
| Interviews | Mid-February |
| Admissions decisions | On or before March 1 |
| Butler School merit-based scholarship award notifications (no additional application required) | On or before April 1 |
| Response deadline | April 15 |
| New student orientation | Mid-August |
Application Materials
University Application
You must submit the university application and receive a UT EID prior to beginning the Butler School of Music application. UT EIDs are sent by the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA) through email 2-3 business days after your university application is submitted and processed.
You do not need to wait until your university application is complete to begin the music application. You may begin the music application at any time after submitting the university application and receiving your UT EID.
University of Texas application
- Follow the OGA instructions to submit:
- your graduate application
- application fee
- official transcripts
- You must submit an official transcript from every senior college you have attended. Even if courses taken at one institution are recorded on a transcript from another college, a transcript must be submitted from the institution at which the courses were taken.
- International transcripts must include both the original language document and an official or certified English translation.
- Submitted transcripts must be official and complete, must have been generated within the last calendar year, and must show completed coursework at least through the spring 2022 semester. Unofficial, old or incomplete transcripts will be rejected.
- Transcripts can be uploaded through your MyStatus page. You do not need to mail paper transcripts to The University of Texas or The Butler School of Music for admissions purposes. Transcripts can also be submitted directly to OGA using Parchment or SPEEDE.
- International applicants should review the OGA instructions to determine whether they are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.
Butler School of Music Application
Introductory Video
Submit a one to three minute video recording on which you verbally introduce yourself and discuss your musical and non-musical interests, goals, creative or volunteer work and reasons for applying to the Butler School of Music.
Statement of Purpose
A 500-word essay outlining your objectives for graduate study, career plans and reasons for applying to our program.
Letters of Recommendation
Three recommendation letters, written within the last twelve months, pertaining to your potential for graduate study in music. Provide contact information for your three chosen references in your Butler School application. Notification emails are sent to your references after you submit your application.
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
A résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) providing complete information concerning musical training, experience, awards, honors, publications and performance.
Works List
A list of all works you have composed for any medium, with year of completion and if applicable, date of premiere. You may include in-progress works if you wish, as well as any popular or jazz works.
Composition Portfolio
Scores and recordings of your music. Submit three to five pieces in varying media, at least one of which must be a work for large ensemble or an extended chamber work. Applicants interested in submitting a portfolio primarily of electronic or electro-acoustic music must include at least one work that displays evidence of past proficiency in acoustic composition, even if that is not your current artistic practice or one you intend to pursue as a graduate student.
- Acceptable audio file-types: MP3, OGG, M4A, WMA, WAV, AAC, FLAC, AIFF, AIF
- Acceptable score file-type: PDF only
Teacher Preferences
- Within the online application, you may select a first and second choice instructor from amongst the composition faculty at the Butler School, or indicate that you have no preference. If your preferences change, you can update your selections through email.
- Your teacher preferences do not affect interview invitations or final admissions decisions.
- If admitted, your teacher assignment is based on your preferences and faculty recommendation.
- Researching teachers: If you are not familiar with our faculty, we strongly recommend researching the teachers in your major prior to the application deadline, as follows:
- Review the faculty members’ bios
- Ask your current teacher(s) for recommendations
- Consult with friends who may have studied with them
- Optional: Set up a meeting or lesson with the faculty. Although not all faculty are available to meet with applicants due to their teaching and performing commitments, you may contact them directly to make a request. Lessons and meetings with faculty are not facilitated through the admissions office.
Composition Interviews
After reviewing your composition portfolio, the faculty decides whether or not to invite you to Austin for an in-person interview. Invitation decisions are sent by email on or before January 21. Interviews are held over a three-day period in mid-February, which also includes sample lectures and classes, a tour of the electronic music studios, an orientation session, and a luncheon with the composition faculty. You are encouraged but not required to be present for all three days, as your schedule and travel plans allow.
Your 20-minute interview consists of a brief presentation of one of your pieces to the faculty, followed by an informal question-and-answer session about your musical background, interests, and what you hope to accomplish as a student at the Butler School. There are no placement exams required as part of your visit.
Decisions & Enrolling
You can ensure that your UT application is complete by checking your MyStatus page on a regular basis and submitting any missing materials as soon as possible.
Decisions will be communicated to you by email from mga@mail.music.utexas.edu and in the messaging system in Acceptd, as noted on the timeline above. Please notify us if you change your contact information.
The deadline to respond to an offer of admission is April 15, unless otherwise noted.
We are unable to provide individualized feedback on application materials for applicants who are denied admission.
New student orientation and diagnostic exams take place the week before classes begin in August.
Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid
Tuition at The University of Texas is charged at a flat rate based on the number of registered credit hours. Graduate students typically register for nine credit hours per semester. You can estimate the annual cost of living for a graduate student using the university’s online tuition calculator.
All applicants who are recommended for admission to the Butler School are automatically considered for merit-based financial aid, including scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships and out-of-state tuition waivers. There are no additional applications or materials to submit. Residency, citizenship and financial need are not factors in our funding decisions.
We strongly encourage all eligible applicants to submit a FAFSA for federal need-based aid consideration.
UT Austin Resources
Applying
Contacting Graduate Admissions
Tuition & Financial Aid
Music Scholarships and Teaching Assistantships
Decisions & Enrolling
Transfer Credit for Master’s Students