Application Deadline: extended to Dec. 21

All graduate Music Performance applicants that completed the Butler School application were sent prescreen results during the first two weeks of January. Interview and audition information has been sent to applicants who were passed through the prescreen round and selected a date on or before Jan. 24. If you have not received any communication, email mga@mail.music.utexas.edu.
Applications and supporting materials for graduate study at the Butler School of Music will be accepted through December 21.

Graduate School Requirements

Follow the Graduate School instructions to submit the ApplyTexas application, application fee and transcripts. Collaborative Piano applicants are not required to submit a GRE score. International applicants should review the Graduate School instructions to determine if they are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.

Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music Requirements

Submit the following documents through the Butler School of Music application.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is 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 in the last 12 months, pertaining to your potential for graduate study in music are required. Provide contact information for your three chosen references in your Butler School of Music application. Notification emails will be sent to your references after you submit the application. Any delay in submitting your application will delay the notifications to your references.

Résumé or Curriculum Vitae

All applicants for graduate degree programs must submit a résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) providing complete information concerning musical training, experience, awards, honors, publications and performances.

Repertoire List

The repertoire list should include all collaborative works performed or rehearsed. If appropriate, you may optionally include a representative selection of solo repertoire, including concertos and other large ensemble works featuring prominent solo passages.

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.

Audition Videos

All Butler School of Music applicants will audition by video recording. In-person auditions for fall 2021 admission consideration are not available.

  • Video auditions are due December 21 with the Butler School of Music application.
  • Each selection may be recorded in a separate video unless otherwise noted.
  • All applicants will be prescreened based upon the audition videos and other materials submitted with the application.
  • Prescreening results will be released by email in early January.

Select a Preferred Zoom (Virtual) Interview Date

All graduate performance applicants must perform and pass an audition and complete a successful interview to pursue a degree in music.

  • Applicants who pass the prescreen round will be invited to Zoom (virtual) interview with the faculty.
  • The interview may also include a virtual audition or lesson. Review your repertoire requirements for dates and details.

Collaborative Piano Prescreening and Interview Requirements

2021 Interview Dates: February 6, 13

Audition Videos

  • M.M. & A.D.:
    • Two contrasting movements from a standard instrumental sonata.
    • An example of an orchestral reduction, which can be either a movement from a standard instrumental concerto or a standard operatic aria.
    • Two to four art songs, in at least two different languages.
    • Optional: A solo piano piece or movement.
  • D.M.A.:
    • A complete standard instrumental sonata OR two movements each from two different standard instrumental sonatas (four movements total).
    • An example of an orchestral reduction, which can be either a movement from a standard instrumental concerto or a standard operatic aria.
    • Three to five art songs, in at least two different languages.
    • Optional: A solo piano piece or movement.

Recordings with live collaborative performers are preferred, but repertoire recorded without a partner is acceptable. Any questions regarding collaborative piano audition requirements or repertoire may be addressed to Professor Valentine.

Zoom (Virtual) Interview, if invited

  • Length: 30 minutes
  • Interview with the collaborative piano faculty
  • Audition

Helpful Hints for a Smooth Application Process

  1. Include your UT EID and full name on any document you submit to the Graduate School or the Butler School of Music.
  2. Use MyStatus to track the receipt of credentials sent to the Graduate and International Admissions Center. You will need your UT EID and password to access this service. You will not be able to check the status of your admission file prior to submitting the ApplyTexas application and receiving the acknowledgement email with your UT EID and temporary password. Check your application status regularly.
  3. Add "mga@mail.music.utexas.edu" to your safe senders list.