Academic Policies
A. Requirements for Admission to the Master of Music Program
- To be considered for admission, all Belmont University applicants must submit the following:
a. A completed Belmont University Graduate Studies Application for Admission
(see MM Admission/Audition on the Belmont University website for a link to the
application.)
b. Two completed recommendation forms from individuals who know applicant's
musical abilities. At least one recommendation must address the applicant's
scholastic accomplishments and potential.
c. The $50 non-refundable application fee.
d. Official transcripts of all previous college and masters level work.
- Additionally, students seeking admission to the School of Music must also submit:
a. A copy of a printed program from a junior and/or senior undergraduate recital.
b. A complete undergraduate repertory list in the principal performing area.
c. Scores from the GRE taken within the last five years. Anticipated scores for
an entering student are 300 on the GRE verbal and quantitative combined and
3.5 on the analytical writing. - School of Music Applicants must:
a. Have earned at least a 2.75 cumulative undergraduate grade point average on a 4.0 scale or a 3.0 average in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work to be fully admitted. A student may receive probationary acceptance with a 2.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale or a 2.75 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. By maintaining a minimum 3.0 cumulative graduate GPA for the first two semesters, probation is lifted.
b. Complete an audition and an interview with the Director of Graduate Studies in Music. See MM Admission/Audition on the Belmont University website for information regarding audition requirements. (Commercial Music applicants must submit a pre-screening recording for approval prior to the live audition.) The interview will include a review of the applicant's coursework and transcript.
c. During the week prior to the beginning of classes, complete the School of Music entrance examination which covers Music History and Music Theory. Review courses are required for students who do not successfully complete these entrance examinations. Review courses may count as elective hours.
B. Post-Baccalaureate Study and Requirements for Admission
Non-degree seeking students who have already earned an undergraduate degree may, with permission of the Director of Graduate Studies in Music, take a limited number of music hours as a post-baccalaureate graduate student in music .
- All applicants seeking admission to Belmont University as a non-degree seeking post-baccalaureate student must submit the following:
a. The Belmont University Non-Degree Graduate Application.
b. The $50 non-refundable application fee.
c. Official transcripts of all previous college and masters level work. - Additionally, students seeking admission to the School of Music as a non-degree post-baccalaureate student must complete an interview with the Director of Graduate Studies in Music.
- Should students wish, at a later time, to apply as degree-seeking Master of Music graduate students, they must complete the entire M.M. application and audition process as described in letter A.
Undergraduate Equivalency. Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in music but who wish to pursue an M.M. degree should apply for post-baccalaureate graduate study. Undergraduate equivalency is designed for students who have had significant music experience (for example, several years of private study) and/or some college coursework in music. Applicants should also contact the School of Music Graduate Office for information regarding undergraduate equivalency requirements.
Licensure. Post-baccalaureate students wishing to receive licensure to teach K-12 music should contact the Director of Graduate Studies in Music to determine a program of studies appropriate to the applicant's particular background.
C. Limitation on Completion of Requirements
The Master of Music is designed to be completed in two (2) years. Students have up to six (6) years to complete the degree.
D. Full-Time Status and Maximum Course Load
A six (6)-hour credit load constitutes full-time status for a Master of Music student. A twelve (12)-hour credit load constitutes the maximum load for a Master of Music student.
E. Academic Requirements
All M.M. students must maintain minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. A grade of B- or higher must be earned in all courses specific to the major content area (i.e., Church Music, Commercial Music, Composition, Music Education, Pedagogy, or Performance). A minimum grade of C- is required for all other courses in order to count toward the degree.
F. Undergraduate Seniors Taking Graduate Course Work
A Belmont University School of Music senior who is within 30 hours of completing requirements for a bachelor's degree and has at least a 3.0 grade-point average may take up to 3 hours per semester of graduate credit toward the Master of Music degree. The senior must have the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies in Music and the student's undergraduate advisor.
Additionally, the student must submit:
- The completed Application for Senior Enrollment in Graduate Course (available from the School of Music Office)
- The Belmont University Non-Degree Graduate Application
G. Financial Aid
A limited amount of scholarship aid is available for Master of Music students. The Master of Music application form serves as an application for scholarship aid. To be eligible for a scholarship award, all application materials (except GRE scores) and the audition must be completed by March 1. If a scholarship is offered, GRE scores must be reported by June1. A limited number of graduate and graduate teaching assistantships are available. Contact the Graduate Secretary for a description of assistantships and application materials.