How to Apply

Complete your application to Webster University. You will need to create an account to start a new application.

If you intend to major in music, you must complete an audition as part of your application. Auditions are also required for consideration of a music scholarship.

In-person auditions provide an opportunity to meet faculty and current music students. If traveling to the Webster Groves campus is not possible, a virtual audition can be arranged. Please contact music@webster.edu for more information on this process.

Students should apply for admission to the university before requesting an audition. Once you’ve submitted your application, you will receive an email with the link to request an audition. You can also log into your account to request a music audition.

Current students should contact music@webster.edu for the registration link.

Audition information must be submitted at least one week prior to your audition!

Complete the audition information form.

Please complete a required essay of 500-750 words using one of these prompts:

1. What is the most memorable musical experience you have had so far? Why did it have such an impact on you?
2. Describe an interest or passion you have outside of music. How do you engage with it, and what does it mean to you?
3. Describe a musical role model (artist, performer, composer, teacher, etc.). Why do you admire them and how do they influence you?

Please submit your essay to music@webster.edu no later than the Monday prior to your audition. You may simply include your name, the prompt, and your essay response. No cover letter or fancy heading is needed!

Please send any additional audition materials to music@webster.edu. See “What To Prepare for Your Audition” above for more details.

Details will be sent a few days in advance. We look forward to meeting you!

Composers should present a portfolio of at least three scores in various genres, as well as recordings of the works from performances, or electronic realizations, if possible. Applicants are also required to perform on their primary instrument.

Please prepare a minimum of three works from memory. Instrumentalists should demonstrate improvisation skills on a 12-bar blues, a standard by Ellington or a similar composer, and a contemporary jazz work. Vocalists should perform two standards from the jazz repertoire. Scat singing may be requested. Percussionists will demonstrate an understanding of swing, Latin, fusion, and other styles. A brief sight-reading demonstration may be required.

Present a minimum of three works, representing a variety of historical and technical styles. Orchestral instrumentalists should also perform excerpts from standard orchestral literature.

Applicants for the MM in Performance with an Emphasis in Piano should present three works that represent a variety of historical and technical styles. Memorization is preferred, though not required.

MA applicants with piano as a primary instrument should present three works using the same repertoire guidelines as above.

When choosing repertoire for your audition, we encourage you to explore the works of underrepresented composers and ones that reflect different racial, gender, ethnic and cultural traditions. To get started, we recommend the following resources:

musicbyblackcomposers.org
aseatatthepiano.com

Applicants choosing to audition on guitar should present a minimum of three works representing a variety of historical and technical styles, and preferably performed from memory.

Applicants for the MM in Performance with an Emphasis in Voice should present five works from memory, including oratorio/opera arias and songs from the classical repertoire in four languages. A work from non-classical repertoire may also be included.

MA applicants with voice as a primary instrument should present three works from memory using the same repertoire guidelines as above.

Complete your application to Webster University. You will need to create an account to start a new application.

Contact Dr. Jacob Lassetter to arrange a time for an audition.

Please see the Graduate Audition Requirements above for your area of emphasis. In addition, you may also provide supplemental materials that showcase additional aspects of your musicianship. These may include compositions or arrangements, improvisations, teaching samples, or an essay about music. These materials can be submitted to music@webster.edu.

If you have any questions about what to prepare, simply send an email to music@webster.edu telling us your area of interest, and we'll connect you with appropriate faculty.

We occasionally have openings for graduate student employment in the Department of Music. If you might be interested in applying, please submit the application (PDF) to carlacolletti88@webster.edu.