PhD in Music Education
Interview with Music Faculty (scheduled after receipt and initial processing of other application material).
DMA Performance
Pre-Screening Audition — Applicants should submit an audio and visual recording to the SlideRoom portal within the application to the university. The link to SlideRoom will be provided to you when you apply. You will be able to submit your portfolio via SlideRoom after you have received your G Number from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Contact CVPA Graduate Admissions if you have any questions.
Once pre-screen materials have been evaluated, the School of Music will contact applicants directly regarding a live audition.
- Classical instrument Emphasis – The SlideRoom portfolio should include recent performances presenting appropriate musical literature. Video is optional. It should include at least 30 minutes of music performed within the last two or three years.
- Jazz instrument Emphasis – The Slide Room portfolio should include audio and visual recordings. This should include at least five (5) tunes in contrasting styles, a resume, and a complete list of tunes you can play.
Live Audition
A live audition at George Mason University (approximately 30-45 minutes of musical material) will be scheduled after a successful initial evaluation of the pre-screening material discussed above. See our listing of Graduate Audition Requirements for your instrument/voice. A rhythm section will be provided for those students invited to audition in the jazz area. DMA Jazz applicants please note that February 8th, 2025 is the only date for Jazz DMA applicants to complete a live audition.
DMA Conducting
Pre-Screening Audition — Applicants should submit an audio and visual recording to the SlideRoom portal within the application to the university with the camera facing the conductor from the ensemble’s point of view. The link to SlideRoom will be provided to you when you apply. You will be able to submit your portfolio via SlideRoom after you have received your GNumber from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Contact CVPA Graduate Admissions if you have any questions. Your submitted video should include recent performances of you conducting your ensemble in concert (20 minutes) and 30 minutes in rehearsal. Applicants are encouraged to present footage that includes both historical and contemporary repertoire written for the medium. Once pre-screen materials have been evaluated, the School of Music will contact applicants directly regarding a live audition.
Live Audition – A live audition at George Mason (approximately 15 to 20 minutes of musical material) will be scheduled after a successful initial evaluation of the pre-screening material. This audition may include an assessment of other skills critical to the artistic success of conductors such as sight-reading, sight-singing, ear-training, and error detection.
DMA Composition
A portfolio of compositions (scores and recordings) must be submitted to the SlideRoom portal within the application to the university. The link to SlideRoom will be provided to you when you apply. You will be able to submit your portfolio via SlideRoom after you have received your G Number from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Contact CVPA Graduate Admissions if you have any questions. This portfolio will be reviewed by the composition faculty along with recordings. No live audition is required.