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• Master of Music: 3 letters of recommendation
• Artist Diploma: 3 letters of recommendation
• Performer's Diploma: 2 letters of recommendation

International Applicants & English Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit official English proficiency scores. This is a critical component of the application process and must be received by the February 1 deadline to ensure full admission and scholarship consideration.

Exemption: Applicants who have graduate with a 4-year degree from a U.S. or English-speaking university may be exempt from this requirement.

In addition to the general application requirements, the following programs require program-specific supplemental materials. Be sure to upload all items directly through the Meadows Online Application by the deadlines listed below.

• Conducting (Choral & Instrumental) - Application deadline: February 1
  Submit a video of you conducting an ensemble rehearsal and/or concert with your Meadows Online Application. your video should be recorded with the camera behind the orchestra or choir, so that we can see you as the ensemble sees you. This recording will be no more than 15 minutes, with two or three selections of contrasting musical works. Finalists in the Conducting programs will be invited to campus for a live audition. to your 20-minute video of an ensemble rehearsal with your Meadows Online Application. Choral Conducting applicants should also submit a demonstration of singing ability and upload a writing sample.
• Musicology - Application deadline: February 1
  Upload examples of research papers or articles showing your scholastic capabilities in your Meadows Online Application.
• Music Composition - Application deadline: February 1
  Samples of original compositions (scores and digital recordings) are required of all applicants to the Music Composition program. Submit link(s) to your composition work(s) and upload PDF samples through the Meadows Online Application. In addition, all candidates must schedule an interview with the Music Composition faculty by emailing lharder@smu.edu.
• Music Education - Application and media deadline: March 1
  Upload examples of research papers or articles showing scholastic capabilities, a CV or résumé, and paste the YouTube or Vimeo link to your 15-minute video demonstrating teaching skills in a normal classroom setting or rehearsal all through the Meadows Online Application. In addition, candidates must schedule an on-campus or phone interview with the Music Education faculty by emailing sarahallen@smu.edu.
• Piano Pedagogy - Application deadline: February 1
  A 30-45 minute video demonstrating one full private lesson to a child and one full group lesson (if you have this experience), an on-campus or phone interview with the Piano Pedagogy faculty (email lysinger@smu.edu), CV or resume of teaching experience, and a full lesson plan and post-lesson self-assessment are required for consideration.
• Theory Pedagogy - Application deadline: February 1
  Samples of term papers or analyses must be uploaded with their application by all candidates for admission to the Theory Pedagogy program. In addition, candidates must schedule an interview with the Music Theory faculty by emailing mfeezell@smu.edu.

Schedule Audition

Auditions are required for applicants to the following programs:

• Master of Music in Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, or Piano Performance & Pedagogy
• Master of Sacred Music with keyboard or organ emphasis
• Performer's Diploma in any concentration

Audition requirements vary by instrument and concentration. Once you've submitted your Meadows Online Application, your application status page with include a checklist and a link to select your audition date. View Required Pre-Screening and Audition Repertoire

To make changes to a scheduled audition, contact the Meadows Admission Office at meadowsgrad@smu.edu. Changes cannot be made online.

Artist Diploma Applicants

The Artist Diploma does not follow the same audition date calendar as other programs. The artist Diploma has a separate, selective application process which is outlined here. Artist Diploma applicants must first submit a pre-screening video via the Meadows Portfolio page with their Graduate Application. Those selected for the next stage will be invited to campus for a mandatory live audition.

• Artist Diploma Pre-Screening Deadline: December 1
• Pre-Screening Notification: Mid-January
• Live Finalist Audition (by invitation only): Saturday, March 7, 2026

Pre-Screening Requirements

All organ, piano, and voice candidates wishing to participate in the Dallas auditions must first . To be eligible for the December audition date, submissions must be received by November 1. To be eligible for the January or February audition dates, submissions must be received by December 1.n.

Recorded Auditions

We strongly encourage in-person auditions, but we do accept recorded submissions in place of a live audition. To submit a recorded audition:

• Upload your video(s) to Youtube, Vimeo, or another file-sharing platform, then include the link(s) in the Meadows Portfolio Page section of the application.
• Submissions are due by February 1 for scholarship consideration.
• Music faculty may choose an interview or follow-up visit with candidates before reaching an admission decision. 

2025 – 26 Audition Dates will be updated by September 1