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Undergraduate Information
The Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin is a truly special place to study all forms Vocal Music. We offer an undergraduate experience that is rigorous and rewarding at one of the nations premier state institutions. Students can obtain a Bachelor of Music with concentrations in Choral Studies (with and without a Texas EC-12 Teaching Certificate), Voice Performance and Pedagogy, Music Composition, and a Bachelor of Arts with Music Emphasis with which students may double major in another discipline.
Degrees, scholarships, tuition and admission information, including undergraduate audition requirements and audition dates may be found HERE – you may also plan a campus visit where you can live the life of a BSOM Music Major for a day! If you have questions and can’t find the answers in the online materials, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Coordinator.
For questions specific to the Vocal and Choral Studies Departments, please contact the Choral Studies Office and one of us will be happy to answer your questions!
Graduate Information
The University of Texas at Austin has long been considered one of the premiere graduate programs in choral conducting in America. The small program size allows students the opportunity to work closely with faculty in a supportive and personal manner and to gain valuable performing experiences. The outstanding quality of the graduate students ensures a challenging and inspiring environment and a high level of excellence. Degrees offered include the Doctor of Musical Arts and the Master of Music. The graduate cohort often participates in master-classes, guest performances, and clinics all over the State of Texas. The University of Texas is one of the nation’s leading state institutions of higher education and one of the world’s best institutions for graduate study and research, if you are interested in graduate study in Music Education or Choral Conducting we strong encourage you to come see if the University of Texas is the right place for you!
Doctor of Musical Arts
The DMA degree in Choral Conducting is appropriate for highly advanced choral conductors who have experience as a successful teacher and conductor and show the skills necessary to lead a collegiate choral program or become a professional conductor.
The successful applicant for the DMA in Choral Conducting will possess superior musical skills, generous and expressive conducting technique, and at least three years of teaching experience in the field of music. Most importantly, a spirit of learning and a high respect for the hard work in preparation it takes to become a successful musician of the highest caliber make our doctoral students successful in conducting the University Chorus ensembles as well as establishing themselves as leaders and researchers of tomorrow in the world of higher education.
Master of Music
The MM degree in Choral Conducting is appropriate for those who show excellent potential as choral conductors. These outstanding future conductors often have teaching experience or are seeking further study of their conducting instrument before beginning their teaching/conducting career.
The successful applicant for the MM in Choral Conducting will exhibit a love for growth in the art-form of choral music making, mastery of undergraduate level musical skills, and a passion for generous musical expression.
Applying for Graduate Study
To be considered for this program, an on-campus audition must occur prior to your desired enrollment. In addition to the standard application materials required by the University, the following items will be reviewed as the basis for an invitation to audition. If you wish to be considered for the limited number of graduate teaching assistantships, these materials should be received no later than the deadline outlined by the University. Send all application materials directly to the Graduate Music Admissions Office via Accepted.
- One session of ensemble rehearsal lasting no less than fifteen minutes, preferably edited to highlight segments focused on dealing with specific rehearsal problems of intonation, ensemble balance, technique, style or interpretation. Videos of unbroken run-throughs in a rehearsal setting are not considered rehearsal material.
- One unedited performance of a complete work, preferably the same work featured in the rehearsal video above.
- The camera should be positioned facing the conductor, and the conductor should be clearly visible.
Applicants must provide a Pre-Screening Audition by December 8, 2023. For questions and/or interest please contact Dr. JD Burnett, Director of Choral Activities.
General Information on Graduate Studies at UT Austin
If you have questions and can’t find the answers in the online materials, please contact the Graduate Admissions Coordinator.
