Application information: Master of Music

Important Deadlines

Applications for Fall 2021entry:

December 1, 2020 - Application deadline. Apply here.
January 4, 2021- Video recordings deadline.

Interviews will be scheduled in late January.

Applications for Winter 2022 entry:

June 15, 2021 - Application deadline - Application link coming soon. 
TBD- Video recordings deadline.  

Please note: Although it is possible to begin a Master of Music degree during the Winter term, it is recommended that applicants begin their program in the Fall term (September) of each academic year. To be considered for Desautels Faculty of Music scholarships, applicants must meet the application deadline and audition during the advertised audition dates.

Eligibility

Applicants must possess a Bachelor of Music degree or a Conservatory Diploma taken in residence, and are required to apply and audition. Once admitted, all students write a diagnostic exam to evaluate their knowledge of theoretical aspects of tonal and post-tonal music.

Please note, that admission may not be possible for all qualified applicants. Admission is dependent on:

  • the number of spaces available
  • the area of major practical study
  • instructor availability
  • performance & sight-reading ability as demonstrated at the audition
  • letters of reference
  • interview
  • other information provided with the application - personal essay, previous academics, etc.

Application Requirements

  • Online application
  • Video recordings (For Fall 2021) 
  • Curriculum vita that outlines details of performance experience and repertoire
  • A letter describing your particular interests/goals in your field, and what you wish to gain from study at the Faculty of Music
  • Two reference letters
  • Official Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. 

Auditions

  • For Fall 2021 applications, video recordings will replace in-person auditions and interviews will be held remotely.  
  • Applicants are required to submit video recording(s) that fulfill the specific audition requirements by area of study as listed below, and represent a variety of historical periods, and exhibiting a variety of contrasting styles. 
  • Video recording are to be submitted to  Louella.Yambot@umanitoba.ca by January 4, 2021.

Specific audition repertoire requirements:

Composition

  • Present a portfolio of works, including a recording, demonstrating your ability to work in a variety of music genres

Conducting

  • A preliminary high-quality recording of your rehearsal and performance conducting (facing the camera).
  • A list of repertoire conducted in both performance and rehearsal
  • An analysis of a piece of music from a theoretical/conducting standpoint. Applicants should consult with the conducting faculty regarding the specific piece to be analyzed

Collaborative Piano 

All collaborative piano auditions will be recorded.  Please record your selections in a safe setting – if you are unable to record safely with singers, we will accept videos of you singing and playing the vocal selections. Feel free to include recordings of live performances from Fall 2019 to present as supplemental material.  

    Instrumental 
        • First movement of any Beethoven violin or cello sonata 
        • One movement of any violin or cello sonata by Brahms or Franck 

    Vocal (All to be played in original keys) 
        • Schubert - Gretchen am Spinnrade OR Ganymed
        • Strauss – Allerseelen OR Zueignung 
        • Debussy – Il pleure dans mon Coeur OR Faure – Clair de Lune 
        • Barber - One selection from the following list:  
              o St. Ita's Vision 
              o The Heavenly Banquet 
              o The Praises of God
        • Mozart Aria – Giunse alfin il momento…Deh vieni, non tardar (Le Nozze di Figaro) 
 
    Solo
        • Piano solo of your choice - approximately 7-10 minutes in duration. This can be a short piece or movement(s) from any larger work

 

Instrumental

  • A program of works representing a variety of historical periods and contrasting styles; 20-30 minutes in total.

Piano

  • A minimum of two contrasting movements of a classical sonata, one of which is in sonata form; a romantic work; a minimum of two other works chosen from baroque, impressionist and/or 20th century or contemporary works.
  • The audition program should be approved by the Piano Area Coordinator in advance.

Voice

  • Two arias (one opera, one oratorio)
  • Three art songs in contrasting languages and styles, with at least one in English
  • 20-30 minutes in total.

Strings  (click)

Jazz Studies  (click) 

 

Accompanists

For 2021 we understand it may be difficult to arrange accompaniment for your audition recordings. Applicants may record with an accompanist if they would like to and/or are able to work with an accompanist in a safe and socially distanced manner, however, this is not required for the audition.  

 

Theory Requirements

All Master of Music students are expected to possess a certain breadth and depth of knowledge of music theory.  To assure this, all incoming M.Mus. students will write a diagnostic exam to evaluate their knowledge of theoretical aspects of tonal and post-tonal music. This exam takes place during the week prior to class commencement in Fall.  Details of suitable review materials are available here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Looking for information about tuition and costs? Check out the University of Manitoba resources, starting with the Registrar's Office!

Information for International Students