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Music Performance Masters Admissions

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

  • have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
  • have a minimum 2.8 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work
  • present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

  • Undergraduate degree in music, or the equivalent for international students.
  • School of Music application (included within the university application).
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 for the last 60 hours of undergraduate enrollment. 
  • Three current letters of recommendation.
  • A live or recorded performance audition on your primary applied instrument. Find suggested repertoire of your specific instrument/voice.

The GRE is not required.  

Additional Admission Requirements for International Students

  • English translation(s) of official transcript(s), verified with fresh seals and signatures.
  • Declaration of Finances.
  • Official English Language Exam Score (TOEFL or IELTS). The minimum iBT TOEFL score is 79. The minimum overall IELTS score is 6.5. Official scores need to be sent to Illinois State directly from ETS (TOEFL) or the testing center which administered the test (IELTS).
  • Copy of passport.

 The documents listed above for international students need to be sent to the Office of Admissions.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

Term Application Deadline
Fall  January 15; will review after if space permits 
Spring  November 1; will review after if space permits 
Summer  Not available 

Graduate Coordinator

Name Office Email Phone
Dr. Angelo Favis  Centennial East 230  musgrad@ilstu.edu  (309) 438-8960