Students interested in applied for the Master of Music in Choral Conducting program should completed the following steps, in this order:

1. If an inquiry into the program has not already been made by the applicant, please contact Dr. Joseph Svendsen by email or phone to communicate an interest in applying for the program.
2. Apply for admission to the UNLV Graduate College
3. Submit the following materials:
   1. A resume or curriculum vitae of related conducting experience
   2. A transcript that demonstrates successful completion of an undergraduate degree
   3. Two recommendation letters:
      1. One from someone who can speak to the quality of recent musical endeavors and to your musical aptitude as a conductor/performer
      2. One from someone who can vouch for your academic abilities and curiosity in music and/or all subjects of scholarly inquiry
   4. One additional reference who can speak to your character as a colleague, learner, teacher, and mentor
   5. Two videos:
      1. 20 minutes of unedited, recent rehearsal footage (within the past 6 months), with the conductor facing the camera
      2. 5-10 minutes of unedited concert footage (within the past 12 months), with the conductor facing the camera

Students who are selected in the preliminary application process will be invited to provide further materials, either remotely or via an in-person, on-campus interview and audition process. The on-campus interview and audition includes rehearsals with the university’s choral ensembles on repertoire decided in advance, interviews with the faculty and current graduate students, and assessments of gesture and other musical skills (voice, keyboard, other instruments) and understandings (score knowledge, theoretical understanding, vocal pedagogy, etc.).

• Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to your ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
• A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance you toward these goals (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
• A portfolio of compositions, including at least one work from three of the following categories: a) orchestra, band, or chorus; b) solo instrument and piano or for solo piano; c) string quartet, brass quintet, woodwind quintet, or other small ensembles; d) set of songs for solo voice and piano; e) original composition scored for jazz ensemble. Additional works may be included (may be uploaded electronically under "Other documents" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application or mailed directly to the composition faculty, cynthia.wong@unlv.edu.

• Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to your ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
• A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance you toward these goals (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
• Applicants for the UNLV Master of Music in Jazz Composition/Theory Degree Program must submit three jazz compositions and/or arrangements in three contrasting instrumentations (jazz quartet, jazz chamber group and large jazz ensemble) and in various styles (swing, straight-eighth, jazz ballad or jazz waltz) demonstrating an attainment of proficiency expected for an undergraduate terminal recital in jazz composition/theory and arranging. All other requirements for admission to the UNLV Program, listed in the current UNLV Graduate Catalog, must be satisfied as documented by the UNLV Graduate College and The UNLV School of Music. For more information, contact David Loeb at dave.loeb@unlv.edu.

• Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to your ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
• A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance you toward these goals (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
• An on-campus performance audition

• Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to your ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
• A 500-word essay on your philosophy of music education (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
• Evidence of successful completion of an undergraduate degree in Music Education or the equivalent unofficial transcripts, teaching license, etc. (uploaded electronically in the graduate in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application). Scanned PDF files or photocopies are acceptable for probationary admission until official copies have been received by the Graduate College.
• A current Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• For students applying for the Graduate Licensure Program, PPST I (Praxis I) scores should be mailed directly to the Music Graduate Coordinator at music.gradcoord@unlv.edu.

• A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance you toward these goals (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
• An on-campus performance audition.
• Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to your ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).

To be eligible for admission to the UNLV School of Music, prospective students must have:

• A master's degree in music from an NASM accredited institution.
• At least three confidential letters of recommendation from faculty addressing your ability to succeed at the doctoral level academically, musically, and professionally (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
• A 500-word statement of purpose. You must explain your interests and goals relevant to continued study at the doctoral level (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
• A successful on-campus audition.

The Master of Music degree in Conducting includes studies in conducting, performance, music history, and music theory, and prepares musicians with career aspirations as orchestral or wind conductors.

• Two confidential letters of recommendation from former instructors attesting to your ability to complete graduate work at an acceptable level (provided electronically under the Recommendations section of the online application).
• A 500-word essay defining career goals and explaining how graduate studies in music will advance you toward these goals (uploaded electronically under "Personal Statement" in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application).
• Evidence of successful completion of an undergraduate degree in Music Education or the equivalent unofficial transcripts, teaching license, etc. (uploaded electronically in the graduate in the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application). Scanned PDF files or photocopies are acceptable for probationary admission until official copies have been received by the Graduate College.
• A current Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• A videotape or DVD of a rehearsal and performance under the applicant’s direction sent to the School of Music. Please indicate area of conducting interest: Choral, Orchestra, or Wind Band.
• An on-campus performance audition
• For further information, please contact Thomas Leslie at thomas.leslie@unlv.edu.